Duckett Truck Center keeps expands, adds fuel center

Business Today

POPLAR BLUFF -- It's roomy, all new and fully automated. It has easy access and 10 acres of truck and trailer parking, and it just may offer the best price for gas and diesel fuel in town. Duckett Fuel Center, adjacent to Duckett Truck Center on Highway 67 North, opened in early October.

The fuel center has four gasoline dispensers, one diesel dispenser for pickups and RVs, and two high-flow diesel pumps with buddy pumps, which allow truckers to fill two tanks at one time.

The big sell is it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, said Jim Ward, operations manager.

Ward believes they are the only ones in the surrounding area to offer diesel and gasoline 24 hours a day.

"This is one more service we can offer our customers," Ward said. "We're a full-service dealer. We already have new and used truck sales and parts and service. We've also expanded our customer truck parking to allow more room for our fuel customers."

Duckett Truck Center sells new Freightliner trucks and used trucks.

Behind the fuel center is 10 acres of level graveled parking that the truck center provides to truck drivers at no cost.

"They park their trailers for free," Ward said. "On a weekend there will be 75 to 100 trailers here."

The fuel center is computer run and does not accept cash.

"You swipe a card into the dispenser, get your gas or diesel and you're gone," Ward said. "It's a convenient, quick way at the pump. We accept MasterCharge, Visa, Wright Express, Voyager, all debit cards."

Duckett Fuel Center is offering "Full Service For Seniors Day" from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 23 for people age 55 and over.

"In the winter, it's a hassle for some of our seniors to get fuel," Ward said. "If you're a senior, we'll fill your tank, check your tires and oil. We're rolling out the service."

Ward said they are able to keep fuel prices low because they are an independent fuel service.