FleetForce Truck Driver Training is rolling out a strategic partnership program that delivers Entry-Level Driver Training directly at employer locations. Instead of sending recruits offsite, fleets can now host instructors, training materials, and compliance systems at their own facilities.

For carriers and private fleets, this approach reduces travel time for trainees while helping companies develop drivers within their own operations.

Training Where the Drivers Already Work

Tra Williams, president and CEO of FleetForce Truck Driver Training, says the idea came from the growing gap between drivers leaving the workforce and those entering it.

“Unfortunately, drivers are leaving the industry faster than we are replacing them,” Williams said during TCA Truckload 2026 in Orlando.

Industry data highlights the scale of the challenge. According to the American Trucking Associations, around 1,200 truck drivers retire each week, while more than 200,000 CDL positions remain open nationwide.

Instead of competing for experienced drivers already working for other fleets, Williams argues companies should focus on developing new drivers from within their existing workforce.

“When companies choose to cannibalize drivers by recruiting from their competitors, they are fishing in a pond that is drying up. This is what I like to call workforce hot potato, and there is a better way,” he said.

Turning Warehouse Workers into CDL Drivers

One strategy gaining attention is promoting employees from within. Workers already employed in warehouses, yards, or logistics operations can transition into driving roles with proper training.

Williams pointed to a partnership FleetForce began with Publix several years ago that focused on developing drivers internally. Over time, the retailer shifted to filling driver positions using employees already working within the company.

The approach can also lower hiring costs for fleets. According to Williams, replacing a warehouse associate or forklift operator is often far less expensive than recruiting a CDL driver with experience.

“There are some additional compounding advantages to this as well,” Williams said. “Internal promotion doesn’t just reduce driver recruiting pressure; it also increases retention and strengthens your culture.”

Training Entry-Level Drivers for the Industry

While internal promotion can help fill some positions, Williams says the industry still needs more people entering trucking for the first time.

He noted that many carriers are already hiring entry-level drivers due to the ongoing shortage.

“If we are serious about solving a 250,000 driver shortfall, while 171 drivers retire every single day, we must stop cannibalizing each other,” Williams said. “The only way we will ever solve this problem is by creating the next generation of drivers together.”

Carriers that recruit new drivers can also support their training through agreements that encourage drivers to remain with the company after earning their CDL.

Addressing Another Driver Concern: Truck Parking

Beyond training, Williams is also working on another issue frequently raised by truck drivers: parking availability.

His company, ParkPro, is partnering with the Amerant Bank Arena, home of the Florida Panthers NHL team, to provide space for up to 200 trucks this summer. The program connects fleets and drivers with underused parking areas at large venues.

The ParkPro platform already includes more than 1,100 partner locations, according to Williams. Drivers can suggest and vote on locations where parking is needed most, which helps determine future expansion.

“Many have onsite security, most have lighting and are surrounded by hotels and restaurants, and all ParkPro hosts sit near interstate access and have massive capacity,” he said.

For drivers and fleet operators alike, programs that expand training opportunities and improve parking access could help address two of the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Accessing Real-Time Parking Data

With the launch of this system, truckers can now view the number of available parking spaces at designated rest areas along I-10. “The parking information is now available on the Arizona Traveler Information website, az511.gov,” stated ADOT in a press release. “It’s part of the Truck Parking Availability System that launched in January with electronic signs alerting truckers to rest area parking spaces ahead. The goal is helping truckers get the rest they need without having to use places that aren’t designated for truck parking.”

How It Works

The $2.8 million Truck Parking Availability System covers rest areas in Ehrenberg and Bouse Wash (eastbound and westbound) near the California border and the Texas Canyon and San Simon rest areas in southeastern Arizona. Equipped with monitoring systems, these rest areas track the availability of parking spaces in real-time.

This invaluable data is then shared through various channels, including electronic highway signs, az511.gov, and third-party platforms geared toward commercial drivers.

A Broader Initiative Across Multiple States

The Truck Parking Availability System is a crucial component of the $13.7 million I-10 Corridor Coalition project. This program links Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas to create safer and more efficient transportation routes for both freight and passenger vehicles. The initiative benefits from a $6.85 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and provides information on over 550 parking spaces across these four states.

Expanding Truck Parking in Arizona

ADOT is also taking steps to address Arizona’s statewide truck parking shortage. “It’s part of a larger ADOT effort to provide more truck parking around the state,” ADOT officials noted. A proposed Statewide Truck Implementation Parking Plan includes $32 million in funding to create 842 additional parking spaces. These include expanded parking at existing rest areas and the development of new parking facilities. Projects include adding 370 spaces at the I-10 Burnt Wells Rest Area near Tonopah, the I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area near Winslow, and a new facility near the I-10 and State Route 186 west of Willcox.

Some progress has already been made; for example, since 2019, truck parking at two rest areas has nearly doubled. The Meteor Crater Rest Area along I-40 saw an addition of 56 spaces, while the Haviland Rest Area west of Kingman gained 38 new spaces.

Addressing the Parking Shortage

The challenges related to inadequate truck parking are significant. A 2020 poll by the I-10 Corridor Coalition revealed that 78% of truck drivers spend more than 30 minutes searching for a safe parking spot. This shortage often forces drivers to park in unsafe or undesignated areas, such as highway shoulders or ramps, increasing risks for truckers and other road users.

ADOT’s efforts aim to reduce these risks by improving real-time parking data access and continuing to invest in infrastructure upgrades that increase available parking.

For more details on the Truck Parking Availability System, visit azdot.gov/tpas, and to learn more about the I-10 Corridor Coalition initiative, check out i10connects.com.

By providing innovative solutions and collaborating with neighboring states, Arizona is setting new standards in addressing truck parking shortages while supporting the safety and efficiency of the nation’s supply chain.

Source: The Trucker

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A Collaborative Effort

This research was conducted in partnership with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), which represents all 50 state Departments of Transportation, as well as those in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Shayne Gill, Program Director for Multimodal Transportation at AASHTO, stated, “State DOTs strive to deliver the most safe, effective, and efficient transportation network possible; as a result, they continue to pursue a wide range of investments that enhance the nation’s multimodal freight system. Addressing truck parking needs across the country is one of those investments crucial to ensuring we maximize the benefits our highway system provides. American quality of life and economic mobility depend in large part on the quality and vibrancy of our transportation infrastructure to connect people as well as goods to their destinations safely. And adequate truck parking is key to ensuring we achieve those goals.”

The Ongoing Truck Parking Shortage

The shortage of truck parking continues to be a major concern for the industry, gaining attention from both federal and state authorities. Current estimates suggest only one truck parking space is available for every 11 truck drivers nationwide.

To better understand the situation, ATRI and AASHTO conducted a survey addressing the costs and requirements associated with creating public truck parking spaces. The research analyzed factors such as land acquisition, construction costs, maintenance budgets, and amenities offered to truck drivers. On average, public rest areas provide just 19 truck parking spaces, with Southern states offering 25 spaces per rest area and Northeastern states averaging only 15 spaces.

Insights from Case Studies

The research also includes case studies examining specific states’ innovative efforts to improve truck parking options. Key topics covered within these studies include:

• Implementation of truck parking information systems.

• Repurposing state-owned properties to create new parking spaces.

• Provisions for truck parking during severe weather conditions.

These case studies were informed by feedback from over 500 truck drivers, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of specific measures and policies.

State-by-State Truck Parking Dashboard

Drawing on data from the survey, ATRI developed a public truck parking dashboard that evaluates each state’s current parking capacity. The dashboard also highlights the availability of amenities and safety measures at rest areas, with metrics tailored according to state size, road mileage, and proximity to major freight routes. Truck parking data from 47 participating DOTs is accessible online through ATRI’s website.

Alix Miller, CEO and president of the Florida Trucking Association, emphasized the importance of this research, saying, “ATRI’s research underscores the importance of public sector truck parking and provides multiple tools for states to evaluate their progress in meeting this critical industry need. We applaud FDOT for their commitment to expanding truck parking capacity, and our association is committed to continued collaboration to improve freight safety and mobility in the state of Florida.”

Access the Full Report

If you’re interested in deeper insights or want to explore the state-by-state truck parking assessments, the full report and dashboard are available here.

Source: The Trucker

The post ATRI Study Explores Solutions for Public Truck Parking Shortages appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Well-Organized Event

Lori pointed out that MATS 2025 stood out for its thoughtful layout, which made it easy for attendees to navigate various sectors of the industry. “They grouped recruiting, technology, etc., together so that you could truly contrast and compare similar solutions,” Lori noted. This organization helped everyone make the most of their time at the event by focusing on the most relevant solutions.

Big Innovations in a Smaller Show

“While the event was smaller compared to previous years, it was packed with fresh ideas and new solutions, and non-traditional approaches to trucking,” Lori continued. Despite its reduced size, the event remained a significant platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the trucking industry.

Game-Changing Technologies

There were a couple of noteworthy innovations that stood out to Lori.  “There was a portable tire changing solution that allowed drivers to change tires without depending on outside vendors to get them moving again,” she explained. This product enables drivers to minimize downtime and keep their trucks running smoothly and efficiently.

Another noteworthy innovation was an AI-powered app designed to streamline business operations for owner-operators. “This new app assists owner-operators in finding a load, negotiating the rates, dispatching the truck, and providing back-office assistance through the entire process,” Lori noted. This app is part of a broader trend towards automation, helping drivers manage their businesses more effectively.

Driver-Focused Tech in Recruitment

MATS 2025 also highlighted the rise of driver-focused apps that streamline the recruitment process. “I talked with two vendors who were capturing the driver profile and sharing it directly with trucking companies,” Lori said. These apps aim to redefine the way driver data is collected and shared, making it easier for drivers to connect with potential employers.

Building Industry Connections

Networking remains a key component of MATS, and this year, Lori took full advantage of the opportunity to expand her professional connections. “I attended a few events with recruiting leaders and walked away with a broader network,” she shared. Events like MATS are a great way to build valuable relationships that can lead to new business opportunities and insights.

Tackling the Truck Parking Crisis

Parking remains a significant challenge for truckers, and this year’s MATS addressed this issue with several new ideas. “There were several parking solutions that allow drivers to use an app to find and book parking. We are seeing an upgrade in safe parking options. Drivers deserve a place to rest in a secure environment,” Lori explained. These innovations are crucial in enhancing safety and ensuring drivers have reliable places to rest during long hauls.

Looking Ahead

MATS 2025 reaffirmed the trucking industry’s commitment to innovation, with new technologies set to improve both efficiency and the overall driver experience. From AI-driven business tools to improved parking solutions, the event showcased how the industry is evolving rapidly.

Image Source: TomTom

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The Launch of NYC’s Overnight Truck Parking Initiative

New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the launch of the Overnight Truck Parking Pilot program, which seeks to balance the city’s bustling commerce needs with neighborhood safety and livability.

“As the nation’s largest city and a global hub for commerce, New York City depends on the movement of goods to drive our economy forward, but we must also protect neighborhood livability and street safety,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This Overnight Truck Parking Pilot is a win-win that will add 45 spaces for tractor trailers to communities long burdened by unregulated truck parking — supporting our vital trucking industry, reducing illegal overnight parking in our residential communities, and providing truck drivers with the rest they need in a safe and regulated environment. We will continue to build a city where safety, commerce, and quality of life can all thrive together.”

Program Details

The year-long trial will create 45 legal parking spaces in three selected IBZs to address illegal parking issues in residential neighborhoods.

Designated Zones:

1. Flatlands/Fairfield IBZ, Brooklyn – Flatlands Avenue from Erskine Street to Fountain Avenue.

1. Hunts Point IBZ, The Bronx – Ryawa Avenue from Manida Street to Halleck Street.

1. Maspeth IBZ, Queens – 56th Road from 43rd Street to 49th Street.

Truck operators can reserve these spaces via the ParkNYC app, paying $10 per eight-hour block (24/7 availability from Monday to Saturday).

“Businesses are encouraged to sign up for a ParkNYC Business Account to manage parking centrally and ensure compliance effortlessly,” NYCDOT shared in their announcement.

Addressing a Longtime Challenge

The program directly tackles the growing illegal overnight truck parking issue that disrupts residential areas. Local officials praised the initiative for offering apparent, legal parking alternatives.

“This pilot program takes a thoughtful approach to addressing the challenges of illegal overnight truck parking in our neighborhoods,” said State Senator Roxanne Persuad.

Council member Chris Banks also emphasized the program’s potential to preserve neighborhood quality of life. “Our residential areas shouldn’t be oversaturated with commercial vehicles. This pilot gives drivers a safe option while reducing disruptions in our communities.”

Broader Freight Management Solutions

The pilot is part of NYC’s broader efforts to address the impact of commercial freight, which accounts for nearly 90% of goods delivered throughout the city. Alongside this initiative, NYCDOT is rolling out several complementary programs to ease congestion, enhance safety, and improve New York’s overall freight ecosystem, including:

• Microhubs: Dedicated zones for transitioning freight to eco-friendly delivery modes like cargo bikes.

• Loading Zones: Over 3,500 designated loading zones combat double-parking and improve traffic flow.

• Blue Highways Initiative: Integrating NYC waterways for cargo movement to reduce road congestion.

• Off-Hour Deliveries (OHD): Incentives encouraging deliveries during off-peak hours.

• Automatic Camera Enforcement (ACE): Cameras on buses to issue penalties for double-parking violations.

A Vital Solution to a National Problem

Lack of truck parking isn’t just a New York City issue. Nationally, there are 11 trucks for every single parking spot, according to Zach Miller, vice president of government affairs for the Trucking Association of New York.

“In dense areas like NYC, the shortage is even more severe,” Miller explained. “This forces drivers to choose between violating mandatory rest regulations or parking in unsafe, unauthorized spots. This pilot is a significant step toward providing safe, legal options for drivers while relieving impacted neighborhoods.”

Community Impact

Local leaders and stakeholders agree this program presents an opportunity to balance commercial logistics with community concerns. Julie Won, a council member for Queens, highlighted the advantages of designated parking zones for community safety.

“This adds clarity to enforcement while prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users,” Won stated.

Moving Forward

The Overnight Truck Parking Pilot is designed to test scalable solutions for the challenges posed by NYC’s robust freight industry. Success will hinge on usage rates, compliance, and impact on residential areas.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: nyc.gov

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MoDOT’s Freight Plan and the Focus on Truck Parking

MoDOT is currently revisiting its State Freight and Rail Plan, described by Levi Woods, administrator of freight and waterways, as a “strategic document that outlines the visions, goals and priorities of Missouri’s freight and passenger rail systems.” This comprehensive plan covers a variety of transportation sectors, including trucks, rail, air, and waterways.

An essential aspect of this plan is truck parking, which MoDOT acknowledges as a critical element for transportation safety. Missouri’s previous 2022 plan included an extensive 106-page truck parking profile, which was created with significant input from truck drivers.

“Who’s better to ask than the folks using the system themselves?” Woods explained. “We want to hear from the experts, the people in there doing it day in, day out.”

Truck Drivers’ Voices Needed in Updated Parking Analysis

To ensure the new plan effectively addresses truck parking challenges, MoDOT is collecting data through an updated truck parking analysis. The revised analysis will include a fresh parking survey designed for truck drivers, gathering feedback on their experiences and identifying areas where improvements are most needed.

Truckers have until March 16 to complete the survey, which can be accessed here or by scanning the QR code provided below. The survey is mobile-friendly, takes under 10 minutes to complete, and guarantees confidentiality.

Drivers will answer questions covering topics such as preferred parking amenities and locations where additional parking is required.

The more responses MoDOT receives, the more comprehensive and effective the planning process can be. However, participation has historically been low—during the 2022 analysis, MoDOT sent nearly 8,000 emails to Missouri-based truck drivers, but only 16 completed the survey in full.

“I know these folks get inundated with surveys all the time, but this information really is valuable to us in making the best decisions going forward possible to help them and again, to keep everyone safe,” Woods emphasized.

Focused Efforts on Interstate 70 and Beyond

Feedback from the survey could help guide the expansion of truck parking options, particularly along Interstate 70, a key artery for freight movement in Missouri. Other areas may also see improvements if truck drivers highlight recurring parking challenges in those regions.

Federal funding could play a significant role in these initiatives. MoDOT’s website explains that freight and rail plans are tied to federal grants, which can include funding for truck parking improvements.

Additionally, nationwide efforts to address truck parking shortages are underway. On February 27, Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., reintroduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which aims to allocate $755 million toward parking expansion across the country.

Source: Land Line

The post Truck Drivers Can Help Shape Missouri’s Truck Parking Future 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

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In a significant move to combat the ongoing shortage of secure parking options for truck drivers across the United States, TRUX has joined forces with Truck Park Management. This merger establishes TRUX Parking as the leading truck parking management firm in the country, poised to revolutionize the industry.

Addressing a Critical Shortage

With over 3.5 million truck drivers on the road and only one parking spot available for every 11 drivers, the American Transportation Research Institute highlights a severe gap in parking facilities. This lack of availability increases operational costs, forces drivers to park in unsafe areas, and exacerbates driver fatigue—a major factor contributing to accidents.

“This merger allows the new entity to expand rapidly, acquiring and operating high-demand parking locations across the U.S., optimizing site operations and providing a long-term solution to the truck parking shortage,” TRUX Parking stated. “It marks a significant step toward making safe, secure, and reservable truck parking available to all of America’s truck drivers.”

A Nationwide Mission to Enhance Parking

TRUX Parking is set to acquire and manage parking assets, offering advanced lot management solutions to other operators. This expansion aims to ease the burden on both drivers and fleet operators, addressing current challenges and preventing future shortages as demand for parking grows.

Consistency in Quality and Service

“TRUX Parking is dedicated to creating a dependable, high-quality experience at every location,” emphasized the company. Each location is equipped with essentials like bright lighting, secure fencing, electric gate access, clean restrooms, dumpsters, and around-the-clock security cameras. Some premium sites even feature on-site truck repair services, ensuring a consistent standard of comfort and safety.

A Robust Team of Experts

The merger brings together two dynamic teams, combining expertise and resources to address the growing parking deficit. The expanded team will drive property acquisition and management efforts, ensuring drivers have access to well-maintained and strategically located facilities.

Leadership by Industry Veterans

Led by seasoned executives, the merged company is poised to lead the effort in resolving the truck parking scarcity. The leadership team includes:

• Danny Loe, CEO and board member, with over 25 years in logistics, formerly President of ArcBest’s Asset-Light Logistics Division.

• Todd Denton, COB, an entrepreneur with experience in healthcare and technology.

• Chip Patterson, board member, founder of AmeriPark and 12 Oaks Parking, with over 40 years in parking management.

• James Reed, board member, head of Logistics at Wal-Mart and former president of USA Truck.

• Gary Enzor, board member, who elevated Quality Distribution Inc. in bulk chemical transportation.

• Jason Bates, board member, with finance and logistics expertise from Quantix Supply Chain Solutions.

• Shaleen Devgun, board member, EVP and CIO at Schneider, known for logistics technology innovation.

• Stephen LaFrance, board member, founder of Tempus Realty Partners, expanded USA Drug into a leading pharmacy chain.

Transforming the Truck Parking Landscape

“The merger of TRUX and TPM sets the stage for a new era in truck parking management,” the company stated. With expanded resources and a strong leadership team, TRUX Parking aims to aggressively pursue property acquisitions and optimize site operations, delivering much-needed safe, reliable parking solutions and driving change in an industry in dire need of solutions.

Source: The Trucker

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