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America's Truck Parking Crisis

Identifying the Problem

A chronic, nationwide lack of truck parking is forcing America’s professional truck drivers into an untenable position—either violate federal hours-of-service regulations that mandate rest breaks at specific times, or park in unsafe and unauthorized locations. Ìý

This dire shortage of truck parking has a detrimental impact on drivers’ quality of life, roadway safety, and our supply chain.

Highlighting the Issue

Increasing the supply of truck parking is one ofÌýÂ鶹ÉçÇø’s highest priorities. ÌýWe have repeatedly raised this issue directly with Members of Congress through our Call on Washington program and congressional hearings. ÌýWe have also had in-depth discussions with the Secretary of Transportation and Department of Transportation staff. Ìý

In November 2023, Iowa Motor Truck Association President Brenda Neville testified on behalf of Â鶹ÉçÇø at a Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing on highway safety. Ìý

After explaining the problem in detail and describing its impact on all drivers and the overall industry, Neville shared her perspective as a co-chair of the Women In Motion Advisory Council. ÌýNeville told lawmakers that the parking shortage is particularly hard on female drivers, who cite it as a major barrier to more women joining and staying in the industry. ÌýAdditionally, Neville emphasized the of 18-wheelers being forced to park on highway offramps, side streets, and the shoulder of rest areas. ÌýThis point has been echoed by numerous law enforcement organizations.
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The Â鶹ÉçÇø is appreciative of the Department of Transportation’s responsiveness to the concerns raised by the trucking industry and the agency’s commitment to addressing the dearth of parking. ÌýIn September 2022, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sent a letter to Â鶹ÉçÇø President and CEO Chris Spear pledging the Administration’s support for increasing the availability of safe parking options for America’s professional truck drivers through its Â鶹ÉçÇø Action Plan, grant funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and increased coordination with state departments of transportation and the trucking industry.

Finding the Solution

Thanks to Â鶹ÉçÇø’s persistent advocacy and our champions in Congress and in the Executive Branch, we are finally beginning to see results. Ìý

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act—introduced by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) and Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Illinois) and Angie Craig (D-Minnesota)—would create a $755 million federal grant program dedicated to truck parking expansion.

Â鶹ÉçÇø is also pressing states and the federal government to invest in truck parking using existing funding streams, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. ÌýAs a result, hundreds of new truck parking spaces are being developed nationwide.

In order to sustain this encouraging momentum, Â鶹ÉçÇø sent a letter in November 2023 calling on all 50 state governors to make room for truck parking in their infrastructure spending priorities. ÌýThe letter spelled out the numerous new resources provided by the federal government, including new funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve and expand truck parking facilities.

We’re just getting started. ÌýThe truck parking shortage is a major impediment to our economy, and it puts all road users at risk. ÌýWhen truck drivers have reached the end of their hours of service, they deserve a convenient and safe place to park. ÌýWe will continue to push policymakers to prioritize truck parking projects until they do.
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