ATA Hails $200M for Truck Parking in House Appropriations Package

Truck Parking Cited in House Appropriations Bill

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says a House spending package includes $200 million for truck parking, along with several other provisions affecting the trucking industry. The funding is part of the FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.

In a news release, ATA said the bill contains multiple trucking-related items. However, the largest funding provision highlighted is the $200 million set aside for truck parking expansion. They said the funding is meant to address safety and infrastructure challenges tied to the national shortage of parking for commercial drivers.

$200 Million Set Aside for Truck Parking Expansion

The appropriations package directs $200 million toward truck parking projects across the country. The funding would support the construction of new truck parking facilities and the expansion of existing sites.

ATA pointed to data from the U.S. DOT showing that 98% of truck drivers regularly struggle to find safe parking. The group also cited research from the ATRI that found drivers can lose nearly one hour of drive time each day searching for a legal parking space.

According to the release, the truck parking funding builds on earlier federal efforts, including projects supported under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. ATA said those earlier grants have already funded the construction of approximately 2,000 new truck parking spaces nationwide.

The bill credits House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack of Arkansas for including the truck parking funding in the measure.

Why Truck Parking Is a Central Issue in the Bill

The release describes truck parking as one of the most urgent infrastructure challenges facing the trucking industry. The organization said the lack of safe and legal parking creates risks for drivers and the traveling public.

Drivers who cannot find parking are often forced to park on highway shoulders or ramps, which increases crash risks. Others may drive past their legal hours to reach a truck stop, which raises concerns about fatigue and compliance with federal hours-of-service rules.

Other Trucking Provisions in the Appropriations Package

While truck parking is the main funding item highlighted by ATA, the group said the bill also includes several other trucking-related provisions:

• Directs the U.S. DOT to prepare a report and strategy to combat cargo theft
• Calls for studies on distracted and impaired driving, including a review of technologies that could measure marijuana impairment
• Requests an update on efforts to create a national framework for autonomous vehicles
• Requires a study on congestion pricing and its effects on traffic, safety, emissions, and finances
• Strengthens oversight of the Training Provider Registry for commercial driver training programs
• Directs a review of the enforcement of English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers

Bill Still Moving Through Congress

At the time of ATA’s release, the House of Representatives was expected to vote on the THUD appropriations bill. If approved by the House, the measure would move to the Senate for consideration.

Both chambers would need to agree on a final version before the bill could be sent to the president for approval. Until that process is complete, the $200 million for truck parking cited by ATA and the other provisions remain proposals.

For now, ATA’s statement reflects the industry group’s interpretation of what is included in the House funding package, based on the language available to lawmakers during the appropriations process.