Stalling Action on Commercial Vehicle Parking
When reviewing our the country’s critical infrastructure, the average person is unlikely to consider the availability of parking for commercial trucks. However, those working in the commercial trucking industry are far too familiar with the difficulties involved with finding a place to rest on their routes traversing the continental United States. Pete Buttigieg, President Biden’s Secretary of Transportation, has repeatedly noted that truck parking is the most common complaint he receives from truckers across the country. The statistics make clear why the issue is at the forefront of stakeholders’ minds. While approximately 70% of American freight is transported by truck, there is only one parking spot for every 11 trucks on the road. In 2022, the American Transportation Research Institute classified access to parking as third on its “critical issues in the trucking industry.”
The lack of truck parking has a direct effect on supply chain efficiency and the safety of our roadways. As Former Secretary Buttigieg illustrates, “It really is a matter of safety. It means that as a driver is on their route, they see that they’re getting close to the limit of their hours of service. They’re faced with a choice: either stop short and lose income, if there’s even a space near them. Or to park in a place that could be unsafe.” At worst, an exhausted truck driver can be forced to push on, jeopardizing the safety of both themselves and others on the road. At best, a truck driver to may have to make an early stop, impacting their pay and potentially disturbing the supply chain.
The passing of President Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act inspired hope in stakeholders that the issue of truck parking would be addressed. The law dedicates approximately $350 billion through 2026 for federal highway programs intended to improve safety and efficiency along the nation’s freight corridors. At the time the law was passed, the Federal Highway Administration’s Acting Administrator, Stephanie Pollack, provided that the administration “updated [its] guidance to ensure there is no question about eligibility for truck parking projects in new formula and discretionary grant programs authorized under the bipartisan infrastructure law.”
In 2023, there was a legislative push in the federal government to expand parking access across the commercial transportation sector. First, in January of 2023, the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act (“SHIP IT Act”) took aim at commercial vehicle parking concerns. The bill was introduced in the House on January 24, 2023. It would approve nearly $800 million through fiscal year 2026 for projects to expand and improve commercial vehicle parking. The legislation specifically states that “it is the sense of Congress that it should be a national priority to address the shortage of parking for commercial motor vehicles on the federal-aid highway system to improve highway safety.” However, nearly two years later, the SHIP IT Act has not been brought to the House Floor for a vote.
In March of 2023, lawmakers also introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act in the House. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Mike Bost and Representative Angie Craig, would approve funding to assist agencies with expanding parking capacity for individuals operating trucks. The bill would further support improvements to existing parking areas for commercial vehicles. In its totality, the bill would authorize $755 million in competitive grants to expand commercial vehicle parking for the next few years. The bill passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a 60-4 vote in May of 2023. However, similar to the SHIP IT Act, the legislation has not yet been brought to the House floor for a vote.
While the federal government is clearly aware of the truck parking issue on our nation’s highways, the legislature’s prioritization of this issue is questionable. Nevertheless, stakeholders are becoming impatient. American Trucking Association’s President Chris Spear states, “Given the chronic nature of this issue and its national scope, it is imperative Congress takes action to provide dedicated funding to expand commercial truck parking capacity.” Todd Spencer, President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, asserts, “Our 150,000 members across America are ready and willing to continue working with the administration and Congress on bipartisan solutions that we have longed championed, such as legislation to expand the truck parking supply, to ensure truckers have basic restroom access . . .” Given the wide-reaching impact of the issue, it would be wise for Congress to address the issue promptly.
Written by Henry F. Murphy, Esq.
