This closure is necessary for reconstruction work on the truck parking lot. The project will include adding new truck parking spots accommodate drivers better.

According to IDOT, the parking lot is expected to reopen to truck traffic in early July. The Victor rest area is located approximately 75 miles east of Des Moines.

For the latest travel updates, access Iowa’s 511 system anytime. Visit 511ia.org, call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide). Stay connected via Facebook and X (links are available at Iowa DOT 511 Social Media), or download the free 511 app.

Source: Truckers News

The post Truck Parking Closed at I-80 Rest Area in Iowa for Construction appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

Source: Land Line

The post Arizona Introduces Real-Time Truck Parking Availability System appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In 2021, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) introduced a valuable initiative to make life easier for truckers involved in hauling watercraft: Call Before You Haul, a toll-free 24/7 hotline (844-311-4873) designed to streamline compliance with state laws.

Here’s How the Hotline Helps Truckers

Before hitting the road with a boat, truckers can dial the hotline to provide information about the type, origin, and destination of the watercraft. Once the information is submitted, the destination state or province is notified, and a follow-up inspection—along with decontamination if necessary—is arranged at no cost.

By utilizing this service, truckers avoid fines, delays, and help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Though truckers are still required to stop at each inspection station, the watercraft is registered in the hotline system, making it easier to expedite the inspection process, ultimately reducing hold-ups along the way.

What’s at Stake: Aquatic Invasive Species

The purpose behind this careful inspection and decontamination process is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that pose serious threats to ecosystems, local economies, and recreational waters. Invasive species like quagga mussels, zebra mussels, and watermilfoil result in millions of dollars in damages every year. They degrade water quality, harm native species, and reduce the quality of outdoor activities like boating.

These invasive species hitch rides on watercraft, often in places that are easy to spot—such as on the hull or trailer—and in hard-to-see areas like the boat’s motor or bilge pump. Some of these species, like the spiny waterflea, are microscopic, while others, such as giant goldfish, can be much larger.

Steps Truckers Can Take to Prevent the Spread

To protect waterways and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, truckers should take the following precautions before hauling a watercraft:

1. Clean the boat and trailer thoroughly, removing all mud, plants, and animals.
2. Drain all water from the boat’s ballast, wells, and engine areas, and remove the drain plug.
3. Dry the watercraft completely to ensure no hidden water or contaminants remain.

After completing these steps, truckers should contact the Call Before You Haul hotline to arrange an inspection of the watercraft.

Benefits for Truckers Using Call Before You Haul

By participating in the program, truckers:

• Ensure legal compliance: States and provinces have strict regulations regarding aquatic invasive species, and noncompliance can result in fines and penalties.
• Protect the environment: Preventing the spread of these invasive species preserves ecosystems, protects native species, and ensures healthy water quality.
• Support economic stability: Healthy water bodies are crucial for the success of industries like boating, tourism, and recreation.
• Tackle a key route for invasive species: Studies show that one-third of boats carrying invasive mussels in the Pacific Northwest were commercially hauled.
• Contribute to industry growth: Following the “clean, drained, and dry” approach helps protect the interests of truckers, dealers, and buyers in the boating industry.

For further details about Call Before You Haul and how it assists truckers in hauling watercraft safely and legally, visit the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission’s website.

Source: Overdrive

The post Why Every Trucker Hauling Watercraft Needs to Know About This Game-Changing Hotline appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Chamberlain, South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Transportation has allocated over $300,000 for improvements at the Interstate 90 rest area in Chamberlain. While the rest area will be closed during construction, truck parking and access to the iconic Dignity statue will remain available.

The upgrades are expected to be completed by April 2025, according to officials.

Boonville, Missouri

On Interstate 70, both rest areas near mile marker 104 in Cooper County have been closed temporarily, with work set to last several months. While the parking areas will remain open to truckers, no restroom or other facilities will be available during this period.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) stated that the project will include remodeled buildings, better access, and enhanced interior amenities for travelers. Weather permitting, the renovations should be completed by spring 2026.

To help motorists plan routes, signs and barricades will be placed around the rest area closures. Additionally, a map of alternative rest areas within Missouri and real-time traffic updates can be accessed online.

Torrance County, New Mexico

Torrance County is seeing a substantial investment of $20 million aimed at completely revamping the Rattlesnake rest areas on both sides of Interstate 40 (mile markers 207 and 208). The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has stated that the facilities will be closed for 300 days as part of the project.

This large-scale overhaul includes demolishing the old facilities to make way for brand-new, 2,850-square-foot rest areas. Travelers can expect upgraded parking, picnic shelters, and a revamped water and sewer system as part of the enhancements.

Centerville, Indiana

The welcome center and rest area on I-70 near Centerville is set to shut down beginning February 3 for an extensive two-year renovation plan. This project falls under Indiana’s ongoing welcome center and rest area improvement initiative, originally launched in 2019.

Planned additions to the facility include interactive exhibits, a recreation area, a dog park, and a significant expansion to parking—including over 200 spaces, 156 of which will be dedicated to trucks. Trucker amenities such as improved restrooms and enhanced vending options are also part of the plan.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) expects the updated Centerville welcome center to reopen by 2027. Meanwhile, travelers are encouraged to use the Greenfield rest area, located at mile marker 107, during the renovation period.

These renovations promise upgraded amenities and better facilities, but they also mean temporary closures in affected areas. Be sure to plan ahead and check local updates for alternative rest stops.

Source: Land Line

The post Rest Area Upgrades Announced Across Multiple States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Key Features for Truckers

Specifically designed with truck drivers in mind, the North Baltimore store offers convenient access from Interstate 75 and features amenities tailored to long-haul operators. Highlights include:

• 43 overnight truck parking spaces

• Seven high-flow diesel fuel lanes

• Availability of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)

This latest store complements the first two Toledo-area Sheetz locations, which opened in September.

Grand Opening Celebration

The store’s grand opening festivities will kick off Wednesday morning, starting at 9 a.m. Customers can look forward to exciting giveaways, including the highly anticipated “Free Sheetz for a Year” grand prize. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10:45 a.m.

Community Impact

Sheetz’s commitment to the community shines through with its $2,500 donation to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank, which serves eight surrounding counties, including Lucas, Defiance, and Wood. Additionally, Sheetz contributed $2,500 to the Special Olympics of Ohio, further emphasizing its dedication to supporting impactful organizations in the region.

About Sheetz

With over 750 locations spanning Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, Sheetz has established itself as a go-to destination for quality food and convenience. Every Sheetz store operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring unparalleled accessibility for customers.

Source: Truckers News

The post Sheetz Opens Third Toledo-Area Store with Truck-Friendly Amenities appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.