Buc-ee’s is famous for their Beaver Nuggets, they are also famous for their anti semi-truck stance
As the preeminent Buc-ee’s journalist east of the Mississippi, a writer who has been extensively quoted in the paper of record in Ft. Worth, Texas, I know a thing or two about America’s favorite new gas station. I can wax poetic about the wonders of Beaver Nuggets and jerky and other wonders. But, if I’m going to be honest, there is a Buc-ee’s fact that slipped past my notice for a disturbingly long time. I’m guessing that some of you didn’t see it right away, either. In this article, we’re going to be discussing why Buc-ee’s does not allow semi-trucks.
Buc-ee’s, a growing chain of massive convenience stores, has taken the South by storm. In addition to clean bathrooms, better-than-average gas station food and cheap gas, Buc-ee’s has built a reputation for being a family-friendly road trip oasis. However, the tractor-trailer ban is part of that reputation. Buc-ee’s chooses not to allow semi-trucks to keep gas prices low, and retail sales high.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is a convenience store chain that began life in Texas in the 1980s. About five years ago, Buc-ee’s broke free of the confines of the Lone Star State and is now spreading across multiple states. It is known for massive gas pump stations with lots of available space, clean and massive bathrooms and tasty barbecue and other eats.
The location in Sevierville, Tenn. was the largest gas station in the world, but the recent opening of the even larger Johnston, Colorado store took that title away. When the store in Luling, Texas opens, that store will be the largest, for a while at least.
Buc-ee’s offers a beaver mascot, merch and a massive selection of snacks mixed with just a touch of Black Friday-esque chaos. In other words, Buc-ee’s provides a break from road trip monotony.
3 reasons they don’t allow semi-trucks
When pressed, Buc-ee’s spokespeople are quick to express appreciation for the role truck drivers play in the American economy. Buc-ee’s acknowledges that without big trucks, the economy would not function as well as it does.
However, what the Buc-ee’s spokespeople don’t say is that Buc-ee’s economy functions better without the big trucks. Why?
- Gas is a loss leader: In places where it’s legally allowed to, Buc-ee’s uses gas as a loss leader. Gas is cheaper at Buc-ees to get Mom or Dad to pull the family vehicle off the interstate and fill up. While the parents fill the tank, the family goes in and buys snacks, drinks and a wide variety of Buc-ee’s merch. Therefore, in some states, Buc-ee’s uses gas prices to undercut the competition. Big trucks with big tanks make cheap gas an issue.
- The trucks take up a lot of room: When Buc-ee’s is hopping, parking is at a premium. A lot of the Buc-ee’s I’ve been to were built at less crowded exits so that the station could have plenty of room. Even with an abundance of parking, Buc-ee’s lots can be quite full at certain times. A handful of big trucks makes that room even more precious. Also, navigating a busy Buc-ee’s parking lot can be an adventure in the best of times. A few more semitrucks and things could get interesting.
- More retail sales: The ratio of the size of the vehicle to the number of people. Again, Buc-ee’s makes money when carloads of people stop in. A single truck driver might buy a sandwich, a drink and a snack. But are they buying five sets of matching Beaver Pajamas? Are they spending time browsing fudge options and looking for Christmas decorations? No. They need to get back on the road. A single truck can take up enough space for four or five cars and so, the math don’t math for the beaver.
“A single truck driver might buy a sandwich, a drink and a snack. But are they buying five sets of matching Beaver Pajamas? Are they spending time browsing fudge options and looking for Christmas decorations? No. They need to get back on the road. A single truck can take up enough space for four or five cars and so, the math don’t math for the beaver.”
– John Gullion, TheSmokies.com Contributor
Should Buc-ee’s allow semi-trucks?
As someone whose father-in-law was a semitruck driver, I’ll admit, banning them seems unfair and excessive. As someone who has shared the interstates with a variety of truck drivers over the years, I could see it going either way.
Most truck drivers are responsible professionals doing a massively important service. If they want to get a Beaver tail on the road, it seems like they should be able to do so. Conversely, I’ve had a few encounters with drivers having a bad day and I think it’s probably a good idea to keep some of those folks away from families.
There is also the question of a blanket policy. I think there’s plenty of room at some Buc-ee’s – like the ones in Georgia – to allow truck parking. But I do wonder in a place like Sevierville, where the location doesn’t have as much space, if allowing trucks would be practical.
In my opinion, Buc-ee’s truck ban is unfair but understandable. It would be nice, in places where there is available land, for Buc-ee’s to create truck-friendly spaces. But I also understand that policies changing from one location to the next could be a nightmare.
Ultimately, I don’t necessarily like the truck ban, however, I’ll admit it should be allowed to continue. Buc-ee’s has quickly become a staple of interstate travel across the South. They provide a place to break the monotony and refuel. It seems a shame to exclude truck drivers – who are performing an important job for the American economy. However, much of the joys of a Buc-ee’s stop are antithetical to a truck driver’s mission.
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