OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer heads to Florence, S.C.

This weekend, look for OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer in Florence, S.C.

Jon Osburn, skipper of the Spirit of the American Trucker, plans to be at the Petro Stopping Center from Saturday through Tuesday morning. He’s coming off a few days in Columbia, S.C.

The Florence Petro is at the TV Road/Route 29506 exit from Interstate 95, Exit 169. There are 210 truck parking spots there and all the amenities you might expect at a Petro.

Carrier Transicold Mid-Atlantic and Triple T Freightliner and Sterling Western Star are just down the frontage road from the Florence Petro. Peterbilt of Florence and A&R Logistics are across TV Road from the Petro.

On the other side of I-95 are ThermoKing of Florence, Carolina International Trucks, Peedee Trailer, and FedEx Freight.

Florence is at the juncture of Interstate 95 and Interstate 20. The Florence Petro is about 10 northeast of the junction.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Florence was a popular midpoint stop for motorists travelling from New York and Miami on U.S. Highway 301, according to a city website.

The original township of Florence was developed as a railroad terminal at the juncture of three rail lines. It is named for the daughter of the president of one of the railroads.

Jon said he is looking forward to some good barbecue in Florence, but he had a great time at the Columbia Petro Stopping Center.

“Where else can you get a shower, get a good meal, and go bowling?” he said.

Beltline Lanes opened at the truck stop in 2017 along with a Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant. It has 16 lanes there. The bowling alley also has a 7,000-square-foot arcade and golf and gun range simulators.

On top of all that, a local car club presented a car show at the truck stop during Jon’s stay there, and that was a lot of fun.

Whenever you see The Spirit tour truck, go say hello to Jon. He enjoys visiting about the Association’s activities and current issues. You also can join or renew your OOIDA membership for $10 off the regular price there. Also, you can get vouchers for flu, shingles and pneumonia vaccines from Jon at The Spirit.