Bipartisan Bill Aims to Expand Safe Truck Parking Across the U.S.
Washington D.C. — A new legislative initiative, introduced by U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Angie Craig (D-MN), seeks to significantly increase designated parking spaces for commercial trucks, addressing a long-standing issue that has troubled truckers for decades.
Safe Parking Sorely Needed
The shortage of available truck parking has become increasingly problematic as the number of trucks on the road has surged, with only one parking spot available for every eleven trucks. Consequently, drivers waste an average of one hour each day searching for parking.
“I grew up in a family trucking business,” Bost noted. “I know firsthand how difficult, and often dangerous, it can be when America’s truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park. By expanding access to parking options for truckers, we are making our roads safer for all commuters and ensuring that goods and supplies are shipped to market efficiently. This is a matter of public safety for everyone; I’m committed to doing all I can to drive this legislation over the finish line.”
Craig echoed this sentiment, stating, “Truck drivers keep our nation’s supply chains moving, and they should never be forced to forgo much-needed rest due to insufficient highway parking. Increasing rest spot availability means a safer and more efficient road for truck drivers and everyday commuters alike, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle on this critical issue.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) emphasizes that drivers require safe places to rest in order to operate effectively on America’s roadways. Parking trucks on highway shoulders, ramps, vacant lots, and side streets creates immediate safety hazards for both truck drivers and other roadway users. The time wasted in searching for safe parking leads to delays in delivering goods, ultimately slowing the supply chain and increasing costs for consumers.
The proposed Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act aims to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to create new truck parking spaces. Funding would be allocated on a competitive basis, requiring applicants to submit detailed proposals to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The primary focus will be on constructing new parking facilities and converting existing weigh stations and rest areas into usable spaces for truck drivers.
This initiative is long overdue, and 1Truck America 🇺🇸 supports this bill in the hopes of providing drivers with more safe parking options.
