Petro is a truck stop chain owned by Love's Travel Stops, with locations across the United States that cater to professional drivers and fleet operators

Petro Stopping Centers operate as full-service truck stops where drivers can refuel, rest, eat, and access services without leaving the property. The chain is part of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Petro locations are designed specifically for commercial trucks and larger vehicles, with dedicated fuel pumps, parking areas, and facilities built to accommodate the needs of long-haul drivers and regional carriers.

Unlike smaller gas stations, Petro stops function as mini-communities for drivers. You'll find restaurants, shower facilities, laundry rooms, repair services, and convenience stores at most locations. The company operates hundreds of locations, primarily in the western and central United States, though the network continues to expand. Each location varies slightly in what services it offers, so calling ahead or checking the Petro website can tell you what's available at your specific stop.

Key Takeaways

  • Petro locations provide diesel fuel, parking, food, showers, and laundry at a single stop, designed for commercial truck drivers and fleet operations.
  • Most Petro stops offer repair and maintenance services, including tire service, oil changes, and roadside information through partnerships with service providers.
  • Petro accepts major fuel cards and fleet accounts, and offers a rewards program called Love Rewards that tracks fuel purchases and discounts.
  • Parking at Petro is typically free for customers using fuel or services, though some locations may charge for extended parking or overnight stays during peak times.
  • You can find Petro locations using the Love's mobile app or website, which shows available services, fuel prices, and real-time parking availability at each stop.

Fuel and Parking at Petro Locations

Petro pumps are designed for large-volume diesel delivery, with multiple fuel grades available at most locations. Drivers can pay at the pump using a fuel card, credit card, or cash inside the store. Petro accepts major fleet fuel cards like Comdata, Speedway, and Pilot Flying J cards, as well as standard credit cards and the Love Rewards program card. Fuel prices vary by location and fluctuate daily, so checking the Petro website or app before arrival can help you plan your route around competitive pricing.

Parking at Petro is free when you purchase fuel or use services like the restaurant or shower facilities. Most locations have dedicated truck parking with pull-through spaces and back-in spots. During busy times—typically late afternoon and evening—parking can fill up quickly, especially at high-traffic locations near major highways. Some Petro stops offer reserved parking for fleet customers or loyalty program members. If you need to park for an extended period without purchasing services, some locations charge a parking fee, though this varies by location and time of year.

Food, Showers, and Amenities

Petro operates restaurants at most of its major locations, serving hot meals, sandwiches, and grab-and-go options. The restaurants are open extended hours to accommodate drivers arriving at different times. You'll also find a convenience store at every Petro stop stocked with snacks, drinks, hygiene products, and other travel essentials. Some locations have branded restaurants like Iron Skillet or Country Pride, which are full-service sit-down establishments with waitstaff and expanded menus.

Shower facilities are available at most Petro locations, typically for a small fee or free with a fuel purchase above a certain amount. Showers are private, single-occupancy rooms with hot water and towels provided. Laundry facilities—washers and dryers—are also available at most stops. These amenities are particularly valuable for drivers on long hauls who need to rest and refresh during their journey. Petro also provides Wi-Fi at many locations, allowing drivers to stay connected while parked.

Repair and Maintenance Services

Petro partners with service providers to offer maintenance and repair work at many locations. Common services include tire replacement and repair, oil changes, filter replacements, and basic mechanical work. Some Petro stops have full service bays staffed by certified technicians, while others offer limited services or can refer you to nearby repair facilities. The availability and scope of repair services varies significantly by location, so calling ahead is important if you need specific work done.

Roadside information is also available through Petro partnerships. If you experience a breakdown, you can contact roadside information through your fuel card provider or directly through Petro, and they can dispatch a technician to your location or arrange towing to a nearby service center. Response times depend on your location and the severity of the issue, but Petro's network of locations and partnerships means help is often available relatively quickly on major routes.

Fuel Cards and Loyalty Programs

Petro accepts most major fleet fuel cards, including those issued by fuel card companies and by individual carriers. If you drive for a fleet, your company likely has an account with Petro or a fuel card that works there. Individual owner-operators and small carriers can open a Petro fuel account directly, which allows you to purchase fuel on credit and receive an invoice. This is useful if you want to separate fuel costs from personal spending or if you need to track expenses for tax purposes.

The Love Rewards program is Petro's loyalty program, available to any driver. You earn points on fuel purchases and other services, which can be redeemed for discounts on fuel, food, or merchandise. The program is free to join and can be accessed through the Love's mobile app or a physical rewards card. Frequent users of Petro stops can accumulate meaningful discounts over time, particularly if you're running regular routes that pass through multiple Petro locations.

Finding a Petro Location and Checking Services

The Love's mobile app and the Petro website both allow you to search for nearby locations, view available services, check current fuel prices, and see real-time parking availability. The app shows which services are open at each stop—for example, whether the restaurant is currently serving, if showers are available, or if repair services are operating. This information is particularly useful when you're planning a stop and want to know whether a specific amenity will be available when you arrive.

You can also call a Petro location directly to ask about services, fuel prices, or parking availability. The phone number for each location is listed on the website and app. During peak travel times, calling ahead to confirm parking availability can save you time, especially if you're traveling with a large truck or need a specific type of parking spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking free at Petro if I don't buy anything?

Parking is free when you purchase fuel or use services like the restaurant or showers. Extended parking without purchases may incur a fee at some locations, though this varies. Call the specific location to ask about their parking policy if you plan to park for several hours without buying services.

Can I use my personal credit card at Petro, or do I need a fleet card?

You can use a personal credit card at Petro pumps and inside the store. You can also join the Love Rewards program and use that card to earn discounts. Fleet fuel cards work too, but they're not required—Petro accepts standard payment methods at all locations.

What if the Petro location I need doesn't have repair services?

Not all Petro locations have full repair facilities. If the location you're at doesn't offer the service you need, staff can often refer you to a nearby repair shop or help you arrange roadside information. Call ahead to confirm what services are available at your planned stop.

How do I learn about a Petro location has parking available before I arrive?

The Love's mobile app shows real-time parking availability at most Petro locations. You can also call the location directly to ask how many truck parking spots are currently open. This is especially helpful during peak travel times when parking fills up quickly.

Do I need to be a commercial driver to use Petro?

Petro is designed for commercial trucks and larger vehicles, but it's open to anyone with a vehicle that fits the parking spaces. Personal vehicles and smaller trucks can use Petro facilities, though the amenities and services are optimized for professional drivers and fleet operations.