A new welcome center along eastbound Interstate 64 is now open, adding 60 truck parking spaces in Posey County. The Black River Welcome Center officially opened on March 26 near mile marker 7, giving drivers another option in a region where parking can fill up fast.

A new stop with more room to park

The facility isn’t just about adding spaces. It also includes recreation areas and a dog park, offering a more complete stop for drivers needing a break after long hours on the road.

Along eastbound I-64, especially through the lower part of the state, this adds a much-needed buffer when hours are running tight.

“INDOT is committed to providing safe, informative environments where travelers can rest and recharge through our rest area and welcome center improvement plan,” Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Lyndsay Quist said. “Giving motorists a place to take a break is just another way INDOT is working to make our roadways safer.”

Part of a larger statewide push

This new location is one piece of a broader effort across Indiana. The state plans to upgrade or build out 21 rest areas and welcome centers by 2034.

More than $600 million in federal funding is backing those improvements, covering everything from new buildings to expanded parking capacity.

“The new Black River Welcome Center showcases the very best of Indiana, our history, our hospitality, and our commitment to serving travelers,” said Gov. Mike Braun.

The bigger issue: truck parking nationwide

Even with projects like this, the parking shortage remains a daily challenge across the country. Adding 60 spaces helps locally, but it’s a small step compared to the overall demand.

Earlier this month, the National Coalition on Truck Parking met to discuss where things stand on funding and long-term planning.

“We understand truck drivers are responsible for keeping our economy moving,” Sean McMaster, FHWA Administrator, said during the meeting. “Safety is our number one priority. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is designed to improve truckers’ lives. FHWA will continue to facilitate truck parking workshops.”

Industry groups, including OOIDA, continue pushing for stronger investment. One proposal on the table would dedicate $755 million specifically to expanding truck parking nationwide.

“The $200 million is a great start, and we have an opportunity to build on that success,” Bryce Mongeon, director of legislative affairs for the Association, said. “We’ll continue to push for this.”

What it means

An extra 60 spaces may not solve the larger issue, but it does provide immediate relief along a busy corridor. Parking may still be tight, but every added space counts when the clock is running.

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Crowley, known for its maritime, energy, and logistics operations, is expanding its long-standing partnership with Wreaths Across America by adding new regions, providing additional transportation support, and increasing sponsorships. The company isn’t just writing checks — they’re handling ocean transport, land transport, warehousing, and coordination to make sure wreaths reach thousands of veterans’ gravesites with precision and respect.

A big change this year is Crowley’s expanded reach into the U.S. Virgin Islands. Wreaths destined for St. Thomas and St. Croix will now move through Crowley’s ocean shipping network and finish their journey via trucking and warehousing handled by Crowley teams. For many veterans buried there, it’s the first time wreaths will arrive through this coordinated effort.

On top of that, Crowley plans to deliver thousands of wreaths to 15 cemeteries, including Jacksonville and locations throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. The company is also sponsoring wreaths for sites in Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The goal is simple: show respect to veterans no matter where they’re laid to rest.

Crowley first partnered with Wreaths Across America back in 2019 after stepping in to resolve a supply chain challenge, making sure wreaths could be transported to Puerto Rico on time. That moment kick-started a long-term relationship built around service and logistics expertise.

Phil Shook, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Land Transportation Services, shared how much the effort means to the company: “Crowley greatly values the opportunity to honor veterans with Wreaths Across America. Hundreds of our employees volunteer each year, and our operations teams take special pride in providing the logistics services to deliver wreaths from Alaska to the Caribbean,” he said. “It’s a privilege to support this mission because we deeply value the immeasurable contributions of our veterans and active-duty service members. Our partnership with Wreaths Across America reflects our values and our commitment to using logistics for the greater good.”

For drivers across the industry, efforts like this are a reminder of how the trucking community continues to play a major role in honoring and supporting veterans. Whether it’s moving freight, connecting communities, or delivering something as meaningful as a wreath, trucks keep the mission going.

Image Source: Crowley, Commercial Carrier Journal

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Crowley Expands Its Wreaths Across America Mission, Reaching More Veterans Than Ever appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The emergency declaration, which dates back to October, was initially renewed on November 8. The latest extension accommodates the specific requests from each state, with the new expiration dates as follows:

• Florida: December 2

• Georgia: December 11

• North Carolina: December 26

• Tennessee: December 26

This extension primarily benefits those involved in transporting essential supplies or operating utility service vehicles to restore critical services. Importantly, drivers providing direct assistance to hurricane recovery efforts are eligible for the relief, regardless of their trip’s origin.

Restrictions and Updates on Travel

Several roads in western North Carolina and Tennessee remain restricted to essential travel only. Additionally, vehicles longer than 30 feet are still prohibited on some routes.

While major road construction projects in North Carolina are paused for the Thanksgiving weekend, portions of key highways like Interstate 26 and Interstate 40 are still closed. Drivers planning trips in the area should proceed with caution.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, has forecast potential snow accumulations and freezing conditions over the weekend, adding further challenges to travel in these regions.

Need Assistance?

For updates on road closures, routing assistance, or emergency declarations by state, the FMCSA has detailed resources available on its website.

Stay safe and informed as recovery efforts continue.

Source: Land Line

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