A new bill aimed at improving transportation safety by expanding access to truck parking has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan effort seeks to address a long-standing concern within the freight industry—insufficient parking capacity for commercial truck drivers. The issue of truck parking has been a persistent challenge, impacting driver safety, supply chain efficiency, and overall roadway operations.
Legislative Framework and Objectives
The latest version of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, sponsored by Representatives Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.), is designed to assist state agencies by facilitating funding for maintaining and expanding truck parking operations. Representative Bost, who has personal experience in the trucking industry, emphasized the importance of safe and accessible parking, stating that the bill aims to make roads safer for all commuters while ensuring efficient freight movement. Representative Craig echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need to provide truck drivers with adequate rest areas to promote both safety and supply chain efficiency.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Allocation of $755 million in competitive grants over several years to support truck parking expansion.
- Direct assistance to state transportation agencies to increase parking capacity and enhance existing infrastructure.
- Support for public-private partnerships to develop truck parking solutions.
Industry and Legislative Support
Co-lead sponsors of the bill include Representatives Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), both members of the House transportation panel. The legislation has been referred to a committee for consideration, though a date has not yet been scheduled for further deliberation. Additionally, a companion bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate, signaling a growing recognition of the issue’s significance at the federal level.
In previous congressional sessions, similar versions of this bill were introduced but failed to reach the president’s desk for enactment. However, with increasing advocacy and growing bipartisan recognition of the truck parking crisis, stakeholders remain optimistic about the bill’s chances of passage in the current legislative cycle.
Growing Industry Concerns
The bill has garnered strong support from key industry stakeholders who recognize the critical need for expanded parking solutions. American Trucking Associations (ATA) President Chris Spear emphasized the importance of ensuring safe parking for truck drivers, stating that a lack of available parking poses risks not only to truckers but also to the general public. He urged congressional action to provide a viable solution to this growing concern.
Tiffany Neuman, Vice President of Public Affairs at Natso, a trade association representing truck stops and travel centers, reinforced the industry’s commitment to supporting professional drivers by offering safe rest areas. She noted that truck stops and travel centers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of drivers while keeping the supply chain running smoothly.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) ranked inadequate truck parking as the second most critical issue facing the trucking industry in 2024. According to ATRI, a dedicated federal funding source for truck parking has yet to be established, forcing states to seek resources through various U.S. Department of Transportation infrastructure investment programs.
The Urgency of the Issue
The current truck parking shortage is severe, with data from ATA indicating that there is only one available parking space for every eleven drivers. This scarcity forces many truckers to park in unsafe or unauthorized locations, increasing risks of accidents, cargo theft, and driver fatigue. Addressing this shortage is not only a matter of convenience but a crucial public safety issue.
Without proper parking, drivers are often compelled to continue operating past their mandated Hours of Service (HOS) limits or park in hazardous locations, such as highway shoulders, exit ramps, or vacant lots. Such conditions elevate the likelihood of roadway incidents and contribute to inefficient freight movement, further straining the nation’s supply chain.
Moving Forward
As lawmakers consider this latest legislative proposal, the trucking industry and its advocates continue to emphasize the importance of expanding parking infrastructure to enhance safety, improve supply chain efficiency, and support the well-being of professional drivers. The bill’s progress through Congress will be closely monitored by stakeholders invested in the future of transportation safety.
If enacted, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act could mark a significant step toward addressing one of the most pressing logistical and safety concerns in the transportation sector today. The continued advocacy from industry professionals, policymakers, and safety experts highlights the necessity of immediate action to support the nation’s truck drivers and ensure the smooth operation of America’s freight system.