Numerous states’ legislators have introduced bills to tackle the persistent issue of truck parking shortages. Despite the ongoing national concern, recent data indicates notable progress in enhancing truck parking availability across the country.
In 2019, a survey under Jason’s Law revealed approximately 313,000 truck parking spaces nationwide, encompassing 40,000 at public rest areas and 273,000 at private truck stops.
Florida is actively addressing unauthorized parking issues, with Governor Ron DeSantis proposing $25 million in his transportation budget for FY 2024-2025 to alleviate commercial truck parking challenges along the state highway system. The Florida Department of Transportation has identified a need for 450 immediate spaces, with an additional 750 spaces in the coming years.
In New Jersey, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley is championing a bill requiring large warehouse developments to incorporate truck parking spaces in their plans. The proposed legislation aims to prevent overflow onto local properties during specified hours.
New York is considering bills, sponsored by Sen. Leroy Comrie, introducing higher fines for parking violations in designated areas. S518 proposes a $1,000 fine for parked or unattended semi-trailers on New York City streets, while S519 focuses on overnight parking fines in specific areas. Both bills await final votes in their respective chambers.
Pennsylvania is taking steps to address its truck parking shortage, with the House Transportation Committee endorsing a resolution by Rep. Doyle Heffley.
“We want to give these drivers the dignity to be able to park somewhere safe to take their 10-hour break. Somewhere they have access to facilities to wash their hands and use the bathroom, maybe grab a bite to eat. Aside from that, just somewhere to safely park, not along the interstate, where they can get a good night’s rest so they can get out there and do their job,” Heffley said.
HR236 directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on truck parking, seeking recommendations for adequate parking solutions.
In Washington state, Rep. Bryan Sandlin reintroduced HB1787, emphasizing infrastructure planning for truck parking. The bill mandates the creation of a plan for commercial truck parking near interstates, ports, and high-traffic trucking areas.
According to Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), truck parking is a “crisis level” concern nationwide.
“Parking is key to safe trucking operations. Truckers bring us all the things we need: supplies, food, medicine. If we want these things, we have to deal with trucks,” Pugh said.
OOIDA supports legislation, such as HB1787 in Washington, as a solution-oriented approach to improve safety for all road users.
“Truckers don’t want to park on road shoulders, offramps and onramps. They park there because they run out of regulated hours and literally have nowhere else to park and get some rest,” said George O’Connor OOIDA communications director.
OOIDA Board Member Tilden Curl spoke about the bill in obvious support of the legislation.
“The lack of truck parking translates to increased costs to every business and consumer. Truck parking spaces need to be provided based on the number of trucks. We have parking space requirements for cars, why not for trucks? Past planners simply failed to consider efficient freight movement in the area,” Tilden said.
Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs, emphasizes the importance of expanding safe truck parking based on numerous studies and surveys conducted by the Association.
“It’s time to actually produce the space and pavement for additional spots,” Morris said.
Source: Land Line
