From burgers cooked on engines to air fryer lobster tails, see how long-haul truckers creatively and affordably cook on the road with limited meal options

Grace KayMar 6, 2022, 20:34 IST

Close up of a trucker driving while his trucking partner is using a laptop and eating.Getty

Truckers can spend weeks living on the road and a lack of infrastructure has left many without affordable dining options.
Insider spoke with two truck drivers who explained how they cook gourmet meals on the road.

A lack of trucking infrastructure means it's typically too expensive for truckers to eat out while on the road.

A truck pulls into the Pilot Flying J truck stop in North Stonington, CT on July 21, 2020.Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

In the past, truckers would have barbecue get-togethers and potlucks on the road.

Beef steaks cooking on grillGetty

Before air fryers and Keurigs made it easier for truckers to make food on the go, drivers would cook on their engine.

Mechanic Repair Semi Truck Diesel EngineGetty

Today, a trucker's cooking options are more modern, but not less creative.

Kitchen in a semi truck cabCourtesy of Derek Rogers

Rogers typically spends about 10 days out on the road per trip. On New Year's Day, he cooked himself a meal of lobster tails, shrimp, and steak from the cab of his truck.

Rogers often cooks steak and seafood on the roadCourtesy of Derek Rogers

Rogers typically spends about 10 days out on the road per trip. On New Year's Day, he cooked himself a meal of lobster tails, shrimp, and steak from the cab of his truck.

"It's all about having the right supplies," Bennett told Insider.

Bennett's 12-volt lunch boxCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Many long-haul trucks come with a microwave.

Fish spring rolls and veggiesCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Rogers said that sometimes the trick is to have the meals cook in the back of the cab as you drive.

Chicken vegetable stewCourtesy of Derek Rogers

However, cooking in a semi-truck is a careful balancing act. Rogers told Insider that even loading his fridge before a trip can be a "game of Tetris."

Roger's fridge on his truckCourtesy of Derek Rogers

Breakfast is often optional on the road.

Bennett's coffee set upCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Lunch is often whatever is fast or easy to whip up.

Bennett cooks french toast in her cabCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Bennett said ready-made food can be a trucker's best friend, but calls it taking "the lazy way out."

Pancake on-the-goCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Rogers said lunch on-the-go can be as simple as slapping some sauce, vegetables, and cheese on pita bread and putting it in the air fryer.

Home-made pizza on pita breadCourtesy of Derek Rogers

It can be difficult for truckers to eat healthy on the road.

Healthy sidesCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Dinner is often the biggest meal of the day for truckers.

Ribs with jalapeños out of the air fryerCourtesy of Derek Rogers

"As you cook you have to keep in mind how you'll clean it up," Bennett told Insider.

A dishwashing stationCourtesy of Trish Bennett

Rogers said he uses his Keurig to heat up water and cleans his dishes in a plastic tub.

Dishwashing stationCourtesy of Derek Rogers

Ultimately, eating on the road requires lots of planning ahead.

Leftover chicken tenders, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and jalapeño poppers.Courtesy of Derek Rogers

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From burgers cooked on engines to air fryer lobster tails, see how long-haul truckers creatively and affordably cook on the road with limited meal options

A lack of trucking infrastructure means it's typically too expensive for truckers to eat out while on the road.

In the past, truckers would have barbecue get-togethers and potlucks on the road.

Before air fryers and Keurigs made it easier for truckers to make food on the go, drivers would cook on their engine.

Today, a trucker's cooking options are more modern, but not less creative.

Rogers typically spends about 10 days out on the road per trip. On New Year's Day, he cooked himself a meal of lobster tails, shrimp, and steak from the cab of his truck.

"It's all about having the right supplies," Bennett told Insider.

Many long-haul trucks come with a microwave.

Rogers said that sometimes the trick is to have the meals cook in the back of the cab as you drive.

However, cooking in a semi-truck is a careful balancing act. Rogers told Insider that even loading his fridge before a trip can be a "game of Tetris."

Breakfast is often optional on the road.

Lunch is often whatever is fast or easy to whip up.

Bennett said ready-made food can be a trucker's best friend, but calls it taking "the lazy way out."

Rogers said lunch on-the-go can be as simple as slapping some sauce, vegetables, and cheese on pita bread and putting it in the air fryer.

It can be difficult for truckers to eat healthy on the road.

Dinner is often the biggest meal of the day for truckers.

"As you cook you have to keep in mind how you'll clean it up," Bennett told Insider.

Rogers said he uses his Keurig to heat up water and cleans his dishes in a plastic tub.

Ultimately, eating on the road requires lots of planning ahead.