The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has been focused on truck parking. In an effort to help draw attention to truck parking solutions, the U.S. DOT created a truck parking handbook.
Recently, the U.S. DOT brought together trucking industry, state and federal leaders to discuss the national truck parking shortage at the National Coalition of Truck Parking meeting. This coalition has what is called ‘Truck Parking Working Groups’ whose purpose is to share best practices and create products to disseminate information on truck parking issues identified during regional meetings.
Truck Parking Handbook
The federal department created a truck parking handbook for states that details strategies for developing truck parking and best practices for maintaining parking. At the National Coalition of Truck Parking meeting, officials discussed ways for new and expanded funding resources for truck parking along U.S. freight corridors. Creating a stable and safe trucking workforce that also offers good-paying jobs to truck drivers, was discussed.
You can read the truck parking handbook, here.
Additionally, the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) President and CEO, Chris Spear, was happy with the commitment Secretary Buttigieg and the administration was putting together for America’s professional truck drivers. “This issue is imperative for both highway safety and supply chain efficiency, and we look forward to continued partnership with U.S. DOT as it works to ensure IIJA funds continue flowing toward this urgent need,” Spear stated.
Reflecting on the Concerns of Drivers and Industry Partners
ATA and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association told the U.S. DOT that 98% of drivers report problems finding safe parking – costing drivers more than 56 minutes of drive time to find a parking spot, FleetOwner reports.
When it comes to truck parking, back in September the U.S. DOT announced investments to help expand the parking capacity on the interstate system through the INFRA program. Some of the investments included $15 million to add 120 new truck parking spaces along Interstate 4 “Disney corridor” in Florida, and a $22.6 million investment to add 125 spaces along I-40 just east of Nashville, Tennessee.
Furthermore, the U.S. DOT has also updated guidance on the sources of federal funding that are eligible for states interested in making further investments in truck parking. This means that states and other government entities are able to apply for grants or prioritize formula funding for capacity projects from over $47.4 billion in eight programs, a federal memorandum reports.
Looking Ahead
As always, we will continue to provide updates on the latest in the industry throughout the year and beyond. Should you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today!
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