The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced the rollout of its Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS), a technology-driven program designed to provide drivers with real-time updates and predictive insights on parking availability at rest areas and weigh stations along I-5. Drivers can use the system to plan their stops as far as four hours in advance.

“This helps ensure that truck drivers can find safe parking and that existing truck parking spaces are used to their full capacity,” the agency said in its announcement. WSDOT added that about 75% of truck drivers in Washington struggle to locate safe parking at least once per week, underscoring the importance of the new system.

A Collaborative Effort

The development of TPIMS was made possible through a partnership with the University of Washington’s STAR Lab, along with Drivewyze and ParkerTruck. Drivers can access the parking details either through in-cab displays or mobile apps, making it easier to find reliable spaces while staying on schedule.

For those looking to tap into the system, both vendor websites provide clear instructions on how to get started.

Where It’s Available Now

As of September, TPIMS is active at several key locations along I-5, including:

• Gee Creek Rest Areas (northbound at milepost 11 and southbound at milepost 12)
• Maytown Rest Area (milepost 93)
• Fort Lewis Weigh Station (milepost 117)
• SeaTac Weigh Station (milepost 140)
• Smokey Point Rest Areas (northbound and southbound, milepost 207)
• Custer Rest Areas (northbound at milepost 267 and southbound at milepost 269)

By the end of September, the Toutle River Rest Area (northbound, milepost 54) and the Ridgefield Weigh Station (milepost 15) will also be added. WSDOT plans to expand the system to additional I-5 locations through 2026.

A Call for Driver Feedback

WSDOT is encouraging truck drivers to help shape the program by filling out a short online survey. Feedback will play a key role in refining the system as it grows. Drivers can also subscribe through the agency’s website for email updates on future truck parking initiatives.

Federal Support Behind the Project

Funding for TPIMS comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program, backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

By connecting technology with the daily challenges truckers face, Washington state is working to improve safety, reduce stress, and maximize parking resources along one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors.

Source: The Trucker

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The FMCSA announced in a recent notice, set to be published in the Federal Register on Friday, June 20, that it has granted the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) a six-month provisional renewal of this exemption. This temporary renewal is scheduled to remain in effect until December 17, 2025, during which the public will have the opportunity to submit feedback on whether the exemption should be extended through 2030.

The SC&RA is a prominent international trade group with over 1,400 members across 46 countries. This exemption applies to truck drivers working for all specialized carriers transporting oversize loads that require permits issued by state or local authorities.

Safety Implications of the 30-Minute Rest Break Rule

The FMCSA acknowledged the SC&RA’s concerns regarding the rest break rule’s unique challenges for oversize and overweight loads.

“According to SC&RA, the 30-minute break uniquely affects oversize/overweight loads and has exacerbated the number of instances in which drivers have had to park these loads at roadside, consequently impacting the safety of both the general public and the driver,” the FMCSA stated in their notice.

Additionally, SC&RA pointed out that scheduling conflicts often arise between the limitations of state and local permits, which regulate the days and hours oversize loads can be transported, and the federally mandated 30-minute rest break.

A History of the Exemption

The FMCSA first granted this exemption to SC&RA in 2015 for a five-year term. The exemption was renewed in 2020 for another five years.

How to Share Your Feedback

Once FMCSA’s notice is officially published in the Federal Register, individuals and organizations will have 30 days to provide their comments on the exemption request. Those interested in participating can submit their feedback via Regulations.gov by entering Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0420.

Unless evidence suggests that the exemption compromises safety, it is expected to be renewed for a longer term. The notice highlights that a lack of this exemption, combined with the national shortage of truck parking, would likely result in oversize loads being forced to stop on highway shoulders, where portions of the load may extend into traffic lanes.

Addressing Roadside Parking Risks

SC&RA emphasizes that such situations pose a significant safety hazard.

“No matter how well marked, trucks parked at roadside, especially at night, are too often mistaken for moving vehicles and struck, frequently with fatal consequences, before an inattentive driver can correct his or her mistake,” the organization stated.

For more details and updates on this exemption, visit Regulations.gov or stay tuned for official publications from FMCSA.

Source: Land Line

The post Truck Drivers with Oversize Loads to Retain Rest Break Exemption appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This study is part of the TechCelerate Now program, a project funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The TechCelerate Now team comprises industry-leading organizations including ATRI, ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council, and the OOIDA Foundation.

According to a statement from ATRI, the research aims to better understand the opportunities and challenges surrounding advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the trucking industry. To achieve this, the research team is conducting a survey to gather insights from motor carriers. The survey focuses on identifying the use of advanced safety technologies and uncovering perspectives on several topics, such as truck driver acceptance of the systems, maintenance and repair challenges, and the safety benefits these technologies provide.

The survey, designed to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, is hosted on the newly launched TechCelerate Now website. The website also offers extensive details about the program and will soon feature the TechCelerate Now “Return on Investment” calculator. This tool will allow carriers to gain tailored insights into the cost-benefit analysis specific to their operations and fleet, ATRI stated.

To participate in the survey, visit the TechCelebrateNow website.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ATRI

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