Trucker Guide: I-4 Exit 17 (Branch Forbes Rd) Plant City, FL
I-4 Exit 17 (Branch Forbes Rd) is a rural transition point situated between Seffner and the agricultural corridors of Plant City.
While this exit lacks sprawling travel centers, it is a frequent escape hatch for drivers avoiding congestion. Navigating Branch Forbes requires extra care due to ongoing improvements and tight turns.
Parking Availability & Type
There are no official truck stops at this exit. Overnight parking is heavily discouraged by local law enforcement.
Official Paid & Secure Parking:
The Truck Spot (Nearby)
4902 S 12th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
Ph: (813) 220-5959
Details: Roughly 12 miles west. The closest secure, long-term staging area for deliveries in the Dover/Plant City area.
Unofficial Staging:
- Hillsborough Ave (US-92): Wide gravel shoulders about a mile north for logbook resets.
- Industrial Side Roads: Pockets south toward Sydney; No Parking signs are strictly enforced near active rail spurs.
Fuel Amenities (Diesel Specific)
You won’t find high-speed pumps or bulk fueling lanes at Exit 17. Plan your fuel stops at Exits 10 or 25.
Nearest High-Speed Pumps:
TA Express (Exit 10): 11706 Tampa Gateway Blvd, Seffner.
Shell / Fuel Stop (Exit 25): 501 County Line Rd, Plant City.
Local Fuel (Small Rigs/Bobtails):
Circle K: 4614 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd. (813) 752-6468. Located 3 miles south.
Technical Specs & Scales
Nearest Weigh Stations:
Seffner I-4 WB: MM 12 (~5 mi west).
Plant City I-4 EB: MM 14 (~3 mi west).
- I-4 Mainline at Branch Forbes: 15'0
- Branch Forbes Rd Bridge: 15'1
- Nearby Rail Trestle: 14'4 (South of I-4). Tight for high-cube trailers!
Ease of Re-entry & Turning Radius
Re-entry Score: 6/10 — Lower due to the I-4 Interchange Improvement Project. Expect nightly ramp closures and shifted merge lanes.
Turning Radius Alert: The turns from the eastbound off-ramp onto Branch Forbes are being widened, but the current configuration is extremely tight for 53’ trailers. You will often need to swing wide into the opposing lane to clear the curbs. Watch for the new traffic signals installed in 2026.
Food & Driver Comfort
This is a food desert for trucks. Bobtailing is almost a requirement.
Truck-Accessible Dining:
Fred’s Market Restaurant: 1401 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd. (813) 752-7763. Bobtail-friendly parking in the rear.
Fast Food: None within a 1-mile radius that offers trailer parking.
Amenities: None at Exit 17. Use the Flying J at Exit 10 for showers and laundry.
Service & Repair
Dover Truck & Trailer Repair
3110 Gallagher Rd, Dover, FL 33527
Ph: (813) 752-6131
Specializing in trailer body work and mechanical repairs.
FleetPride (Nearby): Parts available at the Tampa location near Exit 3.
Traffic Flow & Local Landmarks
The Ark of I-4
A massive, boat-shaped structure near the exit. Serves as a primary visual landmark.
Dinosaur World
Located east of the exit. Expect heavy family traffic and slow vehicles in the right lane.
The Plant City Squeeze
Eastbound traffic bunches up as the highway transitions toward industrial zones.
FAQ: Driver Quick-Hits
Is there a CAT Scale at Exit 17?
No. The nearest CAT Scale is at the Tampa Truck Stop (Exit 7) or the Flying J (Exit 10).
What is the "Ark" on the side of the road?
It’s a local landmark (The Ark of I-4) that has sat unfinished for years. It’s a great visual cue to let you know you're 10 miles from the I-75 interchange.
Is there a Blue Beacon nearby?
The closest Blue Beacon Truck Wash is located at Exit 10 (Seffner).