The Federal Highway Administration is conducting a nationwide survey to assess how well states are providing parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate transportation. The effort is aimed at better understanding current capacity, gaps, and limitations related to truck parking infrastructure.

Separate Surveys for Drivers and Carriers

FHWA is collecting feedback through two separate surveys, one designed specifically for truck drivers and another for motor carriers. By separating responses, the agency is seeking clearer insight into how parking availability affects both day-to-day operations and broader fleet planning.

The survey focuses on the ability of states to support required rest periods and safe parking needs tied to hours-of-service compliance.

Deadline and Contact Information

Survey responses must be submitted by February 27.

Anyone with questions about the survey or participation process may contact Walter Satterfield at walter.satterfield@dot.gov.

FHWA’s findings are expected to inform future discussions around truck parking policy, funding priorities, and infrastructure planning at the state and federal level.

Source: Truckers News

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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.

“By expanding safe, accessible places for drivers to rest, we’re supporting the people who keep our economy moving and making it safer for everyone on our roads,” DeWine remarked.
“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so does the number of trucks traveling on Ohio’s network of interstates and state routes.”

This effort was unveiled alongside Pamela Boratyn, Director of ODOT, and backed by the Ohio Trucking Association.

“This initiative addresses a chronic, nationwide issue,” OHTA CEO Thomas Balzer emphasized.
“A recent survey found that 98% of commercial drivers struggle to find safe parking, with 70% admitting to violating hours-of-service regulations in search of a spot. This puts everyone on the road at risk. We applaud Gov. DeWine’s commitment to improving driver safety and freight mobility in Ohio.”

Each new rest area will have security lighting and restroom facilities. Construction is slated to begin next year and finish by the end of 2027.

“Once complete, the American Transportation Research Institute projects that Ohio will lead the nation in the total number of long-term truck parking spaces available on state-owned property,” according to the Governor’s office.

Why This Matters to Drivers

• From 2015 to 2019, Ohio recorded 106 crashes involving improperly parked trucks, resulting in 5 deaths, 11 serious injuries, and 36 minor injuries—mainly around urban centers like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, and Columbus.
• During just four months, GPS data revealed over 100 clusters where drivers parked off-designation—at rest areas, ramps, last-mile roads, and near truck stops.

The ODOT Truck Parking Study states:
“From 2015 to 2019, over 460 truck crashes happened due to fatigued driving, leading to six deaths, 50 serious injuries, and more than 400 minor or possible injuries.”

Ohio currently offers around 14,200 public truck parking spaces across 98 locations, with just 16 spots each. Over half are along the Ohio Turnpike; the rest are at private truck stops or businesses.

“Ohio’s new truck parking plan is a major step forward in improving safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road,” Boratyn said.
“These projects will make our state a national leader in total truck parking capacity — setting the standard for safety and service.”

The project is supported by a $150 million allocation in Ohio’s transportation budget this year.

Bigger Picture

Ohio handles over 1 billion tons of freight annually, valued at around $1.2 trillion, with trucking mileage topping 27.5 million miles in 2023. With freight volume expected to climb 26% by 2045, the demand for safe parking isn’t just growing, it’s urgent.

Source: Transport Topics

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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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