Truck drivers who rely on Washington’s busy Interstate 5 now have a new tool to ease one of their biggest headaches: finding safe and available parking.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced the rollout of its Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS), a technology-driven program designed to provide drivers with real-time updates and predictive insights on parking availability at rest areas and weigh stations along I-5. Drivers can use the system to plan their stops as far as four hours in advance.
“This helps ensure that truck drivers can find safe parking and that existing truck parking spaces are used to their full capacity,” the agency said in its announcement. WSDOT added that about 75% of truck drivers in Washington struggle to locate safe parking at least once per week, underscoring the importance of the new system.
A Collaborative Effort
The development of TPIMS was made possible through a partnership with the University of Washington’s STAR Lab, along with Drivewyze and ParkerTruck. Drivers can access the parking details either through in-cab displays or mobile apps, making it easier to find reliable spaces while staying on schedule.
For those looking to tap into the system, both vendor websites provide clear instructions on how to get started.
Where It’s Available Now
As of September, TPIMS is active at several key locations along I-5, including:
- Gee Creek Rest Areas (northbound at milepost 11 and southbound at milepost 12)
- Maytown Rest Area (milepost 93)
- Fort Lewis Weigh Station (milepost 117)
- SeaTac Weigh Station (milepost 140)
- Smokey Point Rest Areas (northbound and southbound, milepost 207)
- Custer Rest Areas (northbound at milepost 267 and southbound at milepost 269)
By the end of September, the Toutle River Rest Area (northbound, milepost 54) and the Ridgefield Weigh Station (milepost 15) will also be added. WSDOT plans to expand the system to additional I-5 locations through 2026.
A Call for Driver Feedback
WSDOT is encouraging truck drivers to help shape the program by filling out a short online survey. Feedback will play a key role in refining the system as it grows. Drivers can also subscribe through the agency’s website for email updates on future truck parking initiatives.
Federal Support Behind the Project
Funding for TPIMS comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program, backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
By connecting technology with the daily challenges truckers face, Washington state is working to improve safety, reduce stress, and maximize parking resources along one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors.
Source: The Trucker
