Trucker Guide: I-4 Exit 5 Tampa, FL
Serving as the junction for SR-574 (Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd), this exit is a primary hub for the East Tampa industrial sector.
Unlike the tighter urban exits to the west, Exit 5 offers a dedicated truck center and much more breathing room for long-haul rigs.
Parking Availability & Type
This is one of the few exits in the immediate Tampa area with a dedicated, high-capacity truck stop.
Official Truck Stop Parking:
Tampa Bay Truck Center
5911 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619
Ph: (813) 635-9634
Details: Approximately 150 parking spots. This is an older, real truck stop with a grit-and-grind feel. It offers overnight parking, trailer drops, and an RV section.
Unofficial Staging:
- Orient Road: Near the Seminole Hard Rock. High casino traffic makes this risky for more than short updates.
- Industrial Dead-ends: South on 56th St toward Adamo Dr. Several warehouse side streets suitable for short-term staging if not blocking bays.
Fuel Amenities (Diesel Specific)
Exit 5 is a reliable spot for diesel, though options are concentrated on one major player.
High-Speed Pumps & Bulk Fueling:
Tampa Bay Truck Center: Features 2 dedicated high-speed diesel lanes. Bulk fueling accepts Comdata, EFS/Fleet One, T-Check, and TCH.
Alternative (Passenger Style):
Wawa: 5502 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (813)628-0628. Good for bobtails; islands are NOT designed for 53’ trailers.
Food & Driver Comfort
- Tampa Bay Truck Center Deli: 5911 E MLK Blvd. Standard truck stop fare—burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast.
- Salem's Fresh Eats: 5802 E MLK Blvd. (813)630-4100. Decent shoulder room nearby.
- Showers & Laundry: 5 showers and on-site laundry at Tampa Bay Truck Center.
- Wi-Fi & Lounge: Basic Truckers Lounge and Wi-Fi available at the truck center.
Service & Repair
Tampa Bay Truck Center Service Bays
Ph: (813) 635-9634
Details: 3 Service Bays on-site. Services include oil and lube, tire repair/sales, and general truck/trailer repairs.
United Axle of Tampa
Located nearby in the industrial park. Specialized in spindle and axle repair.
Bridge Clearance & Scales
| I-4 Overpass @ MLK: | 15'0 vertical clearance. |
|---|---|
| Orient Road Overpass: | Standardized at 15'0+. |
| Nearest CAT Scale: | On-site at Tampa Bay Truck Center. |
| Nearest Weigh Station: | I-4 WB (Seffner): 7 miles east at Mile Marker 12. |
| Nearest Blue Beacon: | Exit 10 (Seffner), approx. 5 miles east. |
Ease of Re-entry
Re-entry Score: 8/10.
Spacious diamond interchange. Straightforward access with long acceleration lanes.
Turning Radius Alert:
Off-ramp onto MLK is wide enough for 53’ trailers. Avoid cutting left too early onto Orient Road; medians are unforgiving.
Traffic Flow & Local Landmarks
Grade-Level Rail Warning: Rail crossing on Orient Road south of MLK; be aware of low-clearance trailers on uneven tracks.
- The Casino Factor: Seminole Hard Rock is to the northeast. Traffic can back up significantly during concerts or weekends.
- The Fairgrounds: Expect heavy pedestrian and police presence during the State Fair (February).
- Construction Alert: FDOT adding auxiliary lanes between Exit 5 and Exit 3. Watch for shifted barriers and narrowed lanes.
FAQ: Driver Quick-Hits
Is there a truck wash at Exit 5?
Yes, the Tampa Bay Truck Center has a truck/trailer wash on-site, though it is a local operation, not a Blue Beacon.
Can I park for free?
The Tampa Bay Truck Center traditionally offers unreserved parking, but it is best to call ahead as spots fill up by 6:00 PM.
Is there a motel at this exit?
Yes, there are several budget motels (Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn) within walking distance of the truck center that have limited truck-accessible parking.