Trucking in the Lehigh Valley: A Driver's Guide to Routes, Weigh Stations & Diesel Repair in Allentown, PA

The Lehigh Valley sits at a critical crossroads of American commerce. With I-78 connecting New York City to Harrisburg, the PA Turnpike (I-476) running north-south, and US-22 cutting through the heart of the region, millions of trucks pass through Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton every year. Whether you're a local fleet operator, an owner-operator based in eastern Pennsylvania, or a long-haul driver passing through, this guide covers everything you need to know about trucking in our region - from routes and weigh stations to finding reliable diesel repair when you need it.

Major Trucking Routes Through the Lehigh Valley

Understanding the Lehigh Valley's highway network helps you plan efficient routes and know where services are available:

Interstate 78 (I-78)

The backbone of Lehigh Valley trucking, I-78 runs 77 miles across Pennsylvania, connecting the New Jersey border near Phillipsburg to I-81 near Harrisburg. This is one of the busiest freight corridors in the Northeast, carrying trucks between the Port of Newark, the Lehigh Valley's massive warehouse district, and points west.

Key exits for truckers: Exit 49 (PA-100) for the Fogelsville warehouse district, Exit 54 (PA-309) for Allentown services, Exit 57 (Airport Road) near our shop, and Exit 67 (PA-412) for Bethlehem.

PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476)

Connecting Philadelphia to I-80 and the Poconos, I-476 intersects with I-78 near Allentown. This toll road is heavily used for north-south freight movement. The Allentown service plaza at mile marker 56 offers fuel, food, and basic truck services.

US Route 22

Running parallel to I-78 through the valley, US-22 serves as an alternative route and provides access to local businesses. It's the main commercial corridor through Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Expect more traffic signals and slower speeds, but useful for local deliveries and accessing services off the interstate.

Route 33

Connecting I-78 at Bethlehem to I-80 in the Poconos, Route 33 provides a toll-free alternative to the Turnpike for north-south travel. It passes through the Northampton County distribution center area near Wind Gap.

Pennsylvania Weigh Stations Near Allentown (Locations & Hours)

Pennsylvania State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Division operates weigh stations throughout the region. Here's what you need to know:

Fogelsville Weigh Station (I-78 Westbound)

Located at mile marker 49 on I-78 westbound, this is the primary inspection station for trucks heading from New Jersey into the Lehigh Valley. PrePass and Drivewyze enrolled trucks may receive bypass signals, but compliance history matters - trucks with recent violations should expect to be called in.

Typical hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM, though enforcement can occur anytime. The station is often open during peak freight hours (Tuesday-Thursday).

Mahoning Valley Weigh Station (I-476 Southbound)

Located on the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike, this station catches southbound traffic heading toward Philadelphia. Similar hours to Fogelsville with variable scheduling.

Portable Enforcement

Pennsylvania conducts roadside inspections using portable scales throughout the Lehigh Valley. Common locations include US-22 near Easton, PA-33 rest areas, and I-78 rest stops. These can happen anytime and anywhere - the best preparation is keeping your truck and paperwork in compliance at all times.

For a complete breakdown of what inspectors check, see our DOT inspection checklist.

Truck-Friendly Rest Stops and Parking

Finding legal, safe parking is one of the biggest challenges for truckers in the Northeast. Here are your best options in the Lehigh Valley:

Travel Centers

• Pilot Travel Center (Breinigsville) - Exit 49B off I-78, 100+ truck parking spaces, full services
• Love's Travel Stop (Allentown) - Exit 54 off I-78, truck parking, DEF, scales
• TA Truck Stop (Bloomsbury, NJ) - Just across the border on I-78 eastbound, large lot, full service
• Flying J (Carlisle) - About an hour west on I-78/I-81, major stopping point

Rest Areas

• I-78 Eastbound Rest Area (mile marker 39) - Basic facilities, limited truck parking, fills up quickly
• I-78 Westbound Rest Area (mile marker 60) - Similar facilities, often crowded after 6 PM
• PA Turnpike Allentown Service Plaza - Food, fuel, limited overnight parking

Parking Tips

The Lehigh Valley's massive distribution center industry means parking fills up fast, especially near the Fogelsville warehouse corridor. Plan to arrive before 6 PM if you need overnight parking. The truck stops near Exit 49 fill first due to their proximity to shipper facilities.

Local DOT Enforcement: What We've Seen

After years of serving truckers in this area, we have a good sense of what Pennsylvania enforcement focuses on:

Frequent Violation Areas

• Brakes - Air brake adjustment and brake component condition are heavily scrutinized. Out-of-adjustment brakes are one of the most common OOS (out-of-service) violations we see.
• Hours of Service - ELD compliance is strictly enforced. Make sure your logs are current and accurate.
• Lights and Reflectors - Burned-out marker lights and missing reflectors generate easy citations. Do a walk-around before every trip.
• Tires - Tread depth and inflation are checked frequently. Pennsylvania winters are hard on tires.
• Cargo Securement - Particularly on flatbeds and hazmat loads. Inspectors know what to look for.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter brings increased attention to tire chains (required when posted on mountain grades), defrosting equipment, and brake performance in cold weather. Our winterization checklist covers everything you need.

Summer means more agricultural loads passing through and increased attention to cargo securement for flatbeds. Heat-related tire blowouts also increase, so check your tire pressure.

Where to Get Diesel Repairs in the Lehigh Valley

When you need service in the Allentown area, you have options. Here's what to consider:

National Chains vs. Local Shops

The truck stops on I-78 have service bays staffed by major chains. These can handle basic maintenance and common repairs, but they often have long wait times, higher prices, and may not have specialized diagnostic equipment for your particular truck.

Local independent shops like ours often provide faster service, more competitive pricing, and technicians who specialize in the makes you're running. We've invested in factory-level diagnostic tools for all major brands because that's what it takes to properly service today's trucks.

About Innovative Truck Services

We're located at 2340 Schoenersville Rd in Allentown - about 3 miles from I-78 Exit 57 (Airport Road). Our shop serves owner-operators and fleets throughout the Lehigh Valley with:

• Engine Diagnostics - Full system diagnostics for all major makes with OEM-level scanners
• Preventive Maintenance - Oil changes, filters, fluid services, inspections
• DOT Inspections - Annual inspections and pre-trip check-overs
• Brakes & Suspension - Air brake service, adjustment, drums, suspension repair
• Transmission & Drivetrain - Clutch, transmission, differential service
• Electrical Systems - Starters, alternators, wiring, lighting

We work on Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, Mack, International, Western Star, and more. Same-day service available for most repairs.

After-Hours & Mobile Repair Coverage

Breakdowns don't wait for business hours. Our mobile roadside service operates 24/7 throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

Mobile Service Coverage Area

We provide mobile diesel repair within approximately 30 miles of Allentown, covering:

• I-78 corridor from Fogelsville to the New Jersey border
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension from Quakertown to the Lehigh Tunnel
• US-22 through Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton
• Route 33 corridor
• Local roads throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties

Common Roadside Repairs

Our mobile unit can handle many issues on-site, including:

• Air system leaks and brake repairs
• Electrical troubleshooting and repair
• Fuel system issues
• DEF system problems
• Starting and charging system repair
• Cooling system repairs
• Light and marker replacement for DOT compliance

After-hours dispatch: 484-477-8251

For a complete list of roadside repairs we perform, see our article on mobile diesel repairs we can complete in 90 minutes.

Fleet Services for Lehigh Valley Companies

The Lehigh Valley is home to major distribution centers for Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and dozens of regional carriers. We work with local fleets of all sizes to keep trucks on the road:

Fleet Programs We Offer

• Preventive Maintenance Programs - Scheduled service intervals customized to your operation and mileage
• Priority Scheduling - Fleet accounts get priority service to minimize downtime
• Direct Billing - Simplified accounting for multi-truck operations
• DOT Compliance Management - We track inspection schedules and keep your fleet legal
• Detailed Service Records - Complete documentation for your maintenance files

Whether you run 3 trucks or 30, we can build a maintenance program that fits your needs and budget. Contact us to discuss fleet services.

Contact Innovative Truck Services

When you need diesel repair in the Lehigh Valley, we're here to help - whether you're a local fleet, an owner-operator based in the area, or a driver passing through on I-78.

Shop Location

Innovative Truck Services
2340 Schoenersville Rd
Allentown, PA 18109

From I-78: Take Exit 57 (Airport Road). Head south on Airport Road, then turn right on Schoenersville Road. We're about a mile down on the left.

Contact Information

• Main Line: 610-419-1247
• After-Hours Roadside: 484-477-8251
• Email: info@innovativetruckservices.com

Hours

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed (mobile roadside available 24/7)

Book an appointment online or call us directly. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments help us serve you faster.

See our full list of diesel repair services or learn more about our shop.