Bipartisan Bill Targets Truck Parking Crisis in the US

Bipartisan Bill Reintroduced to Address Truck Parking Shortage

A group of lawmakers has reintroduced a bill to help fix the truck parking shortage in the United States. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act was introduced by Rep. Mike Bost (R-Illinois), along with Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota), Pete Stauber (R-Minnesota), and Salud Carbajal (D-California). The bill aims to provide federal funding to build more parking spaces for truck drivers.

Funding for New Truck Parking Spaces

If passed, the bill would provide $755 million in competitive grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The money would help build new parking lots and expand existing ones. The full text of this version of the bill is not yet available. However, earlier versions focused on adding truck parking at rest stops and key freight routes.

Rep. Bost, who grew up in a trucking family, explained why this bill is important.

“I know firsthand how difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, it can be when America’s truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park,” Bost said. “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 in the most efficient way possible.”

Trucking Industry Supports the Bill

Trucking organizations have been calling for more federal funding for truck parking for years. Many believe the shortage of parking spaces is a serious problem for both truck drivers and other motorists.

Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), called the issue a major concern. He pointed out that there are only enough parking spaces for one out of every 11 truck drivers on the road. This forces truckers to either park in unsafe locations or stop driving earlier than necessary.

A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) study found that 98% of truck drivers struggle to find safe parking on a regular basis. Another study found that 70% of drivers have had to break federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules because they could not find a parking spot in time.

The shortage of parking also costs drivers money. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), truckers spend an average of 56 minutes per day searching for parking. That lost time adds up to about $6,800 per year in lost wages.

Truck Parking Shortage Creates Safety Risks

When truckers cannot find parking, they often have no choice but to stop in unsafe places. Many park on highway ramps or shoulders. This can lead to accidents.

Every year, about 55 fatal crashes happen near highway exits where trucks are parked illegally. A tragic example occurred in Illinois in 2023. A passenger bus crashed into three semi-trucks parked near a rest area entrance ramp. Three people were killed, and 14 others were injured.

There are also risks for truckers who park in remote locations. In 2009, truck driver Jason Rivenburg parked at an abandoned gas station in South Carolina. That night, someone broke into his truck, robbed him of $7, and killed him. His death led to the creation of Jason’s Law, which made truck parking a national priority.

Progress and Next Steps

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in 2021, provided funding for about 2,000 new truck parking spaces. While this was a step forward, many in the industry say it is not nearly enough.

If the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is passed, it would expand parking nationwide. Supporters believe it would make roads safer, improve working conditions for truckers, and help keep the supply chain running smoothly.

The bill now moves forward in Congress. Lawmakers and industry leaders hope it will receive enough support to become law.