‘Groundbreaking’ bill to provide federal funding for more truck parking

Last week, lawmakers introduced major bipartisan legislation that would provide funding to create more truck parking spaces.

On March 5, U.S. Reps. Mike Bost and Angie Craig introduced H.R. 6104 — also known as the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act.

The bill seeks to increase highway safety by addressing a long-standing shortage of truck parking nationwide, which increases the risk of driver fatigue.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would “establish a set-aside source of funding from existing U.S. Department of Transportation funding to create more parking spots.”

According to a news release from Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), “Funding would be awarded on a competitive basis and applicants would be required to submit detailed proposals to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The primary focus would be to construct new truck parking facilities and convert existing weigh stations and rest areas into functional parking spaces for truck drivers.”

“Growing up in a family trucking business, I learned at early age what a rewarding career it could be,” said Rep. Bost. “However, I also understood that trucking can be a tough, demanding, and even dangerous job. One concern for truck drivers is the lack of enough safe parking spots where they can get the rest they need without risking collisions on the shoulder of the highway or being forced to push their limits to find the next rest stop. This puts the truckers and other motorists as significant risk. That’s why I’m proud to lead this effort to create sufficient rest parking options for long-haul truckers.”

“After decades of ignoring the problem, Congress is finally getting serious about fixing the severe lack of truck parking across the country,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA President and CEO. “Finding a safe place to park is something most people take for granted, but it’s a daily struggle for hundreds of thousands of truckers. Congressman Bost and Congresswoman Craig have shown they not only understand truckers are experiencing a crisis, but have the mettle to address it through groundbreaking, bipartisan legislation.” 

The bill is also supported by the American Trucking Association, the Truckload Carriers Association, and the National Association of Small Trucking Companies.