The update gives drivers and fleets the ability to book overnight and longer-term parking at participating locations across North America. It also adds a paid reservation option to a platform already used by more than 1 million drivers for parking information, route planning, and real-time updates.

Chris Oliver, chief marketing officer at Trucker Path, said the company will continue adding locations until the network reaches national coverage.

App Adds Booking Option to Existing Parking Tools

Trucker Path has long offered drivers parking information built from real-time user reports and crowd-sourced availability updates.

The new reservation network adds another option. Drivers can still use the app to search for free parking availability, but they can also reserve paid parking in advance when they want more certainty before the end of a shift.

The company said the reservable network includes professionally managed locations and is designed for both overnight and longer-term parking.

Parking Search Time Remains a Costly Problem

The update comes as drivers continue to struggle with limited truck parking in many parts of the country.

Trucker Path said parking availability is estimated at one space for every 11 trucks on the road. The company also cited American Transportation Research Institute data showing drivers spend about 56 minutes per day searching for parking.

That lost time can add up to six or seven hours per week, reducing productivity and adding pressure near the end of a driver’s available hours.

Oliver said the average reservation cost is about $20 and argued that recovering roughly 50 minutes of drive time can offset that cost.

Predictive Data Will Support Parking Reservations

Trucker Path said the reservation tool will be supported by predictive analytics based on historical parking use and time-of-day patterns.

That means the app is intended to do more than show a list of parking locations. The company says the data will help drivers identify bookable parking options before they reach a stop.

The added certainty may be especially useful in busy freight markets, unfamiliar routes, or areas where legal parking regularly fills up before the end of the day.

Security And Yard Utilization Are Part of the Pitch

Trucker Path also pointed to safety and cargo security as reasons for expanding reservable parking. Oliver said freight is increasingly targeted during unsecured dwell times, and reserved parking can help drivers and fleets plan stops at managed locations.

The company also said the program can benefit parking providers. Cody Horchak, CEO of Realize Mobility, said reserved parking through Trucker Path has helped the company better monetize yard space while improving utilization and customer predictability.

What Drivers Can Take from the Expansion

The new parking network does not eliminate the truck parking shortage, but it does give drivers another option inside an app many already use.

Drivers who prefer free parking can continue using Trucker Path’s existing parking availability tools. Drivers who want a guaranteed space can now reserve parking directly through the app at participating locations.

As the network grows, the biggest impact may be planning. More reservable spaces could help drivers spend less time hunting for parking late in the day and more time deciding where a stop fits into the rest of the trip.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 8, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Trucker Path Adds 50,000 Reservable Parking Spots for Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For more than a decade, parking has remained one of the most persistent problems tied to freight movement. Lost time searching for a safe place to stop cuts into productivity and adds pressure to already tight schedules. The issue has also been linked to serious safety concerns when drivers are left with no option but to park in unsafe or unauthorized locations.

Longstanding Problem With No Quick Fix

The scale of the problem has drawn attention at the highest levels. The National Transportation Safety Board took the unusual step of backing legislative action after investigating a fatal crash involving a truck parked along a highway shoulder.

“It appears that essentially the same obstacles we were facing two decades ago are the same obstacles we’re facing today,” NTSB member Thomas Chapman said. “It’s a funding issue. I’m guessing in some respects, it might be more than funding. It could be available space, but this is a problem that has been around for a long time, and it’s only getting worse.”

Funding Moves Forward but Gaps Remain

A federal spending package signed in February included $200 million dedicated to expanding truck parking. While that investment marks progress, it does not come close to solving the shortage on its own.

Beyond funding, another challenge continues to slow expansion efforts. Many communities and local decision makers still do not fully understand how truck parking impacts safety, freight efficiency, and local economies. Even when awareness exists, projects can face resistance at the local level.

New Study Aims to Quantify the Impact

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is now preparing a study designed to put hard data behind what drivers already experience on the road.

On April 6, the agency published a notice in the Federal Register requesting input for a study focused on measuring the real world benefits of adding truck parking capacity.

According to FMCSA, “there is a lack of research on the actual precise monetary benefits of new truck parking spaces.” The goal is to build a clearer picture that can support future decisions and funding efforts.

What Drivers Will Be Asked

The study will gather detailed input on how parking shortages affect daily operations. Drivers will be asked about how often and how long they:

• Park in unauthorized locations
• Shut down early to secure a spot
• Leave planned routes to find parking
• Push hours of service limits while searching for space

This level of detail is intended to capture the real cost of the issue, from lost time to safety risks. The results will be combined with other research to help guide where new parking should be built and how those projects are presented to local communities.

Why Participation Matters

The effectiveness of the study depends on how much real world input it receives. Data collected from drivers will shape how the issue is understood by policymakers, planners, and private investors.

Public comments on how the study will be conducted are due May 6. To submit a comment, click here or go to Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0787.

A Chance to Influence What Comes Next

Parking shortages are not new, and neither are the challenges tied to solving them. What may change is how the issue is documented and presented moving forward.

By contributing feedback, drivers have an opportunity to put real experiences into the data being used to guide future decisions.

The post Federal Push to Address Truck Parking Shortage Turns to Driver Input appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The study is titled “Quantifying the Benefits of Creating New Truck Parking Spaces” and will gather about one thousand completed surveys from drivers. The goal is to better understand what the parking shortage costs in real terms and what improvements would actually deliver measurable benefits.

FMCSA pointed out that driver parking has stayed at the top of the industry concern list for years. In the American Transportation Research Institute’s reports, parking reached the number two spot in 2023 and 2024 and moved to the number four spot this year. Drivers have repeatedly told the industry how serious the shortage is, and now FMCSA wants data that reflects exactly how much impact the problem creates.

The agency also acknowledged that “many government, safety, and industry organizations are working to create more truck parking spaces,” but noted that “there is a lack of research on the actual precise monetary benefits of new truck parking spaces.” The benefits the agency wants to measure include:

• Decreasing carriers’ costs
  • Increasing drivers ‘ well-being
  • Reducing the number of crashes

FMCSA explained that past surveys never captured certain data with enough accuracy. According to the notice, researchers still need strong national statistics showing how often drivers do the following:

• Park in unauthorized areas
  • Shut down early to secure a legal space
  • Leave their routes searching for parking
  • Run past hours of service limits trying to find parking

The agency says the new survey results will be paired with other research to help estimate the full value of creating additional parking in different regions. The goal is to support decision-making among both public and private groups that determine where new parking should be built.

FMCSA also outlined several questions it hopes this study will help answer, including:

• How many trucks park in authorized and unauthorized spots per day across the country
  • What methods offer the most cost-effective way to increase capacity
  • Which truck parking information systems do drivers rely on most
  • How many drivers use reservations, paid parking, or other parking services on a routine basis

Several thousand drivers from different parts of the industry will receive the online survey, which takes about twenty-five minutes to complete. FMCSA expects roughly one thousand usable responses.

The agency is requesting feedback on its plan for the survey, including whether the survey is necessary, how it could be improved, and ways to ensure the collected information is clear and useful. Comments can be submitted for sixty days at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA 2025 0787.

For now, the study is moving forward, and FMCSA says it wants real insight from working drivers. With parking continuing to shape daily schedules and trip planning, many drivers may welcome the chance to weigh in directly on an issue that affects them every single day.

Source: Overdrive

The post FMCSA Wants Drivers to Weigh In as New Parking Study Moves Forward appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Addressing the Nationwide Parking Shortage

The ongoing shortage of truck parking affects drivers everywhere. Some states have stepped up to ease this problem. For instance, Minnesota has funded expanded parking areas along key highways. Georgia’s freight plan similarly emphasizes the need to increase truck stops and secure rest areas. These projects aim to provide safer resting options and reduce illegal parking, which creates hazards.

Important Regulations by State

Regulations vary widely from state to state. New Jersey is exploring laws that would require large warehouses to offer dedicated truck parking, limiting the overflow of trucks into neighborhoods. In New York City, parking rules are stricter, with higher penalties for trucks parked illegally. Washington State is investing in more parking along its busiest interstate routes, combining government and private sector involvement. Ohio focuses on improving security at existing rest stops by adding cameras and lighting to protect drivers.

Managing Parking in High-Demand Regions

Urban areas and freight hubs commonly face parking shortages that require close attention to local rules. In Texas, many towns restrict truck parking on public streets, urging drivers to use designated rest areas. California’s San Joaquin Valley suffers from slow progress toward new parking facilities, forcing drivers to be creative and cautious with parking choices. Regular use of official maps, apps, and GPS services can save time and reduce enforcement risks.

How Drivers Can Make Smarter Parking Decisions

• Always plan your stops, prioritizing rest areas designed for trucks.
• Regularly check your state’s transportation websites for current parking rules and new facility openings.
• Use real-time parking apps with driver reviews to find available and safe spots.
• Be mindful of city ordinances to avoid fines or towing.
• Share knowledge and support initiatives for more truck parking investment.

Looking Ahead to Better Parking Solutions

Federal funds through infrastructure programs are helping states improve truck parking. Still, this issue requires ongoing coordination between government agencies, industry groups, and drivers. Until that gap closes, being informed about local regulations and relying on trusted resources will help drivers avoid common parking pitfalls.

Taking the time to understand parking regulations and options by state allows truckers to better manage a complex part of their work routine. Staying safe and compliant ensures a steadier rest and more productive driving days.

The post Navigating Truck Parking Challenges: State-Specific Tips for Finding Safe and Legal Spots appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Whether operating a company truck, a leased truck, or owning a truck, National Carriers appreciates these three outstanding delivery experts,” said Ed Kentner, director of media at NCI. Each has an exceptional safety record and puts the motoring public’s well-being at the forefront of all they do. Together, these men uphold the high standards of the ‘Elite’ fleet.”

The newly announced finalists are Rafael Murillo, Willie Grady III, and Bernard Talimeliyor. Each earned the title of Driver of the Month for May, June, and July, along with a $1,000 bonus. They now join the running for NCI’s Driver of the Year, which includes a $10,000 award to be presented in March 2026.

Rafael Murillo – May Driver of the Month

Based in Liberal, Kansas, owner-operator Rafael Murillo hauls freight in NCI’s national refrigerated fleet. Murillo first joined the company as a student driver and worked his way up, excelling behind the wheel while earning a reputation for exceptional customer service. After gaining experience as a company driver, he advanced to become an owner-operator, a role where he continues to thrive.

Willie Grady III – June Driver of the Month

Willie Grady III, of Keene, Texas, was recognized in June for his consistent performance as a lease operator. Since joining NCI in 2020, Grady has built a strong track record delivering across the Midwest and Southern states. With a reputation for reliability, strong safety standards, and a positive attitude, he is admired by colleagues and customers alike.

Bernard Talimeliyor – July Driver of the Month

Operating a company truck in the national refrigerated division, Bernard Talimeliyor has also secured a finalist spot. A retired U.S. Army veteran originally from the South Pacific island of Yap, Talimeliyor now lives in Irving, Texas. His cross-country hauls keep frozen goods moving safely and efficiently coast to coast, reflecting the professionalism that NCI celebrates.

These three drivers join a growing list of finalists announced earlier this year, with the ultimate Driver of the Year honor still to come. NCI’s recognition program highlights the company’s commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, and the individuals who keep freight moving nationwide.

Image Source: NCI reveals the latest finalists for 2025 Driver of the Year. From left, Bernard Talimeliyor, Rafael Murillo, and Willie Grady III.
Source: The Trucker

The post National Carriers Adds Three More Finalists for 2025 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Through its Public Truck Parking Driver Survey, ATRI is collaborating with departments of transportation in every state to identify effective strategies for increasing parking availability at public rest areas and other state-managed facilities.

The survey, which consists of 12 concise questions, invites truckers to provide input on various approaches states are using to address parking issues. These include:

• Implementation of parking information systems

• Repurposing state-owned properties for parking

• Strategies for parking during adverse weather conditions

The findings from the survey will culminate in a report evaluating how states are currently addressing truck parking needs. It will also showcase the most effective practices for expanding parking options at public rest areas.

Dan Murray, ATRI’s Senior Vice President, emphasized the importance of driver feedback in tackling the truck parking shortage.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t make any sense to ask anyone but a truck driver what is needed to improve truck parking,” Murray shared with Land Line. “This particular ATRI survey is focused exclusively on truck parking at public rest areas. There are only 40,000 truck parking spaces at public rest areas in the U.S., based on driver feedback. States should probably double that number.”

The ongoing issue of inadequate truck parking has consistently ranked as a top concern within the industry. According to ATRI’s 2024 Top Industry Issues report, the shortage of available parking stood as the second-highest overall concern and has remained the number one issue for drivers for several years.

“On ATRI’s annual Top Industry Issues report, ‘truck parking’ has been the No. 1 issue for truck drivers in four of the last five reports,” Murray explained. “We’re hoping that real-world data can address the problem and finally move truck parking down the list.”

Truck drivers can participate in the Public Truck Parking Driver Survey and make their voices heard by completing it online here.

Source: Land Line

The post Survey Seeks Trucker Input on Parking Challenges at Public Rest Areas appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.