More than a decade ago, the truck parking crisis was labeled a “national priority.”
Actions from the federal government never reflected that designation, however.
All these years later, Congress finally appears poised to dedicate some real money toward addressing the problem.
The House Appropriations Committee’s Department of Transportation funding bill for fiscal year 2026 would dedicate $200 million toward the creation of public truck parking.
Recipients of the funding would not be allowed to charge for the truck parking spaces. Additionally, the funds could not be used for electric vehicle charging stations.
According to research from OOIDA and the American Trucking Associations, there is only one truck parking space for every 11 truck drivers. This poses safety concerns for truckers and for the motoring public.
“For years, truckers have called attention to the dangerous and sometimes fatal situations caused by a lack of parking spaces,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “OOIDA commends the Appropriations Committee’s record $200 million allocation to start tackling this longstanding safety challenge. With currently only one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road, we will keep pushing for solutions until truckers no longer have to worry about where they can stop and rest.”
OOIDA has spent years advocating for meaningful truck parking funding. Most notably, the Association worked with Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., to craft the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. HR1659 would dedicate $755 million toward the addition of truck parking spaces.
Past versions of Bost’s bill have received support from both parties but have failed to pass.
In July, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh testified to a Senate Committee that it is way past time for lawmakers to start prioritizing the needs of America’s truck drivers. Even more, OOIDA vowed to oppose any version of a highway bill that ignored the need for truck parking.
“Frankly, truckers are sick and tired of some lawmakers ignoring their pressing safety needs while funding other pet projects, and rest assured, they will be watching closely to see if Washington finally delivers,” Pugh wrote in July. “If the next surface transportation reauthorization fails to provide dedicated funding for truck parking but authorizes even a single penny of funding for new initiatives, OOIDA will use every tool it has to ensure the legislation is defeated.”
The House is expected to consider the DOT funding bill this week. LL
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