My first few years driving the thought never even entered my head that they might be expecting a tip. But then I came across a comment in some random forum about it and I haven’t been able to shake it since. So now if I have a couple singles in my pocket I throw it down on the counter. I’m still not sure if it’s expected or not but it kind of adds up, with the mints in the cup and the overly friendly and eager porter racing to show you where shower 7 is even though you’re literally standing in front of shower 7.
I’m honestly not a fan of it. We all know the job is demanding and every driver-faced product or service is overpriced and feels…scammy. I spend a thousand bucks a week in fuel at your truck stop, can I at least get a shower without someone putting their hand out?
But I also see it as, the porters job sucks way worse than mine, and if they’re cleaning truck driver showers, life probably isn’t going as planned. That job could only be for the deeply desperate, yet they’re generally more friendly than the restaurant wait staff, so they probably deserve a little something 🤷♂️
