New Wawa Travel Center to Be First of Its Kind Along I-95 NC
Wawa opens its first truck stop in NC along I-95, offering diesel lanes, free truck parking, a CAT Scale, and fresh food for professional drivers.
dayileyvasAugust 13, 20252 Mins read2.2k
First Wawa Truck Stop Opens in North Carolina This Month
A New Destination for Truck Drivers
The first-ever Wawa truck stop is opening on August 28, 2025, in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Located just off a major I-95 corridor, this 8,397-square-foot facility is built with professional drivers in mind. It combines the well-known company’s food and convenience options with amenities designed for the trucking community, including free truck parking at this location.
Wawa Grand Opening Plans
The celebration begins at 8:00 a.m. with giveaways, free coffee, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00 a.m. The first 250 visitors will receive free t-shirts. Wally Goose, the company mascot, will greet guests and join drivers for a ceremonial “honk.” The event will also feature the “Hoagies for Heroes” tradition to honor local heroes. Free hot coffee will be available for all guests through August 31.
Features That Set This Wawa Truck Stop Apart
This new truck stop offers much more than a standard convenience store. Drivers will find:
Six high-speed diesel fueling lanes for quick turnarounds.
A CAT Scale to handle weigh-ins without leaving the route.
Free tractor-trailer parking, available on a first-come basis.
A pet relief area for those traveling with animals.
Both indoor and outdoor seating for comfortable breaks.
Why Wawa Center Matters for Truck Drivers
The travel center format addresses several pain points for professional drivers. Free parking reduces costs and eliminates the stress of hunting for overnight spaces. High-speed diesel lanes improve fueling efficiency, and the on-site CAT Scale means no extra miles to find a weigh station. The location’s design also allows for easier maneuvering of large rigs.
Prime Location for Freight Traffic
Hope Mills sits in a busy freight corridor in southeastern North Carolina. Being close to I-95 gives the new Wawa truck stop a strategic advantage. It is positioned to serve long-haul truckers, regional carriers, and local delivery fleets. This location also offers a midway stop for drivers traveling between major East Coast markets.
Wawa’s Bigger Plan
The launch of the first travel center is part of a much larger investment in North Carolina. Wawa plans to open more travel centers and traditional stores across the state over the next few years. The company sees this as a long-term strategy to serve both everyday motorists and the professional trucking industry.
A New Player in the Truck Stop Market
For decades, national chains have been the primary players in the truck stop market. Wawa’s entry adds another option for drivers and may encourage other operators to review their services. The new truck stop format focuses on combining convenience retail with features for professional drivers.
What Drivers Should Watch
Parking policies after the grand-opening period.
Fuel prices and rewards programs compared to other stops on I-95.
Potential expansion of truck-friendly services, such as maintenance bays or electric truck charging, in the future.
Bottom Line
The first Wawa truck stop adds another option for refueling and taking a break along I-95. Its location and driver-focused features, such as free truck parking and on-site weighing, could make it a convenient stop for some drivers. Over time, its performance may help show how Wawa fits into the trucking services market.
