A truck stop franchise is one of the most profitable large-scale franchise models in the United States. As America’s trucking industry grows, demand for fuel, parking, rest areas, food, showers, repair services, and convenience stores is rising rapidly.
If you’re considering investing in a truck stop franchise, this guide will help you understand:
- What a truck stop franchise is
- Total investment & ongoing fees
- How much money owners can make
- Pros and cons
- Top truck stop franchise brands
- Whether this opportunity is right for you
Let’s get started.
⭐ What Is a Truck Stop Franchise?
A truck stop franchise is a large facility designed to serve long-haul truckers, RV travelers, and highway drivers. These locations typically include:
- Fuel pumps (gas + diesel)
- Large commercial parking areas
- Convenience store
- Fast-food restaurants
- Shower and restroom facilities
- Truck repair or tire service centers
- Laundry
- ATM & essential services
- Sometimes full sit-down restaurants or motels
Franchises provide the branding, building designs, layouts, supply chain, and operational training.
💰 Truck Stop Franchise Cost (2025)
Truck stops are high-investment, high-earning businesses.
Typical Investment Range:
👉 $2 million – $10+ million
Cost depends on:
- Size of land
- Highway frontage
- Number of gas/diesel pumps
- Convenience store size
- Restaurant partners (Subway, McDonald’s, etc.)
- Additional services (repair bays, showers, parking expansions)
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Land Purchase or Lease | $500,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Construction & Buildout | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 |
| Pumps & Fuel Systems | $500,000 – $1,500,000 |
| Convenience Store Setup | $200,000 – $600,000 |
| Restaurant Buildout (Optional) | $250,000 – $900,000 |
| Equipment & POS Systems | $120,000 – $300,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Inventory (Fuel + Retail) | $250,000 – $600,000 |
| Working Capital | $100,000 – $300,000 |
💵 How Much Does a Truck Stop Franchise Make?
Truck stops can be incredibly profitable due to multiple revenue streams.
Average Annual Revenue:
👉 $5 million – $20 million+
(Larger interstate locations can exceed $30M)
Typical Owner Profit:
👉 $500,000 – $2 million+ per year
Major profit categories include:
- Fuel sales (high volume, low margin)
- Convenience store retail (high margin)
- Restaurant partnerships
- Truck parking fees
- Showers & amenities
- Truck repair services
- Lottery ticket sales
- Propane, air, and other add-ons
Well-run truck stops rely heavily on consistent highway traffic, making revenue stable year-round.
🛣️ Top Truck Stop Franchise Brands in the U.S. (2025)
Here are the most established and trusted brands:
- TravelCenters of America (TA Petro)
Highlights:
- One of the largest chains
- Full-service restaurants
- Truck maintenance shops
Investment: $3M–$10M+
Best For: Experienced operators with large land parcels.
- Love’s Travel Stops (Partnership Opportunities)
Love’s does not franchise, but they partner with operators for restaurants and services.
Highlights:
- Extremely strong brand
- Ideal for fast-food or service partnerships
- Pilot Flying J (Non-Franchise)
Also not franchised, but offers lease and service partnerships.
- AMBEST Truck Stops (Membership Model)
Independent truck stops can join AMBEST for national branding.
Highlights:
- Lower cost
- Flexibility
- Access to national marketing
Investment: Highly variable ($1M–$6M+)
- 7-Eleven Truck Stop Franchise
7-Eleven is expanding into highway travel center models.
Highlights:
- Recognized convenience store brand
- Flexible building formats
Investment: $1M–$4M+ depending on land and fuel systems.
👍 Pros of a Truck Stop Franchise
✔ High revenue potential
Large facilities with multiple income streams generate strong consistent profits.
✔ Stable demand
Truckers and travelers rely on fuel and rest services 24/7.
✔ Strong franchise support
Major brands offer operations training, equipment layouts, and supply chain access.
✔ Multiple profit centers
Fuel, retail, food service, repair, showers, parking, etc.
✔ Long-term business model
Truck stops operate for decades and appreciate in value.
👎 Cons of a Truck Stop Franchise
❌ Very high startup cost
Often requires $2–10M+ and large land areas.
❌ Complex to manage
Requires multiple departments and employees.
❌ Regulations and permits
Environmental and fuel regulations can be challenging.
❌ Strong competition along highways
Location must have enough traffic to survive.
🧠 Is a Truck Stop Franchise Right for You?
A truck stop franchise is best for:
- Investors with high capital
- Entrepreneurs with experience in retail, fuel, or multi-unit operations
- Owners with land along busy highways
- People wanting a generational, long-term business
It may not be right if you want:
- Low investment
- Simple operations
- Easy daily management
This is a big business, but also a big opportunity.
📝 Final Verdict
A truck stop franchise can deliver outstanding revenue and long-term stability. With high investment comes high returns. If you have:
- A strong location
- Adequate capital
- The ability to manage a large operation
…a truck stop franchise can be one of the best investments in the franchise industry.
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