Truckers, Your Voice Matters in the Next Highway Bill

TruckDriversUSA — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:00:54 +0000

Every few years, the highway bill shapes how the trucking world operates—from where you park to the rules that govern your time on the road. With the next version in early planning stages, drivers have a rare window to speak up before the policies are set in stone.

The U.S. Department of Transportation opened the door for feedback this week. In a notice published Monday, July 21, in the Federal Register, the DOT called on the public—especially those who keep America moving—to weigh in on what should take priority in the next surface transportation bill.

“The Request for Information is intended to gather feedback, ideas and recommendations to help inform legislative priorities and ensure future infrastructure programs focus on delivering safe and efficient surface transportation, without attaching unnecessary requirements,” the DOT stated in the notice.
“The reauthorization effort will focus on modernizing America’s infrastructure by improving safety, streamlining federal processes, promoting economic growth and strengthening partnerships.”

The current highway bill will expire on September 30, 2026, but lawmakers are already laying the groundwork. That’s why now is the time for truck drivers to share what matters most.

Back in March, Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of OOIDA, addressed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to outline truckers’ top concerns. He’ll take those same priorities to the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation on Tuesday, July 22.

At the March hearing, Pugh emphasized several key issues for drivers across the country:

More safe and accessible truck parking
Guaranteed restroom access
Smarter, more effective driver training
Broker transparency
Realistic hours-of-service rules

OOIDA also reiterated its opposition to changes that could make life harder for drivers—such as increases to truck size and weight limits, raising minimum insurance requirements, lowering the CDL age for interstate driving, or adding more one-size-fits-all mandates.

How Drivers Can Share Their Feedback

If you’re a trucker with opinions on any of these topics—or others that impact your job—you can have your say.

Submit your comments by going to Regulations.gov and entering Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468 in the search bar. The public comment window closes on August 20, 2025.

Source: Land Line

The post Truckers, Your Voice Matters in the Next Highway Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Arizona Introduces Real-Time Truck Parking Availability System

Truck Drivers U.S.A — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:39 +0000

Truck drivers passing through Arizona can now access up-to-the-minute information about available parking spots at rest areas along Interstate 10, thanks to a new system designed to improve safety and efficiency.

On Monday, January 27, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) officially launched the I-10 Truck Parking Availability System. This innovative system aims to “enhance safety and help empower the economy” by sharing detailed, real-time updates on the number of open truck parking spaces at upcoming rest stops.

How It Works

Each rest area is equipped with monitoring technology that tracks the number of available truck parking spaces in real time. This data is then displayed on electronic signs positioned along Interstate 10, upstream from the rest areas. Additionally, truck drivers can access this information through the Arizona Traveler Information website and third-party apps frequently used by truckers.

Where It’s Available

The $2.8 million initiative covers the following rest areas along I-10 in Arizona:

Ehrenberg (mile marker 4)

Bouse Wash (mile marker 52)

Texas Canyon (mile marker 320)

San Simon (mile marker 389)

ADOT says this system helps drivers locate parking faster and more safely. A study conducted in 2020 by the I-10 Corridor Coalition revealed that 78% of truckers spend over 30 minutes searching for parking, highlighting a crucial need for tools like this.

“The real-time information provided through the Truck Parking Availability System helps truckers get the rest they need without having to use places that aren’t designated for truck parking,” stated ADOT.

Feedback from Truckers

Input from truck drivers was instrumental in developing the system. A survey launched in October by the I-10 Corridor Coalition asked drivers for insights into parking challenges along I-10, spanning California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The feedback gathered played a significant role in shaping the Truck Parking Availability System.

A Larger Plan to Tackle Parking Shortages

This initiative is just one part of a broader effort by ADOT to address Arizona’s truck parking challenges. Back in December 2023, ADOT introduced its Truck Parking Implementation Plan, which aims to create an additional 842 parking spaces statewide. This includes proposals to build three new parking areas and expand existing facilities.