Truck Parking Shortage: New ATRI Research Shows It's Truly Dire

Truck Parking Shortage Gets National Attention

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released new research focused on truck parking at public rest areas. The report was created in partnership with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Truck parking continues to be one of the most serious issues in the industry. It’s estimated that there is only one parking spot for every 11 truck drivers. This shortage creates problems with safety, scheduling, and delays in deliveries.

Rest Area Truck Parking Numbers Vary by Region

A total of 47 state Departments of Transportation responded to ATRI’s survey. They reported 1,784 public rest areas. Of those, 1,598 had at least one truck parking spot.

The average state has 662 public rest area parking spaces. Florida leads the way with 2,100. Alaska has the fewest, with only 70.

Rest areas in the South offer the most truck parking per location. They average 25 spaces per rest area. The Northeast has the fewest, averaging only 15. Part of the reason is that northeastern states are more urban and have less land available.

Land Is Hard to Find for New Truck Parking Spots

Only 26% of states reported buying land for truck parking in the past ten years. The top three challenges were a lack of funding, pushback from nearby communities, and difficulty finding good land.

In one case, Virginia canceled a proposed rest area project after strong local opposition. People living nearby were concerned about noise, safety, and the cost of construction.

To avoid these issues, many states are reusing existing public land. About 64% of states have looked into turning weigh stations, park-and-ride lots, or old welcome centers into truck parking spots.

Building New Truck Parking Is Expensive

Truck parking is not cheap to build. On average, one parking space costs about $113,000. That’s almost $20,000 more than the median cost, which is $93,500.

Design sizes vary by state, but the typical truck parking spot is around 83 feet long and 13 feet wide. Some states also build parking for oversized or overweight trucks. Florida has the most, with 89 spaces for extra-large vehicles.

Most of these larger spots are not marked with lines. This allows flexibility for different truck types.

How States Pay for New Truck Parking Projects

Most states rely on both federal and state funds to build truck parking. Some use only state dollars. Others use only federal grants.

Still, 84% of states do not have a dedicated budget just for commercial vehicle parking. Instead, they apply for grant money when they can.

Since 2022, nearly $752 million in federal grants have gone to truck parking projects. This money has created over 2,000 new parking spots across the country. Some of it has also gone toward safety upgrades and technology tools.

In one large project, Florida received $180 million to add 917 new truck parking spots.

Rest Area Maintenance Budgets Vary Widely

Rest area upkeep also costs money. The average annual budget for maintenance is $8.9 million per state. The median budget is $5 million. On average, states spend about $215,000 per rest area each year.

Most states use only state money to keep rest areas clean and safe. Only one state reported using only federal dollars for this purpose.

What Amenities Matter Most to Drivers

ATRI asked drivers what they look for when picking a parking spot. The top three features were:

• Close to their route
• Restroom access
• Available parking

Rest areas usually have basic features. These include restrooms, lighting, trash bins, vending machines, and pet relief areas. But not all rest areas are the same. Some states offer more than others.

Amenities like walking trails, dump stations, and 24-hour security are rare. Only 19% of states provide round-the-clock security. This is a concern for many drivers. In fact, 88% of drivers said they felt unsafe while parked sometime in the last year.

Improving Safety at Rest Areas

Lighting is the most common safety feature. It’s available at 93% of public rest areas. Cameras and fences are also common.

Eight states offer 24-hour security in at least one location. These include Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Montana, and Mississippi.

Many states are also working to fight human trafficking. They hang signs, pass out information, and train staff to watch for warning signs.

States Explore New Ways to Add Truck Parking

Some states are working with businesses to create new parking options. These public-private partnerships (PPPs) allow states to save money while giving drivers safe places to park.

Minnesota partnered with a private company to build a rest area with truck parking. Colorado is looking into letting drivers park at shopping centers during bad weather. The state would maintain the lots, and stores would benefit from new customers.

Insurance company Geico has worked with states like Virginia and North Carolina to set up “Safe Phone Zones.” These rest areas are promoted as safe places to stop and use a phone. Geico pays for part of the upkeep in exchange for branding rights.

Using Technology to Guide Drivers

Some states are using truck parking information systems (TPIMS). These tools show real-time parking availability. A new multi-state system is rolling out in California, Oregon, and Washington.

ATRI also created a public dashboard. It shows each state’s truck parking data, including how many spaces they have, what amenities are available, and what safety features are in place.

Small Steps Toward a Big Solution

Truck parking at public rest areas is still far from where it needs to be. But states are working on it. They’re applying for grants, reusing land, and testing new ideas. Federal funding is helping too.

As more states focus on safety, technology, and partnerships, drivers may begin to see improvements. For now, the need for more public truck parking remains urgent—but this report shows progress is possible.