Congressional Policymakers Push for More Truck Parking Aid
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A bill meant to improve transportation safety by increasing access to truck parking was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
House transportation policymakers again are seeking support from colleagues on their consistent effort to tackle the nation’s insufficient parking capacity for commercial drivers. Enhancing parking for the women and men who operate trucks is a long-standing priority for the freight industry.
The latest version of the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, sponsored by Reps. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.), would assist state agencies by facilitating funds for maintaining and expanding parking operations.
“I grew up in a family trucking business,” said Bost, a member of the transportation policy panel, on Feb. 27. “I know firsthand how difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, it can be when America’s truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park. By expanding access to parking options for truckers, we are making our roads safer for all commuters and ensuring that goods and supplies are shipped to market in the most efficient way possible. This is a matter of public safety for everyone, and I’m committed to do all I can to drive this legislation over the finish line.”
Bost and Craig
“Truck drivers keep our nation’s supply chains moving, and they should never be forced to forgo much-needed rest because of insufficient highway parking,” added Craig, ranking member of the Agriculture Committee. “Increasing rest spot availability means a safer and more efficient road for truck drivers and everyday commuters alike, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle on this critical issue.”
Co-lead sponsors of the bill include Reps. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), members of the transportation panel. The legislation was referred to a committee of jurisdiction. Its consideration has yet to be scheduled. Introduction of a Senate companion legislation is expected.
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A version of the bill introduced during the previous session of Congress did not reach the president’s desk for enactment. Over previous iterations, the measure has maintained a proposal of $755 million in competitive grants over several years.
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Spear
Prominent industry stakeholders are backing the latest version of the bill. American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear observed, “One of the most meaningful ways Congress can show its support for America’s professional truck drivers is to ensure they have a safe place to park and sleep when they take their federally mandated rest break or finish their shift. The chronic lack of truck parking poses an unacceptable risk to both truckers and the nation’s motoring public. Congress must step in to provide a solution. We thank Reps. Bost and Craig for their leadership on this vital piece of legislation, which will increase the efficiency of our supply chain and improve highway safety for all motorists.”
“Truck stops and travel centers are committed to serving professional drivers, including providing safe places to stop and rest, as they deliver America’s economy and keep the supply chain moving,” Tiffany Neuman, vice president of public affairs at Natso, added in a statement the sponsors provided.
In 2024, the American Transportation Research Institute classified inadequate access to parking as second on its “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry” report. According to ATRI: “Until Congress establishes a dedicated federal source of funding for truck parking, states will need to apply for parking capacity expansion resources through one of several U.S. DOT infrastructure investment programs.” For every 11 truck drivers, one truck parking space is available, per ATA.
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