In June, Congress announced plans to allocate $200 million specifically for truck parking through the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee’s funding bill. This initiative, known as HR 9028, was scheduled for a House vote on July 12. The bill directs the Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide competitive grants to enhance public parking for commercial vehicles and improve driver safety.
Truck Parking Funding and Eligibility
Eligible entities for these grants include states, metropolitan planning organizations, tribal authorities, and local governments. These funds must be used for projects on federal-aid highways or locations with reasonable access to such routes or freight facilities.
The USDOT will evaluate grant applications based on several key criteria:
- The extent of commercial vehicle parking shortages in the project’s corridor.
- Consultation with motor carriers, drivers, public safety officials, and parking providers.
- The potential impact on parking availability, freight efficiency, highway safety, traffic, and air quality.
- The demonstrated capability of the entity to maintain and operate the facility.
Addressing Trucking Industry Concerns
Beyond truck parking, the House funding bill also addresses other trucking industry concerns. It reinforces the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program and opposes a California waiver that could disrupt uniform meal and rest break regulations. Additionally, the bill aims to restrict the Federal Highway Administration from introducing greenhouse gas emissions performance measures and prevent congestion tolling initiatives, such as New York City’s suspended plan.
The Urgent Need for Truck Parking
For decades, the trucking sector has faced a shortage of safe parking. A USDOT study found that 98% of truck drivers regularly struggle to find safe parking spaces. Research by the American Transportation Research Institute indicates that this shortage results in an average loss of 56 minutes of driving time per day, leading to annual wage losses of $6,813 per driver.
The new truck parking investment builds on progress made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already funded the creation of approximately 2,000 truck parking spaces. Hailey Betham, a government affairs manager at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), emphasizes the group’s focus on government efforts in this area.
Future Legislative Efforts: Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act
In addition to the June funding proposal, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is advancing through Congress. If enacted, it could allocate $755 million over three years for parking expansion. “Currently, there are many variations of the truck parking bill,” Betham explained. “We have The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (HR 2367 and S 1034), which we hope to see more movement, as the Senate bill currently resides in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and we are actively trying to garner more co-sponsors to see more movement.”
Betham noted that the Senate’s version of the funding bill lacks this provision but expressed hope for similar allocations in future revisions. “If we see the $200 million towards truck parking projects in both FY25 THUD funding bills, this will be a victory for our industry as it is a step forward to seeing more movement for HR 2367 and S 1034,” she noted.
Impact on the Trucking Industry
This legislation could have a significant impact on the trucking industry. “The need for truck parking is not just important, it’s urgent,” Betham emphasized. “An increase in truck parking will not only prevent road accidents but also provide safety for our nation’s drivers, especially our women drivers. Drivers will be protected in an area with accessible restrooms and lighting, free from fear even when they sleep through the night.”
Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, echoed Betham’s sentiments, supporting the initiatives to expand parking capacity. “The severe shortage of truck parking places an enormous burden on truck drivers, who often don’t know if they will be able to find a safe place to sleep when they finish their shift,” Spear said. “This significant investment to expand parking capacity would help alleviate stress on truck drivers, move freight more efficiently, and make the roadways safer for all motorists.”
Spear also expressed gratitude to the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee members for prioritizing this funding, specifically acknowledging Congressman Womack’s pivotal role in securing the provision.
Source: The Trucker
