A Sydney-based truck driver has voiced his frustration after being denied access to shower facilities during a rest stop at Nambucca BP, mid-journey between Sydney and Brisbane. The driver, Scott Cook, was shocked to learn that caravanners were being prioritised over truck drivers for the use of the showers.
Cook, who delivers vehicles along Australia’s east coast, had been looking forward to a refreshing break during his long drive. However, upon arriving at the service station, he was informed he would need to wait his turn due to limited facilities.
“There are only three showers there,” Cook explained. “I thought, no worries, I’ll wait.”
After half an hour, with other truck drivers also arriving, Cook noticed two caravanning families enter and enquire about using the showers. They were told they would need to pay a fee of $5 or $10 to access them.
“Forty-five minutes later, the families who had been in the showers finally came out – they were caravanners too,” Cook said. “We thought it was finally our turn, but when we went to get the keys, we were told caravanners who paid the fee had priority because truck drivers get free showers.”
The news left Cook and his fellow drivers stunned, especially considering the substantial amount of money truck drivers spend at such stops. Cook himself had just spent $1400 on fuel.
“It was unbelievable,” he said. “We were pushed aside for someone who paid $5 for a shower. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to what we spend. Caravanners can find showers at caravan parks or other stops, but for truckies, it’s much harder. We’ve got strict fatigue laws, tight schedules, and limited options.”
When Cook and the other drivers raised their concerns with staff, their complaints fell on deaf ears. “The manager pretty much said, ‘Tough luck.’ I was planning to have dinner there, but I walked out. The treatment was disgraceful.”
Cook, who has been driving trucks for 12 years, said the experience has cost BP Nambucca his loyalty and likely that of many other drivers.
“Nambucca is a key stop for truck drivers travelling between Sydney and Brisbane. We stop there for fuel, food, showers, and our mandatory breaks. But after this, I’ll go elsewhere. I’d rather head to Port Macquarie, Moorland, or even Kempsey.”
The incident gained further attention after Cook shared his experience on TikTok, where his video has already attracted over 14,000 views. Fellow truckie and social media personality Aaron Farquhar, known as “Aaron, the Typical Trucker,” also weighed in.
“It’s disgraceful to prioritise profits over the needs of truck drivers who are doing the hard work to keep the country moving,” Aaron said. “Caravanners have all the time in the world, but truck drivers don’t. We’re just asking for a hot shower after a long day on the road.”
Big Rigs has reached out to BP for comment on the matter.
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