Lawmakers seek to create more truck parking spaces with new legislation

Bill mirrors broader proposal providing $755 million to boost available space

Trucking is desperate for more safe parking (Photo: Jim Allen)

Expanding Truck Parking to Improve Safety and Efficiency

Lawmakers have introduced a new bill in the House and Senate, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, to improve safe parking for truck drivers. The bill will provide $755 million over four years through a competitive grant program to expand access to parking options for truckers. The money will be utilized to increase and improve safe parking for truckers, primarily through new facilities or by converting existing weigh stations and rest areas. The legislation is aimed at addressing the chronic issue of truck parking shortages, which exist in every state and is most acute along major freight corridors.

Stand-alone Legislation for Clear Path to Passage

The chances of the bill passing have increased as lawmakers introduced stand-alone legislation that addresses the truck parking issue specifically. The bipartisan House/Senate bills demonstrate broad political support for the effort, and the more focused parking-only bill has a clearer path since it passed the House committee last Congress. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the American Trucking Associations are firmly behind the bills.

Senate's Version: New Funding Eligibility Criteria

The Senate version of the bill, introduced by Sens. Mike Kelly, D-Ariz., and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., in December and reintroduced on Wednesday, establishes new funding eligibility criteria, including considerations for driver safety. The lack of safe parking options is often cited as a deterrent to more women joining the industry. According to Lummis, the people of Wyoming are still feeling the impacts of the supply chain crisis, and unreliable truck parking is another contributing factor.

ATA's Stance: Chronic Issue and National Scope

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) have voiced their support for the bills, asserting that the lack of truck parking capacity has forced 70% of drivers to violate federal hours-of-service rules. Given the chronic nature of this issue and its national scope, ATA President and CEO Chris Spear stated that it is imperative Congress take action to provide dedicated funding to expand commercial truck parking capacity. The bills seek to improve access to safe and adequate parking for commercial motor vehicles, drivers, and passengers.

A Matter of Public Safety

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is a matter of public safety. Expanding access to parking options for truckers will make roads safer for all commuters and ensure that goods and supplies are shipped to market in the most efficient way possible. These bills provide a clear path to passage, ensuring reliable parking options for truckers and easing the burden on consumers.

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