Truckers Warned: Texas Truck Stops Appear on ‘Do Not Stop’ List
DALLAS, Texas (KPEL News) - An online list that occasionally circulates among truck drivers is putting the spotlight on a growing problem in the trucking industry—driver safety at truck stops. The list flags several high-risk locations in Texas, warning truckers to avoid certain stops due to rising crime and security concerns.
For those behind the wheel of America’s supply chain, this isn’t just another inconvenience—it’s a serious threat.
Truck Stops Becoming Crime Hotspots
Across the country, truckers are facing an increasing wave of thefts and violent crime, especially at stops where rigs sit idle for long periods. The problem? These locations are prime targets for criminals looking to swipe high-value cargo, fuel, or even parts straight off the trucks.
Texas, with its major highway corridors and high freight volume, has seen its fair share of crime-heavy truck stops, and drivers are taking note. The message is clear: If it’s on the “Do Not Stop” list, it’s for a reason.
Staying Safe on the Road
For truckers, awareness is everything. The industry is built on tight schedules and long hours, but taking a few extra minutes to find a safer stop can mean the difference between a successful haul and becoming a target.
The Bigger Picture
The fact that drivers are now warning each other about unsafe locations speaks volumes about the state of security at truck stops. If these locations are known hotspots, where’s the action to address the issue?
Truckers keep America moving, and ensuring their safety on the road should be a priority—not just for the industry, but for the communities that rely on them.
For now, though, the best defense is awareness. If you’re on the road, know where you’re stopping—and where you definitely shouldn’t.
From organized crime rings to opportunistic thieves, criminals are making life more difficult—and dangerous—for drivers who are simply trying to do their jobs.
This growing concern for safety has spurred a call for better security measures at truck stops, as well as more awareness and support for truck drivers as they navigate these hazards.
According to an author at the website Boing Boing, they "spotted it on Reddit's 'Mildly Interesting' sub, where it's apparently a regular repost."
Theft at truck stops can result in significant losses for both drivers and trucking companies, prompting the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures. As such, truck drivers must remain vigilant, follow safety protocols, and carefully consider their routes and stopping points to minimize the risk of becoming victims of crime while transporting valuable goods across the country.
Heading over to the post on Reddit, the comments are quick to explain why such a list would be out there.
"It's for theft (organized theft) of High Value Loads, like a trailer full of cigarette cartons," one of the folks there explained. "Sometimes the theft starts with a corrupt employee at the weigh stations who ask 'what's in the load.' Smart drivers tell them it's 'sealed,' or 'not your concern' if they feel froggy."
"[M]any of the Love's and Pilot travel centers have HUGE lots for overnight parking," another said. "So you have a collection of drivers - usually trying to grab some rest. It's one thing to steal an item from a store, it's another level to get a full trailer load."
Truck do not stop list for USA. Highlighting where trucks and truckers are at risk.
byu/Vertigo_uk123 inmildlyinteresting
Where Are Texas' "Do Not Stop" Location?
There are a lot of locations on the list that are located in Texas - particularly in the Dallas and Houston areas.
Here's the list:
FLYING J #729
1-45 Exit 64 & Richey Rd
Houston, TX 77090
LOVE'S #913
1-20 Exit 472
Dallas, TX 75241
TA DALLAS SOUTH #5078
1-20 & 1-635 Exit 472
Dallas, TX 75241
LOVE'S #315
Loop 610 Exit 24
Houston, TX 77013
PILOT TRAVEL CENTER #375
1-610 & US 90E Exit 24A
Houston, TX 77013
LOVE'S #294
1-20 Exit 466
Dallas, TX 75232
FLYING J#726
1-20 Exit 472
Dallas, TX 75241
FLYING J #727
Hwy 281 & FM 1925
Edinburg, TX 78539
LOVE'S #419
1-45 Exit 50
Houston, TX 77009
PILOT TRAVEL CENTER #433
1-20 Exit 470
Dallas, TX 75241
LOVE'S #927
Hwy 12 Loop Exit Grauwyler Rd
Irving. TX 75061
FLYING J #1057
1305 Pasadena Freeway
Pasadena, TX 77506
LOVE'S # 327
Hwy 77 Exit FM 1898
Kingsville, TX 78363
LOVE'S #946
1-10 Exit 583
San Antonio, TX 78244
PETRO SAN ANTONIO #6305
1-10 Exit 581 at Ackerman Rd
San Antonio. TX 78219
To be clear, cargo thefts are up across the country, which is why a list like this gets circulated. What typically leads to a place ending up on a list like this are multiple reports of partially stolen or completely hijacked loads. These high-value loads can be worth a lot in terms of whatever the cargo may be, and organized crime rings would love to take advantage of such a haul.
Truck drivers can protect their high-value loads by implementing several security measures.
Firstly, they should carefully plan their routes, opting for well-lit and secure roads whenever possible. Utilizing GPS tracking systems allows for real-time monitoring of the truck's location, deterring theft and aiding in recovery efforts if necessary.
Drivers should maintain constant communication with their dispatchers and report any suspicious activity immediately. Investing in security devices such as locks, seals, and alarms for the truck and trailer adds an extra layer of protection. Conducting thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure the integrity of the cargo area and performing regular safety checks during stops are essential.
Lastly, drivers should adhere to strict protocols for accessing and securing the load, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or tampering. By implementing these strategies, truck drivers can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft and safeguard their high-value loads.
Texas Crime Statistics By City
Gallery Credit: Toni Gee, Townsquare Media
