Addressing the Truck Parking Crisis: Calls for More Action and Funding
Our articles may contain affiliate linksLast week, an event in South Dakota, led by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, highlighted $80 million in grants, including funding for approximately a dozen new truck parking spots along Interstate 90.
During the event, Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., acknowledged the progress but emphasized the need for more widespread expansion of physical truck parking facilities nationwide.
Bost's comments were made during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing titled "Oversight of the Department of Transportation’s Policies and Programs," with Buttigieg as the sole witness. Bost used this opportunity to advocate for a greater focus on creating additional truck parking spaces rather than relying solely on technology to inform truck drivers about available spots.
The truck parking shortage issue across the nation has been well-documented. The 2019 Jason's Law Report revealed that 98% of drivers regularly face difficulties finding safe parking. According to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the American Trucking Associations, there is only one truck parking space for every 11 truckers nationwide.
Bost criticized the allocation of funding towards information technology systems at truck stops instead of increasing parking capacity. In response, Buttigieg explained that the DOT is working on both expanding physical parking availability by adding new spaces and improving the efficiency of existing parking facilities.
Buttigieg clarified that when the DOT invests in IT projects, it aims to address the shortage of parking spaces and provide drivers with better access to information about parking availability.
Bost argued that informing truck drivers about the lack of parking spots isn't as beneficial as actually increasing the number of available spaces.
Additionally, Bost is the lead sponsor of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill that proposes allocating $755 million over three years for the construction of new parking spots. Notably, the bill stipulates that any projects funded by it cannot involve paid parking and must be publicly accessible and free of charge. Rep. Wiley Nickel, D-N.C., also voiced support for this bill, bringing the total number of co-sponsors to 36.
Start your dispatching carrier from the comfort of your home
Highlights of the article
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg led an event in South Dakota to announce $80 million in grants for truck parking.
- Rep. Mike Bost emphasized the need for more physical truck parking spots nationwide.
- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing on DOT's policies and programs.
- Bost advocated for prioritizing the creation of parking spaces over technology.
- Truck parking shortages are a documented issue, with 98% of drivers facing problems finding parking.
- Bost leads the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, aiming to allocate $755 million for parking construction.
- The bill mandates free, publicly accessible parking without paid options.
- Rep. Wiley Nickel voiced support for the bipartisan bill, bringing co-sponsorship to 36.
I always strive to provide my subscribers with valuable resources and tools to help them succeed in the trucking industry. Here are some of the latest offerings that we have available:
Ready to Dispatch Course 🚚
Are you a beginner or experienced dispatcher looking to start your own dispatching business or find more loads for your owner-operators? Our Ready to Dispatch course is the perfect resource for you. We cover everything from finding clients and booking loads to dispatching software and compliance. Join now and start your journey toward becoming a successful dispatcher.
RTS Factoring and Fuel Discounts ⛽︎
We've partnered with RTS Financial to offer our subscribers an exclusive deal on factoring services. When you sign up through our link, you'll receive the first 90 days of factoring for free. This can help you improve your cash flow and grow your business. Sign up today to take advantage of this special offer.
DAT Load Board 📊
As a carrier or dispatcher, finding the right loads can be a challenge. That's why we've partnered with DAT to offer our subscribers 30 days of free access to their load board when they sign up through our link. With DAT, you can find the loads for your business, manage your operations, and stay ahead of the competition. Sign up now to take advantage of this special offer.
Loadconnect Emailing Chrome Extension 👩🏽💻
Email brokers with one click of a button, directly from the DAT loadboard posting. Brokers will get an email asking about that specific load in a matter of a couple of seconds. Use code NEVERSTOPTRUCKING for 10% off. Click here to see it in action.
