US Trucking Directory
Situated along Interstate 65 in Shelby County just 20 miles south of downtown Birmingham, Pelham serves as an essential staging ground and transit corridor for commercial freight moving across the Southeast. Long-haul operators navigating between the Gulf Coast ports of Mobile and Midwestern distribution hubs rely on Pelham's strategic access points to avoid urban Birmingham bottlenecks while securing diesel, scaling loads, and completing mandatory rest cycles.
Truck Stops with Showers in Pelham, Alabama
Circle K Travel Plaza #2704888
Address: 630 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 733-1910
Allen's Food Mart #74 (Exxon)
Address: 1286 Highway 52 E, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 664-5604
RaceTrac #6818
Address: 3314 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 685-8984
Parking Spaces, Services & Facilities
Truck parking capacity directly within Pelham municipal limits is compact and tends to fill rapidly in the late afternoon. Drivers can utilize paved staging areas and commercial plazas equipped with everyday conveniences before heading through the greater Birmingham metroplex.
- Parking Capacity: Approximately 25 designated semi-truck parking stalls at the Circle K plaza, with secondary bobtail and tractor staging near Exit 242.
- Bulk DEF: Dedicated high-flow lanes with bulk DEF dispensing available at Circle K (Exit 246) and commercial pumps at RaceTrac.
- Driver Showers: Dedicated commercial driver showers are limited within city boundaries; full multi-bay shower suites are situated 18 miles north at Pilot Travel Center #602 (I-65 Exit 264 in Birmingham).
- Connectivity & Wi-Fi: Free high-speed public Wi-Fi available at travel plazas, adjacent diner lots, and 24-hour convenience stores.
Interstate Corridors & Exit Guide
Interstate 65 serves as Pelham's primary commercial artery, offering multi-lane north-south freight capacity connecting to I-459 and I-20/59 just to the north. Commercial vehicles also utilize State Route 119 and U.S. Route 31 for localized warehouse access and cross-county dispatch.
- I-65, Exit 246: AL-119 / Cahaba Valley Road . Direct access to Circle K, CAT Scale, fast dining, and retail services.
- I-65, Exit 242: Shelby County Road 52 . Access to Allen's Food Mart / Exxon, regional light industrial facilities, and Helena connector.
- U.S. Route 31 (Pelham Parkway): Serves as the primary alternate surface corridor parallel to I-65, carrying commercial delivery traffic through central commercial centers.
Nearby Truck-Accessible Dining
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Address: 655 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 987-1555
Notes: Located right off Exit 246; features designated wide parking lanes suited for bobtails, RVs, and quick meal runs.
Waffle House (#1365)
Address: 2965 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 620-9684
Notes: Open 24/7 with sit-down hot meals and short-term staging nearby on commercial frontage turnouts.
Weigh Stations, Repairs, Fuel & Scales
1. Nearest Weigh Station:
Alabama DOT Inspection Facility & Scales (I-65 Southbound)
Address: I-65 Southbound Mile Marker 278, Morris, AL 35180
Phone: (334) 242-4395 (ALDOT Motor Carrier Enforcement)
2. Semi Truck Repair:
Roadside Express Mobile Truck & Trailer Repair
Address: 2969 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 685-8859
3. Diesel Fuel:
Allen's Food Mart #74 (Exxon Diesel)
Address: 1286 Highway 52 E, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 664-5604
4. Certified CAT Scale:
CAT Scale at Circle K (#2704888)
Address: 630 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 733-1910
Local Driver Tips & Route Advice
Parking Cut-off Times: Dedicated truck parking at Exit 246 typically reaches full capacity by 6:00 PM on weekdays due to drivers shutting down ahead of Birmingham morning traffic. If spaces are full, plan to divert early to either Calera (Exit 231) to the south or McCalla/Bessemer (I-20/59) to the west.
Grades & Weather: Pelham sits at the southern foothills of the Appalachian ridge; watch out for heavy fog around Oak Mountain during seasonal transitions and sudden hydroplaning hazards along I-65 during severe Gulf storm fronts.
Local Restrictions & Staging: The City of Pelham strictly enforces no-parking ordinances on highway on/off ramps and residential connector roads. Do not attempt overnight staging on Cahaba Valley Road shoulders or inside shopping plaza lots without explicit management authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find overnight truck parking in Pelham, AL?
The most reliable overnight parking in Pelham is at the Circle K Travel Plaza off I-65 Exit 246 (630 Cahaba Valley Rd), which maintains approximately 25 truck spaces. Additional paid, secure truck yards are accessible in nearby Alabaster and Calera.
Is there a certified CAT Scale available in Pelham?
Yes. A certified 24-hour CAT Scale is located on-site at the Circle K at I-65 Exit 246 (630 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL).
What is the best alternative truck route when I-65 backs up around Pelham?
U.S. Route 31 (Pelham Parkway) runs parallel to I-65 through Pelham, offering commercial truck access between Alabaster and Hoover. However, drivers should anticipate heavy commuter traffic and frequent traffic signals during weekday morning and evening peak hours.
