Knoxville, TN is a diesel trucker’s paradise! Ok, ok, actual paradise might involve a cold beer in hand and beach waves in the background, but Knoxville is a close second for trucking professionals. According to ATA American Trucking Trends, the trucking industry was responsible for moving 11.84 billion tons of freight in 2019. Due to the shortage of truckers and the increasing prices on fuel, the demand for energy-conscious truckers is higher than ever before. The American Trucking Association reports that the largest factor contributing to the driver shortage is retiring truck drivers who need to be replaced with new hires, which will account for 54% of new drivers. Semi-truck drivers who know how to work the roadways to their advantage, utilize technology, and find the best stops for their rig will be the most successful in this evolving era for trucking.
Here are the 5 reasons Knoxville, TN, is a great destination for truckers and their rigs passing through East Tennessee.
#1 Knoxville’s Location to Major Interstates and Highways
Interstate I-40, a major connector that begins in Barstow, California, runs through or near many major cities including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Raleigh, North Carolina, and goes through the heart of Knoxville.
Another link into Knoxville is I-75 which runs from Chattanooga, TN, to Jellico, TN,. It enters Tennessee from Georgia then follows the Cumberland Mountains before going into Kentucky. Today’s truckers are challenged to get to their destination in the most efficient way possible and coming through Knoxville, TN, is often a way to get to many metropolitan areas within 2-4 hours.
Here’s some estimated drive times to towns and cities close to Knoxville:
1 Hour (or less) from Knoxville:
Pigeon Forge – 57 minutes
Maryville – 28 minutes
Sevierville – 42 minutes
Morristown – 55 minutes
2 Hours (or less) from Knoxville:
Trenton, GA – 2 hours
Dalton, GA – 2 hours
Cherokee NC – 2 hours
Abingdon, VA – 2 hours
Gatlinburg, TN – 1 hour, 15 minutes
Chattanooga, TN – 1 hours, 45 minutes
3 Hours (or less) from Knoxville:
Lexington, KY – 2 hours, 51 minutes
Nashville, TN – 2 hours, 36 minutes
Murfreesboro, TN – 2 hours, 40 minutes
Hiram, GA – 3 hours
Franklin, TN – 3 hours
4 Hours (or less) from Knoxville:
Atlanta, GA – 3 hours, 8 minutes
Cincinnati, OH – 4 hours
Louisville, KY – 3 hours, 45 minutes
Birmingham, AL – 3 hours, 41 minutes
Charlotte, NC – 3 hours, 52 minutes
#2 Lower Fuel Prices
For owner operators, fuel is one of the biggest expenses. It’s important to take advantage of savings on the road when drivers can. During a recent survey conducted by GasBuddy, diesel truck drivers can save as much as $0.60 per gallon on diesel in the Knoxville area, depending on which station they select.
Here are some free apps to help truckers find the best fuel prices on the road:
#3 Great Places to Eat and Play
Within walking distance or a quick Uber ride to Turkey Creek shopping, dining and The Pinnacle Movie Theater are:
Pilot Travel Center
314 Lovell Road
Knoxville, TN 37934
Amenity highlights:
- WiFi
- Parking
- Showers
- ATM
Travel Centers of America
608 Lovell Road
Knoxville, TN 37932
Amenity highlights:
- Laundry
- Pet area
- WiFi
- Games
- StayFit Fitness Room
Local dining favorites in Knoxville:
Calhoun’s – Some of Tennessee’s finest BBQ, ribs, and sandwiches
Smoky Mountain Brewery – Craft beer, wings, and hand tossed pizza
Nick & J’s – Knoxville’s Best Diner! You won’t find a better burger in town
#4 Nearby Wellness and Hotel Options
Knoxville is the place to be if a trucker is staying overnight or in need a chiropractic adjustment before getting back on the road. Knoxville offers affordable options for both wellness and rest outside the truck for a good night’s sleep. In a National Library of Medicine survey, truckers were found to have significant issues affecting their mental health, such as loneliness (27.9%), depression (26.9%), chronic sleep disturbances (20.6%), anxiety (14.5%), and other emotional problems (13%). Drivers who invest in their health will be stronger mentally and physically.
Hotels near Turkey Creek:
Comfort Suites Knoxville West – Farragut 811 N Campbell Station Road, Knoxville TN 37932
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot Knoxville Turkey Creek 11763 Snyder Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
Homewood Suites by Hilton 10935 Turkey Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934
Hotels near Cedar Bluff (10-minute drive from Turkey Creek)
Holiday Inn Knoxville West Cedar Bluff 9134 Executive Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923
Best Western Plus Knoxville Cedar Bluff 420 N Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922
Baymont by Wyndam Knoxville/Cedar Bluff 209 Market Place Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37922
Great spots to focus on wellness in Turkey Creek:
The Joint Chiropractic – Initial visit is $29
11015 Parkside Drive, Farragut 37934
Massage Envy – Ask about a total body stretch to relieve stiff muscles from driving all day or rapid tension relief!
11669 Parkside Drive, Farragut, TN 37922
#5 Specialized Diesel Maintenance and Service
If a diesel truck, tractor-trailer, or diesel engine needs maintenance or repair, there’s no better place for truckers to be than Knoxville. Why? Knoxville happens to have ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) technicians making it a one-stop destination for fleets and owner-operators alike. If a trucking professional needs a team of diesel mechanics that bring experience and expertise to their rig, they need the ASE designation by the business they hire.
Knoxville, TN Has Everything a Diesel Trucker Could Want and More!
From Knoxville’s prime location to knowing without a doubt their truck is in the best care possible with ASE certified mechanics at Certified Diesel Solutions, there is no better place for a diesel truck driver to stop in and take a break. Conveniently located in East Knoxville, Certified Diesel Solutions is easy to access and hard to miss as they service individual rigs as well as fleets of any size! Front to back, inside and out, they will have any tractor-trailer and diesel truck covered with the latest diagnostic equipment, tools, and expertise.
Here are some of the services Certified Diesel Solutions can provide your rig before you leave Knoxville:
- DOT Inspections
- Preventative Maintenance Services
- Engine Overhauls and Repair
- Brakes
- Water Pumps
- Clutch Adjustment, Installation, and Repair
- Trailer Repair and Welding
- Fabrication
- Electronics Services
- Tire and Suspension Services
If you’re an owner operator, driveaway driver, or fleet manager, Certified Diesel Solutions offers competitive prices so you can stay on top of maintenance issues. Contact Certified Diesel Solutions today to schedule your service and plan to stop in Knoxville when you’re passing through!
Want to stay close to Certified Diesel Solutions?
Hotels
La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Knoxville East
7210 Saddle Rack Street, Knoxville, TN, 37914
Days Inn by Wyndham Knoxville East
5423 Asheville Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37914
Hampton Inn Knoxville-East
7445 Sawyer Lane, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37924
Travel Center
Pilot Travel Center
7210 Strawberry Plains Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914
Amenity Highlights:
- Game Room
- WiFi
- Public Laundry
- Showers
- ATM