ATRI Truck Parking Survey Hopes To Identify Best Practices

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has launched a new survey. It focuses on one of the biggest issues in trucking— truck parking. ATRI is working with all 50 state Departments of Transportation to gather data. Their goal is to improve access to safe parking across the country.

Truck parking shortages have been a serious challenge for years. Many drivers struggle to find legal spots, forcing them to park in unsafe areas. This issue puts both truckers and other motorists at risk. The ATRI survey aims to collect information that can help create better solutions.

Key Areas Covered in the ATRI Truck Parking Survey

The survey focuses on three main topics:

• Truck Parking Information Systems (TPIMS)
• Repurposing State-Owned Facilities for Parking
• Parking Challenges During Severe Weather

Each of these issues affects truck drivers in different ways. ATRI is asking for feedback from drivers to help shape future parking policies.

How TPIMS Can Help Drivers Find Truck Parking

Truck Parking Information Systems (TPIMS) provide real-time updates on available spaces. These systems use highway signs, mobile apps, and state websites to help drivers locate parking. Some states, such as Florida, Illinois, and Iowa, have already implemented TPIMS.

The survey asks drivers to share their experiences with these systems. It includes questions about:

• Whether they have seen TPIMS signs
• If they use TPIMS to find parking
• How accurate they believe the parking information is
• Whether TPIMS has reduced the need for trucks to park on ramps and shoulders

If TPIMS proves useful, more states may adopt the technology. They may also improve existing systems to give drivers better access to real-time parking data.

Turning State-Owned Land into Truck Parking

The parking shortage has led some states to repurpose government-owned properties. These locations can serve as additional truck parking areas.

ATRI is collecting feedback to see if these facilities are helpful. The survey asks drivers about:

• How often they use these locations
• If they feel safe parking there
• Whether they find the locations easy to access

If the results are positive, more states may consider turning unused land into truck parking spots. This could be a quick and effective way to ease the parking shortage.

Truck Parking Challenges During Bad Weather

Severe weather makes it even harder for drivers to find safe parking. Snowstorms, heavy rain, and hurricanes can create dangerous conditions. Drivers often struggle to locate parking when they need to stop for safety reasons.

The ATRI survey collects information on:

• How difficult it is to find parking during extreme weather
• Whether state officials provide helpful parking information during storms
• Ideas for improving parking access when weather conditions are poor

Better parking solutions during storms could help prevent accidents. More designated parking spots for emergencies would give drivers a safe place to stop when conditions become dangerous.

Why This Survey Matters to Truck Drivers

The truck parking shortage isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a serious safety risk. Many drivers are forced to park on ramps, shoulders, or in unsafe areas. This increases the chances of accidents. It also puts drivers at risk of cargo theft and other security issues.

The lack of parking also affects driver health and work hours. Searching for parking wastes valuable driving time. It can also cause drivers to exceed their Hours of Service (HOS) limits.

By participating in this survey, truckers can help create real solutions. The feedback they provide will give policymakers a clear understanding of parking challenges.

How ATRI Plans to Use This Data

Once ATRI collects the survey responses, they will analyze the data. The results could help:

• Expand TPIMS nationwide
• Improve the accuracy of parking availability updates
• Increase funding for new truck parking areas
• Convert more state-owned land into parking
• Develop emergency parking options for extreme weather

The survey results may influence new state and federal policies. If enough drivers participate, it could lead to meaningful changes in truck parking across the country.

How Truckers Can Take the Survey

ATRI is asking all truck drivers to complete the survey. It is available online and takes only a few minutes to fill out.

The survey also includes demographic questions. This helps ATRI understand how parking issues affect different types of drivers.

By sharing their experiences, truck drivers can play a key role in shaping better parking solutions.

Looking Ahead

Truck parking remains one of the biggest challenges in the industry. It affects driver safety, productivity, and compliance with regulations.

ATRI’s new survey is a step toward fixing this issue. With enough driver participation, the results could lead to better parking systems, more available spots, and safer conditions during extreme weather.

Truckers who want to take part can find the survey here: ATRI Truck Parking Survey.