truck stops · travel centers · washington state
Specialized representation for buyers and sellers along the I-5, I-90, US-2, and US-12 corridors. Same broker who founded Flame Truck Parking — direct operational expertise in trucker demand, parking economics, and travel-center cash flow.
// what we handle
$3M–$10M annually
Single-operator highway properties with diesel fueling, truck parking, and retail. The classic interstate stop with strong cash flow.
$8M–$30M+ annually
Franchised travel centers (Pilot / Flying J / Loves / TA-Petro affiliations or successor brands). Volume-driven economics.
$1M–$4M annually
Properties with parking-as-primary revenue plus secondary fuel sales. Lower entry cost, suitable for first-time operators.
Pre-revenue
Interstate-adjacent parcels zoned for travel-center development. Highest upside, longest timeline. Pre-application due diligence is critical.
// what actually drives returns
Industry operator surveys consistently show WA truck parking demand outpacing supply. Properties with 100+ parking spots tend to have durable demand.
Margins per gallon are tighter than retail, but volume is dramatically higher. A 5M gal/yr stop changes economics entirely.
C-store and restaurant revenue often outperforms fuel margin. Stops with food and showers command premium valuations.
Interstate access, fuel-island sightlines, and ingress/egress quality are physical assets you can't replicate.
// where we work
I-5 Corridor
Seattle to Tacoma to Vancouver WA. Highest volume, premium prices, dense competition.
I-90 Corridor
Seattle to Spokane via the Cascades. Mountain-route premium, weather-driven demand spikes.
I-82 / I-182
Tri-Cities corridor. Agricultural commerce, harvest-season peaks.
US-2 / US-12
Secondary east-west routes. Lower competition, regional traffic, growth potential.
SR-167 / SR-18
Local freight routes serving Port of Tacoma and Kent Valley distribution.
// frequently asked
Truck stops typically trade on a multiple of EBITDA (4–7x for independents, higher for branded plazas) plus separate valuation of real property and fuel inventory. Parking-only revenue is increasingly being valued separately given the WA parking shortage.
Yes, with caveats. SBA 7(a) is available for owner-operators under ~$5M. Larger properties typically use conventional commercial financing or specialty lenders (some focus exclusively on travel centers). I work with both.
Loosely: travel centers tend to be larger (200+ parking spots, multiple QSRs, showers, lounges) and often franchise-branded. Truck stops can be smaller independent operations. The IRS and zoning codes don't always distinguish — what matters is parking count, fuel volume, and amenity mix.
Yes — always commission a Phase I ESA, and budget for a Phase II if any prior fuel-system upgrades, tank replacements, or contamination history shows up. Underground storage tank (UST) compliance with Ecology rules is critical due diligence.
Typically 90–180 days from offer to close. Environmental review, fuel-supply contract assignments, brand transfer (if applicable), and SBA underwriting each consume time. Diligence is heavier than residential or gas station deals.
also runs Flame Truck Parking
Whether you're buying your first travel center or quietly testing the market on an existing property, the initial conversation is direct and confidential.