Truckers passing through Rapid City, South Dakota, got a special treat on Wednesday at the new Tilford Port of Entry.
What's happening: The South Dakota Highway Patrol hosted a trucker appreciation event to celebrate the opening of a new inspection facility. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., truckers enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, and sides.
The details: The new facility features a partially indoor inspection bay, allowing year-round inspections despite harsh weather conditions. Truckers can now wait inside, sheltered from the elements.
- Brian Stenbeck, an inspector, mentioned the benefits of the new bay: "Now we can do inspections all year-round. We don’t have to worry about the weather or the snow out here in the parking lot or whether or not we can crawl under a truck," reported KOTA TV News.
Event perks: In addition to food, truckers received freebies like pens and tote bags while touring the facility.
The indoor space offers a comfortable waiting area for truckers, a significant upgrade from being exposed to windy and cold conditions.
This new facility marks a notable improvement for both inspectors and drivers, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the inspection process.