Truck Drivers Warned: ‘Do Not Stop’ at This Truck Stop in South Louisiana Due to Safety Concerns

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - A Lafayette truck stop, located just off I-10, has been flagged on a circulating online “Do Not Stop” list, warning truck drivers to avoid the location due to potential theft and safety concerns.

The list, which was disseminated on the social media site Reddit, serves as a warning to truckers traveling across the nation who might fall victim to thieves seeking to hijack their loads.

Why Are Truck Stops Being Targeted?

Across the country, cargo thefts are rising, and many truck drivers—especially those transporting high-value loads—are finding themselves vulnerable when stopping at certain locations. The online warnings urge truckers to steer clear of specific stops to protect their cargo and personal safety.

While these lists don’t imply that every truck stop flagged is riddled with crime, the warning serves as a precautionary measure after incidents of theft have been reported over the years.

Several of these stops, like the one flagged in Lafayette, offer overnight parking, a common feature at large truck stops, which can inadvertently attract theft. Some truckers have reported trailers broken into during overnight stays at this location, though it’s important to note that TA is not being singled out as a crime hotspot—instead, it reflects broader concerns across the trucking industry.

According to the website Boing Boing, a reporter first "spotted [the "Do Not Stop" list] on Reddit's 'Mildly Interesting' sub, where it's apparently a regular repost."

How Cargo Theft Happens at Truck Stops

According to reports circulating on Reddit forums and industry websites, organized theft rings sometimes target truck stops, particularly those with large overnight parking lots. Some thefts even begin with inside information—a corrupt employee at a weigh station or rest stop asking too many questions about a load's contents.

“If someone asks what’s inside your trailer, smart drivers respond with ‘sealed’ or ‘not your concern,’” a Reddit user shared, explaining the kind of precaution drivers must take. Truckers have also discussed the risks of thieves targeting parked trucks, especially those carrying high-value loads like electronics or cigarette cartons.

In some cases, thieves don’t just steal items from the trailer—they drive off with the entire truck. As these incidents grow more frequent, drivers are increasingly cautious about where they park, leading to the circulation of lists like the one mentioning Lafayette's TA stop.

Heading over to the post on Reddit, the comments are quick to explain why such a list would be out there.

"It's for theft (organized theft) of High Value Loads, like a trailer full of cigarette cartons," one of the folks there explained. "Sometimes the theft starts with a corrupt employee at the weigh stations who ask 'what's in the load.' Smart drivers tell them it's 'sealed,' or 'not your concern' if they feel froggy."

"[M]any of the Love's and Pilot travel centers have HUGE lots for overnight parking," another said. "So you have a collection of drivers - usually trying to grab some rest. It's one thing to steal an item from a store, it's another level to get a full trailer load."

Truck do not stop list for USA. Highlighting where trucks and truckers are at risk.
byu/Vertigo_uk123 inmildlyinteresting

Where Is Lafayette's "Do Not Stop" Location?

It's the TravelCenters of America stop on University, just off I-10.

To be clear, cargo thefts are up across the country, which is why a list like this gets circulated. This doesn't mean that TA in Lafayette is a hotbed of crime. Rather, for some unfortunate truckers, there have apparently been some trucks that were broken into overnight in recent years.

Part of the problem is that these stops allow a trucker to pull in and sleep overnight. Many of these places have huge parking lots for just that reason. But some determined folks looking for good merchandise can take advantage and break into the trailer - or even steal the entire thing.

Truck drivers can protect their high-value loads by implementing several security measures.

Firstly, they should carefully plan their routes, opting for well-lit and secure roads whenever possible. Utilizing GPS tracking systems allows for real-time monitoring of the truck's location, deterring theft and aiding in recovery efforts if necessary.

Drivers should maintain constant communication with their dispatchers and report any suspicious activity immediately. Investing in security devices such as locks, seals, and alarms for the truck and trailer adds an extra layer of protection. Conducting thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure the integrity of the cargo area and performing regular safety checks during stops are essential.

Lastly, drivers should adhere to strict protocols for accessing and securing the load, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or tampering. By implementing these strategies, truck drivers can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft and safeguard their high-value loads.