According to a recent survey conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association there are 313,000 truck parking spaces in the country. That is estimated at one spot for every 11 truck drivers.
Out of multiple surveys done in the past three years, truck parking has been identified as the industry's number one problem.
Parking for truck drivers is especially challenging around metropolitan areas where denser populations have created higher demand for truck deliveries. Residents of these areas are ordering the goods being delivered by truck, however they are reluctant to provide the necessary space needed for parking for these truckers. The residents are also putting political pressure on their local governments, making it challenging to ease the burdens of limiting construction to allow additional parking.
Solutions from Commercial Truck Stops
One of the most common places for truck parking is at commercial truck stops. Some of these commercial stops, such as Pilot, are taking steps to modernize and ease the process for drivers. It was identified by drivers that amenities such as showers and restrooms, plus added food options and the ability to get in and out quickly, to including parking.
TravelCenters of America (TA) is also making efforts to ease processes and allow for more parking. TA is introducing a reserved parking program, Reserve-It, allows drivers to reserve about 16% of the more than 48,500 truck parking spaces it provides. Spots can be reserved through the TruckSmart app.
Other truck stops are making efforts for drivers to have access to more convenience and more parking spaces.
Solutions from the USDOT
The U.S. Department of Transportation has been awarded funding for a $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will go towards expanding truck parking around the nation.
The USDOT has expressed a commitment to continue to facilitate access to parking for the women and men operating commercial vehicles.
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