Senate & House Introduce Bipartisan Truck Parking Bill

On March 29, 2023, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.), aims to address the shortage of safe and available truck parking spots on highways and interstates.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would allocate funding for the creation of more truck parking spots, with the goal of improving safety for truck drivers and other motorists on the road. The bill would provide grants to states to fund the construction of new truck parking facilities and the expansion of existing facilities. The funds would be targeted at areas with high levels of truck traffic and a demonstrated need for additional parking.

The shortage of safe and available truck parking is a serious concern for the trucking industry, as well as for motorists on the nation's highways and interstates. Drivers are often forced to park in unsafe or illegal locations, leading to accidents and violations of federal hours-of-service regulations. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is a step towards addressing this issue and improving safety on our nation's roads.

In addition to the creation of more truck parking spots, the bill also includes provisions to improve the safety of existing truck parking facilities. It would require the Department of Transportation to develop and implement safety standards for truck parking facilities, including lighting, security, and accessibility for drivers with disabilities.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act has received support from a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, and the National Association of Truck Stop Owners. These groups have long advocated for increased funding for truck parking facilities and improved safety standards for existing facilities.

If passed into law, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would represent a significant step towards addressing the shortage of safe and available truck parking spots on our nation's highways and interstates. By improving safety for truck drivers and other motorists on the road, the bill would have a positive impact on the trucking industry and the nation's transportation infrastructure.