Real-Time Data Notifications Boost Trucks’ Access to Parking, ATRI says
Equipping truckers with real-time notifications of available parking would significantly improve drivers’ productivity and compliance with regulations, according to a new study from the American Transportation Research Institute.
Among the study’s objective was to design and evaluate a real-time truck parking availability system for the Interstate 94 corridor through Minnesota. A goal of the system was to automate real-time and continuous parking space occupancy alerts.
Real-time parking information was provided to commercial drivers through CMS, a website, and in-cab communication systems.
Researchers with the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota determined the parking concerns along the I-94 corridor in Minnesota were not unique to other critical freight corridors.
“The development and testing of a comprehensive truck parking availability system is applicable to other corridors,” according to the report. “Drivers would prefer to receive advance notification via onboard computers” or CMS.
In 2016, the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, with American Trucking Associations and ATRI launched the “Park My Truck” smartphone app to assist truckers.
A shortage of truck parking nationwide was the fourth issue on ATRI’s top 10 concerns before the trucking industry in 2016.
In another new report, ATRI examined the utilization of truck GPS data to assess parking availability, as well as, demand.
