Momentum for the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is rapidly building within Congress.
Senator Pete Ricketts, representing Nebraska, joined as a co-sponsor on March 14th, bolstering the bill’s bipartisan support. Additionally, Representative Henry Cuellar, from Texas, committed his backing for the House version on March 5th.
This pivotal legislation aims to address the critical shortage of truck parking nationwide. By earmarking $755 million over three years, the act targets the creation of additional parking spaces exclusively for trucks. Notably, these spots must remain freely accessible to the public, with no provision for paid parking.
The pressing need for more truck parking is well-documented. Current statistics reveal a stark reality: there’s only one parking space available for every 11 truck drivers, as highlighted by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the American Trucking Associations.
“The lack of available parking has dire safety implications for truck drivers, as well as the motoring public,” OOIDA and ATA wrote to the U.S. Department of Transportation. “When drivers are unable to find safe, authorized parking, they are stuck in a no-win situation, forced to either park in unsafe or illegal locations, or violate federal hours-of-service regulations by continuing to search for safer, legal alternatives.”
Originally spearheaded by Representative Mike Bost of Illinois, who reintroduced the initiative as HR2367 in 2023, the bill has garnered significant bipartisan traction. With a total of 47 co-sponsors, comprising 24 Republicans and 23 Democrats, its cross-party appeal is evident.
In the Senate, Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming introduced the companion bill, S1034, also in 2023. Supported by 15 co-sponsors, including Democrats, Republicans, and an Independent, it reflects a similar commitment to addressing the pressing issue of truck parking safety.
Despite the encouraging progress, advocacy groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) remain steadfast in their efforts to ensure the bill’s successful passage. OOIDA’s advocacy has already led to substantial funding announcements, including the allocation of $300 million in grants earlier this year, further underscoring the urgency of addressing this critical infrastructure need.
“I know we’re all frustrated by the difficulty getting the truck parking bill passed, but these grants – and the two major ones before them – wouldn’t be happening without the work of OOIDA and the grassroots support of its members over the years,” said Lewie Pugh, OOIDA executive vice president. “These are by no means home runs, but they still demonstrate how determined advocacy can lead to incremental success.”
Source: Land Line
