Last Updated: April 11, 2026
Love’s Travel Stops Application: How to Apply Online (2025)
Bottom line: To apply at Love’s Travel Stops, visit jobs.loves.com. Cashiers earn $12–$14/hr, fuel desk roles up to $22/hr, and hourly workers receive weekly pay. Love’s is a family-owned company operating 670+ travel stops in 42 states with 40,000+ employees. Its 3.6/5.0 Glassdoor rating is the highest of any major travel center chain, and its paid leave package (6-week maternity, 2-week paternity) is exceptional for the convenience sector.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has been a family-owned American institution since 1964, when founder Tom Love — a military veteran — opened the first location in Watonga, Oklahoma. Today, Love’s operates 670+ travel stops across 42 states, serving professional truck drivers, RV travelers, and road trippers with fuel, showers, truck care, restaurants (Subway, Arby’s, Chester’s Chicken, Godfather’s Pizza), and retail. With 40,000+ employees and a 3.6/5.0 Glassdoor rating — the best in the travel center industry — Love’s consistently outranks Pilot Flying J and TravelCenters of America on employee satisfaction. This guide covers the full application process, pay scales, and what makes Love’s stand out as an employer.
Top Entry-Level Positions at Love’s
Best entry-level roles: Sales Associate (cashier) is the most widely available entry point, with positions at virtually every location. Food Service roles at in-store restaurants pay slightly more. Fuel desk positions offer the highest entry-level wages in the company.
- Sales Associate / Cashier — $12.00–$14.00/hr — Handle transactions, stock shelves, assist customers, maintain store cleanliness. Most common entry-level role at Love’s.
- Food Service Associate — $12.00–$14.00/hr — Prepare food at in-store restaurant brands (Subway, Arby’s, Chester’s, Godfather’s). Available at 16 for food service roles.
- Fuel Desk Associate — $16.00–$22.00/hr — Process commercial fuel and DEF transactions for professional truck drivers, dispatch showers. Highest entry-level pay at Love’s.
- Overnight Associate — $13.00–$15.00/hr — Overnight store operations with shift premium. Strong need for overnights at high-traffic truck stops.
- Team Leader / Shift Supervisor — $15.00–$19.00/hr — Lead store team, manage cash, open/close location. Entry-level management role.
- Truck Care Tire Technician — $18.00–$25.00/hr — Service truck tires in Love’s Truck Care centers. Trade-skilled role with strong advancement potential.
How Much Does Love’s Travel Stops Pay?
Entry-level wages: Love’s pays $12–$22/hr depending on role and location. Fuel desk positions pay substantially more than cashier roles due to complex commercial transactions. All hourly employees receive weekly pay — ane of the most consistent weekly-pay policies among major travel center operators.
Entry-Level Hourly Wages at Love’s
| Position | Starting Rate | After 6 Months | After 1 Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate / Cashier | $12.00–$13.50 | $13.00–$14.50 | $14.00–$15.50 | Glassdoor, 2025 |
| Food Service Associate | $11.50–$13.50 | $12.50–$14.50 | $13.50–$15.00 | Indeed, 2025 |
| Fuel Desk Associate | $18.00–$20.00 | $19.00–$21.00 | $20.00–$22.00 | ZipRecruiter, 2025 |
| Overnight Associate | $13.00–$15.00 | $14.00–$16.00 | $15.00–$17.00 | Glassdoor, 2025 |
| Team Leader / Shift Supervisor | $15.00–$17.00 | $16.00–$18.00 | $17.00–$19.00 | Indeed, 2025 |
| Truck Care Tire Tech | $18.00–$21.00 | $20.00–$23.00 | $22.00–$25.00 | Glassdoor, 2025 |
Pay Factors at Love’s Travel Stops
- Role type: Fuel desk and truck care roles pay significantly more than retail/food roles due to professional driver services and trade skills.
- Location: High-traffic Interstate locations and locations in states with higher minimum wages (California, Nevada, Washington) pay more.
- Weekly pay: All hourly Love’s employees receive weekly pay — confirmed company-wide policy for hourly workers.
- Employee discount: 10% off all store items + 50% off Love’s-made food items (sandwiches, coffee) adds meaningful daily value.
- Tenure raises: Love’s provides performance-based raises at regular intervals. The structured “Road to Success” career path includes pay progression milestones.
How to Apply to Love’s Travel Stops in 7 Easy Steps
Apply online in 10 minutes: Visit jobs.loves.com, search by location, and submit your application. Love’s also accepts in-person applications at any travel stop location — walk in and ask to speak with the General Manager. In-person applications are particularly effective at Love’s given its family-oriented, people-first culture.
Step 1: Visit Love’s Careers Portal
Go to jobs.loves.com and search by state, city, or zip code. You can filter by job category (travel stop, restaurant, truck care, corporate, transportation) and employment type. Love’s posts all openings here, with new positions added as the company continues expanding (adding 30+ locations per year).
Step 2: Select Your Position and Location
Love’s divides roles into: Travel Stop Operations (cashier, overnight), Food Service (restaurant brands), Truck Care (tire tech, maintenance), Driver Development (CDL support), and Corporate (Oklahoma City HQ). Choose the category matching your skills and the closest available location.
Step 3: Review the Job Description
Read the full posting for pay range, shift schedule, physical requirements, and minimum age. Note: food service roles at Love’s are open at 16; most other positions require 18. Fuel desk and truck care roles have specific physical and occasionally certification requirements.
Step 4: Apply Online or In Person
Click “Apply” to begin the online application, or walk into your nearest Love’s and ask for the manager. The online form captures your work history, education, and contact info in about 10 minutes. Resume not required for entry-level positions, but can be uploaded if available.
Step 5: Specify Your Availability
Love’s travel stops operate 24/7 with peak hours during early morning (5–9 AM) and overnight (10 PM–3 AM) when trucks move. Showing broad availability — especially for these peak times and weekends — significantly improves your hiring chances. Be honest about any scheduling limitations upfront.
Step 6: Complete Behavioral Questions
Love’s application may include brief screening questions about customer service scenarios, physical ability, and willingness to relocate (asked for management-track applicants). Answer honestly. The company values respect, inclusion, and a professional work environment — reflect these in your responses.
Step 7: Interview and Follow Up
Most interviews at Love’s are in-person at the location, 20–30 minutes with the General Manager or Department Manager. 76.7% of candidates rate the interview experience positively. If you applied online and haven’t heard back in 5 days, call the travel stop and ask to speak with the GM — Love’s culture encourages direct communication.
What to Expect After Applying
- Application review: 1–5 business days
- Interview: 20–30 minutes, positive experience reported by 76.7% of candidates
- Offer: Average 14 days from application to start; some positions move faster
- Background check: Required; 3–5 business days
- Start: Often within 1–2 weeks of cleared background check
- Onboarding: Structured orientation covering Love’s brand values, safety, and systems
Love’s vs. Competitors: How They Compare
Comparison: Love’s consistently ranks higher than Pilot Flying J and TravelCenters of America on employee satisfaction. Its 3.6/5.0 Glassdoor rating leads all major travel center chains. The combination of weekly pay, 50% off Love’s food items, strong paid leave policies, and family-ownership culture makes Love’s the top-rated workplace among travel center companies.
| Factor | Love’s | Pilot Flying J | TA / Petro | Sheetz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Pay | $12–$22/hr | $13–$24/hr | $13–$18/hr | $14–$18/hr |
| Weekly Pay | Yes (all hourly) | Yes (most locations) | Bi-weekly | Bi-weekly |
| 401(k) Match | 5% match | 5% match | Varies | Varies |
| Maternity Leave | 6 weeks paid | Yes (amount varies) | Limited | Yes |
| Paternity Leave | 2 weeks paid | Yes (amount varies) | No | Yes |
| Glassdoor Rating | 3.6/5.0 | 3.2/5.0 | 3.1/5.0 | 3.9/5.0 |
| US Locations | 670+ | 823+ | 280+ | 700+ |
| Food Discount | 50% off Love’s items | Free meals (hourly) | Discount | Meals on shift |
Why Apply to Love’s?
- Highest-rated travel center employer: 3.6/5.0 Glassdoor — 0.4 points above Pilot Flying J and 0.5 above TravelCenters of America
- Weekly pay for all hourly workers: Company-wide consistent policy, not location-by-location
- Outstanding paid leave: 6 weeks maternity + 2 weeks paternity paid leave — among the best in convenience/travel center retail
- 10 days vacation + 4 personal + 4 sick: More generous PTO than most retail employers
- 50% off Love’s-made food: Real daily savings on coffee, sandwiches, and hot foods
- Family-owned culture: Tom Love’s founding values of respect and inclusion remain central to how Love’s operates today
- Veteran-friendly: Love’s is deeply committed to hiring and supporting military veterans
Love’s Application Requirements
Basic requirements: Most positions require applicants to be 18. Food service roles (Subway, Arby’s, Chester’s) are open at 16. Fuel desk roles require 21+ at locations selling alcohol. No prior travel center experience required — Love’s trains all new hires on the job.
- Minimum age: 16 for food service; 18 for most travel stop roles; 21 for positions involving alcohol/tobacco at some locations
- Work authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the US; I-9 documents at hire
- Education: No requirements for entry-level positions
- Physical requirements: Standing 4–8 hours, lifting up to 30 lbs; fuel desk and truck care roles involve outdoor work in all weather
- Availability: 24/7 operation; overnight and weekend availability improves hiring prospects
- Background check: Required for all positions
- Relocation willingness: Asked for management-track applicants; not required for entry-level store roles
Love’s Interview Process
What to expect: Love’s interviews are conversational, 20–30 minutes, typically with the General Manager or Department Head at the location. 76.7% of candidates rate the interview experience positively — the highest of any major travel center chain. Focus is on attitude, availability, and alignment with Love’s people-first values.
Common Interview Questions at Love’s
- “Why do you want to work at Love’s?”
- “What does excellent customer service look like to you?”
- “Tell me about a time you resolved a difficult situation with a customer.”
- “Are you comfortable working overnight shifts and weekends?”
- “Would you be open to relocating for a promotion opportunity in the future?”
- “What are your career goals? Where do you want to be in 2 years?”
- “How do you handle working independently during a slow overnight shift?”
Interview Tips for Love’s
- Research Love’s family ownership story — mentioning Tom Love’s founding values shows you’ve done your homework
- Express genuine interest in serving professional truck drivers and road travelers — Love’s culture centers on taking care of its customers
- Show broad availability and emphasize reliability — consistent schedule coverage matters deeply at 24/7 operations
- If you’re military or a veteran, mention it — Love’s has a strong veteran hiring commitment and it will resonate with managers
- Ask about the “Road to Success” program — it signals career ambition and knowledge of Love’s structure
Benefits: Part-Time vs. Full-Time at Love’s
Benefits overview: Love’s offers one of the strongest benefit packages in the travel center industry. The standout features are weekly pay for all hourly workers, 6-week paid maternity leave, 10 days vacation from year one, and 50% off Love’s-made food. Health insurance costs $30–$200/month depending on coverage level — competitive for the sector.
Part-Time Benefits (Under 30 hrs/week)
- 10% off all store items
- 50% off Love’s-made food (sandwiches, coffee, hot foods)
- Free meals on major holidays
- Weekly pay
- Flexible scheduling
- Free brand training and certification
Eligibility: Discounts and weekly pay from day one
Full-Time Benefits (30+ hrs/week)
- All part-time benefits +
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance ($30–$200/mo)
- 401(k) with up to 5% company match
- 10 days vacation + 4 personal + 4 sick days per year
- 6 weeks paid maternity leave
- 2 weeks paid paternity leave
- Life insurance
- Tuition and training reimbursement
Eligibility: Health insurance after 90 days; vacation after first year
Additional Perks at Love’s
| Benefit | Part-Time | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Pay | Yes | Yes |
| 10% Store Discount | Yes | Yes |
| 50% Off Love’s Food | Yes | Yes |
| Health Insurance | No | Yes (after 90 days) |
| 401(k) 5% Match | No | Yes |
| 10 Days Vacation | No | Yes |
| 6 Wks Maternity Leave | No | Yes (paid) |
| Tuition Reimbursement | No | Yes |
Is Love’s Travel Stops a Good Place to Work?
Employee verdict: Love’s holds the highest Glassdoor rating of any major travel center operator at 3.6/5.0 from 4,165+ reviews. 66% of employees would recommend working there. Employees praise the weekly pay, food discounts, management culture, and the family-owned feel. The main critiques are starting pay levels and occasional understaffing at high-traffic locations.
What Employees Say
Pros
- “Weekly pay is huge — I love knowing exactly when money hits my account”
- “50% off food saves me more money than you’d think — I basically eat free at work”
- “Management actually cares about people; the family-ownership shows in how they treat employees”
- “Promoted from cashier to shift lead to assistant manager in 18 months”
- “Veteran-friendly for real — they put their money where their mouth is on that”
Cons
- “Starting pay at cashier is lower than Pilot Flying J for equivalent roles”
- “High-traffic interstates can get very busy with minimal staff”
- “Overnight shifts are challenging when it’s just one or two people on”
- “Some locations are older facilities with more maintenance demands”
Overall Assessment
Love’s Travel Stops is the top-rated travel center employer in the country and an excellent choice for:
- Workers who value family-ownership culture and a people-first management approach
- Parents who need strong paid maternity/paternity leave (rare in this industry)
- Veterans — Love’s has deep, demonstrated commitment to veteran employment and advancement
- Workers seeking weekly pay and meaningful food discounts
- Those wanting a structured career path (Road to Success) from cashier to store management
Best for: Reliability-focused workers, parents, veterans, and career-minded workers who want the best employee satisfaction score in the travel center industry.
Less ideal for: Those who prioritize the absolute highest starting hourly rate (Pilot Flying J’s fuel desk pays more); those outside Love’s 42-state footprint.
Related Convenience Store Job Application Guides
- All Convenience Store Job Applications: Hub Guide
- Pilot Flying J Application Guide
- Casey’s General Stores Application Guide
- Sheetz Application Guide
- QuikTrip Application Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Love’s Applications
What states does Love’s Travel Stops operate in?
Love’s operates 670+ locations across 42 states, with the heaviest concentration in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and the Southeast. Love’s is present on most major Interstate corridors and continues expanding by 30+ new locations per year. The company does not have significant presence in New England or the Pacific Northwest.
What age do you have to be to work at Love’s?
The minimum age is 16 for food service roles (Subway, Arby’s, Chester’s Chicken) at Love’s travel stops. Most other positions, including cashier and overnight roles, require applicants to be 18. Some fuel desk and truck care positions require age 21 at locations that sell alcohol or operate heavy equipment. Confirm the specific requirement for the position you’re applying to at your local Love’s.
Is Love’s Travel Stops still family-owned?
Yes. Love’s Travel Stops was founded in 1964 by Tom Love and remains privately held by the Love family. This family ownership is one of the defining features of Love’s culture — the company is not subject to quarterly earnings pressure from public shareholders, which allows it to invest more consistently in employee programs, benefits, and customer experience. The current leadership team includes family members who continue Tom Love’s founding vision of respect, inclusion, and quality service.
What is Love’s “Road to Success” program?
Love’s “Road to Success” is a structured career development pathway that outlines the advancement track from entry-level associate to store management. The program defines clear performance milestones, pay increases, and training requirements at each level: Sales Associate → Team Leader → Assistant General Manager → General Manager → Area Manager. Love’s promotes heavily from within — most of its General Managers and Area Managers started in entry-level roles.
Does Love’s Travel Stops offer weekly pay?
Yes. All hourly employees at Love’s Travel Stops receive weekly pay — this is a company-wide policy, not a location-specific option. It’s one of the most consistently mentioned benefits in Love’s employee reviews. Corporate and salaried employees typically receive bi-weekly pay. Confirm your specific pay schedule during onboarding.
Does Love’s have a Truck Care Academy?
Yes. Love’s Truck Care Academy is an accelerated training program for tire technicians and diesel mechanics. It’s designed to bring new hires with minimal experience up to skilled technician status. Completing the Truck Care Academy qualifies employees for higher-paying truck care roles (starting $18–$25/hr) and opens a separate career track toward Service Manager and Fleet Services leadership positions. Ask about the Truck Care Academy during your interview if you’re interested in the mechanical/technical path.
How does Love’s paid maternity and paternity leave work?
Love’s offers 6 weeks of paid maternity leave and 2 weeks of paid paternity leave for qualifying full-time employees — among the most generous leave policies in convenience retail and travel centers. These benefits are available after the standard eligibility period for full-time employees. The paid leave is separate from any FMLA entitlement, and Love’s encourages employees to use both. Confirm current eligibility requirements with HR during your onboarding.
How do Love’s employee food discounts work?
Love’s employees receive 10% off all store merchandise and 50% off Love’s-made food items (sandwiches, breakfast items, hot foods, coffee) during working hours. Additionally, Love’s provides free meals to employees on major holidays. The 50% food discount is particularly valuable at travel stops with full kitchen operations — employees who eat a meal or two per shift effectively save $6–$15 per day in food costs.
Current Love’s Travel Stops Job Openings Near You
Browse available positions or visit Love’s Careers to search by state, city, or zip. New positions are posted as Love’s continues expanding its 670+ location network.
| Position | Category | Shift | Pay (Estimated) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate / Cashier | Travel Stop | Full-Time, Days | $12.00–$14.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Fuel Desk Associate | Travel Stop | Full-Time, Evenings | $18.00–$22.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Food Service Associate | Restaurant (Subway/Arby’s) | Part-Time, Days | $12.00–$14.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Overnight Associate | Travel Stop | Full-Time, Overnight | $13.00–$15.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Tire Technician | Truck Care | Full-Time, Days | $18.00–$24.00/hr | Apply Now |
Note: Positions and pay rates are representative. Visit jobs.loves.com for current openings near you. With 670+ locations in 42 states and 30+ new locations opening annually, openings are available throughout the country.
About This Guide: Researched and written by the Online Job Applications editorial team and last updated April 2025. Information is based on Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores career resources, Glassdoor reviews (4,165+ ratings), Indeed salary data, and Love’s careers portal. Pay rates and benefits reflect 2024–2025 data and may vary by location. Verify current details with your local Love’s during the application process.