Trucker Guide: I-4 Exit 21 (Alexander St) Plant City, FL
I-4 Exit 21 (SR-39 / Alexander St) is a primary entry point into Plant City and a critical waypoint for regional agricultural distribution.
Known locally as the gateway to the Florida Strawberry Festival, this exit transitions from rural stretches into a bustling commercial zone. It offers high-utility mechanical support and local dining.
Parking Availability & Type
While Exit 21 lacks a dedicated Big Three travel center, it is a major hub for staging and fleet service.
Official & Secure Parking:
I-4 Truck Parking Facility (FDOT)
Location: County Line Road (Exit 25—approx. 4 miles east)
Details: 49-acre facility completed in 2025/2026. Provides 160 dedicated spaces with real-time tracking (TPAS).
Truck Repair Plus Staging
3404 US-92 Unit A, Plant City, FL 33566
Ph:(813)242-7587
Details: Industrial lot used primarily for vehicles under service; contact for short-term staging availability.
Unofficial Staging:
- Alexander St Industrial Corridors: Industrial spurs near rail lines offer wide shoulders south of the exit. Note: Plant City PD enforces No Overnight Parking.
- US-92 (Hillsborough Ave): Limited gravel shoulder space north of the exit for quick breaks.
Fuel Amenities (Diesel Specific)
Exit 21 is better suited for reefers and box trucks. Long-haulers typically push to neighboring exits for high-speed commercial lanes.
Nearest High-Speed Hubs:
TA Express (Exit 10) or Shell/Fuel Stop (Exit 25) on County Line Road.
Local Diesel (Reefer/Bobtail Friendly):
Circle K: 2402 N Alexander St. (813)754-5211
7-Eleven: 2501 N Alexander St. (813)752-6756
Technical Specs & Scales
- I-4 Mainline at Alexander St: 15'0 Clearance
- Alexander St Bridge over I-4: 15'2 Clearance
- CSX Railroad Trestle: 14'6 (South of I-4). High-cube trailers use designated truck routes only.
Scales & Weights:
Nearest Weigh Stations: Seffner WB (MM 12) & Plant City EB (MM 14). CAT Scales located at Exit 10 or Exit 25.
Ease of Re-entry & Turning Radius
Re-entry Score: 7/10. Standard diamond configuration. Acceleration lanes are sufficiently long, but watch for rush hour traffic peaks.
Turning Radius Alert: The turn from Alexander St onto US-92 is a frequent hang-up spot. Curbs are high and lanes are narrow; stay center-left when making a right-hand swing.
Service & Repair
Exit 21 is a powerhouse for mechanical support.
Truck Repair Plus
3404 US-92 Unit A, Plant City, FL 33566
Ph:(813)242-7587
Specialized in fleet maintenance, diesel engines, and diagnostics.
Next Level Diesel Repair (Mobile Roadside)
Ph:(813)713-3051
24/7 emergency roadside assistance covering the I-4/Alexander corridor.
Food & Driver Comfort
This exit is a foodie haven if you can park a bobtail.
Fred's Market Restaurant: 2120 W Reynolds St. (813) 752-7763. Southern buffet; bobtail-friendly parking in rear.
Picadillo Restaurant: 3404 US-92. (813) 754-0010. Frequented by local drivers.
Note: Showers/Laundry available 11 miles west at Exit 10.
Traffic Flow & Local Landmarks
- Strawberry Festival Grounds: Just south of the exit. During late Feb/early March, traffic is at a standstill; avoid Alexander St entirely.
- Plant City High School: Expect school zone delays around 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- The 39 Split: Alexander St (SR-39) is the main freight artery moving south toward phosphate mines and Mulberry agricultural fields.
FAQ: Driver Quick-Hits
Is the new FDOT truck parking open at Exit 21?
No, the new 160-space facility is located at Exit 25 (County Line Road), which is just 4 miles east.
Can I get a reefer washout nearby?
The closest professional wash is the Blue Beacon at Exit 10.
Is Alexander St a designated truck route?
Yes, Alexander St is a primary truck route for SR-39, but be careful not to deviate into the downtown historic district where weight limits are strictly enforced.