Alabama's truck-stop network is built around six major corridors—I-10, I-20, I-22, I-59, I-65, and I-85—with most services clustered near metro areas and interchange towns. You'll find the usual national brands alongside strong independents, plenty of private showers, and growing options for reserved parking. CAT Scale and quick-serve dining is generally easier before 7 pm, gets tight 9–11 pm, and loosens again after midnight near the big cities.

Where drivers usually stop (by route)

I-65 (north–south): Heavy long-haul traffic between Mobile ↔ Birmingham ↔ Huntsville. Expect the most variety and the most competition for spaces after dark near Birmingham.
I-20 / I-59 (west–east & diagonal): Good spacing of stops; plenty of quick fuel options around Tuscaloosa and Gadsden.
I-10 (Gulf Coast): Popular for food and fuel near Mobile; summer weekends and storm periods tighten parking earlier.
I-85 / I-22: Smaller but useful chains and independents with showers and basic services; parking easier off-peak.

Parking & timing cheatsheet

Best odds: Arrive before 7 pm or after midnight around Birmingham and Mobile.
34-hour reset: Look for stops with laundry + multiple dining choices and a quieter back lot; many independents in smaller towns beat big interchanges for noise.
Reserved parking: Worth it Thursdays–Sundays near major metros and during football weekends.

Amenities you can expect

Showers & laundry: Common at most brand chains; independents often have shorter waits and friendlier pricing.
CAT Scale & repair: Widely available along I-65/I-20 corridors; if you need tire or light repair, aim for larger travel centers or dedicated service plazas.
Food: Mix of chain fast-casual and local diners. Late-night options concentrate along I-65 and I-10 near cities.
Connectivity: Cell data is solid around metros; in rural pockets, plan offline maps just in case.

City & region tips

Birmingham: Highest density of stops; quickest fuel but tightest parking window (8-11 pm).
Mobile / I-10: Great food variety; watch for Gulf weather impacts and earlier parking crunch during summer storms.
Montgomery (I-65/I-85): Balanced options with easier late-night spaces a few exits outside the city.
Huntsville / I-565: Fewer but well-equipped stops; quieter resets if you're okay with a short detour.

Safety & terrain notes

Alabama highways are mostly flat to rolling; visibility and lighting quality varies by lot. Prefer well-lit locations with camera coverage if you're parking late. When leaving major interstates for rural independents, watch for tighter turns and low-shoulder entrances—take it slow.