.

Route 74 joined the Hayton Coulthard team in August as part of an acquisition. Based in Lesmahagow in Scotland, Route 74 has built up a strong reputation for quality facilities and tasty food during its 14-year history. We caught up with the team to find out what is involved in running a truck stop. Stephen White, the Contracts Manager, tells us more.

Tell us about the team...

We are open 24/7 and have a restaurant, shower/toilet facilities, a shop, truck wash, and fuel pumps, so there are quite a lot of us! 50 in total, working both full time and part time.

Tell us about your day-to-day...

There's a lot going on! With so many different services there are a lot of moving parts and no day is ever the same. We tend to be busy in the early morning and then in the evening between 5pm and 9pm. Though Sundays are a different ball game! We are renowned for our Sunday roasts which bring in members of the public, not just truckers. Some weeks the team do 450 covers in the space of one afternoon.

What's the biggest challenge of running a truck stop?

The fact there are so many different parts to the operation. Thankfully the team are all experts in their own right so we lean on each other's knowledge and experience to make the business a success.

It's the teamwork that makes the difference. By working together we can make sure our customers walk (or drive!) away happy.

What are some of your biggest successes?

We came second in the Snap Truck Stop of the Year 2023 which was a great accolade. Every week the team receive brilliant feedback from truckers who use Route 74, so ultimately, it is this regular feedback that is the biggest achievement.

What reaction have you seen since Route 74 joined Hayton Coulthard?

There have of course been a lot of questions but it's been a very positive reaction from both employees at Route 74 and customers. Most of the questions revolve around future plans. Rumours were quick to spread that we were going to close Route 74 down and make it a Hayton Coulthard yard, but that couldn't be further from the truth, so we are working hard to reassure everyone.

Are there any benefits to being part of Hayton Coulthard?

The Coulthard family have been behind the wheel of trucks for generations - they know the value of a quality truck stop. And now they can ensure Route 74 has the investment it needs to maintain the high standards they have created.

What might people not know about Route 74?

Quite a few things actually! We aren't just for trucks - we also cater for cars and motor homes. We source all our ingredients from local suppliers. And we have the cheapest fuel in the area.

For more information on Route 74, visit the website.

.
Route 74 restaurant