Latest news with #TruckParkingSafetyImprovementAct
Chicago Tribune
22-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Chris Spear: America's truckers need a place to park — before it's too late
Every day, more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers keep America's economy on the move. They haul more than 73% of the nation's freight, ensuring that food reaches our shelves, medicine arrives at hospitals and manufacturers stay in business. But there's one thing many drivers can't count on at the end of a long shift: a safe place to park. For every 11 truck drivers on the road today, there is one truck parking space. When truck drivers are unable to find safe, authorized parking, they're stuck in a no-win situation — forced to either park in unsafe or illegal locations, or to violate federal hours-of-service rules that regulate their daily drive time to search for safer, legal alternatives. Many spend upward of an hour each day searching for parking — time that's unpaid and amounts to an average of $6,800 in lost compensation each year. In the worst cases, they're forced to park on highway shoulders, exit ramps or vacant lots, putting themselves and other motorists at serious risk. Delays in deliveries increase costs for businesses and consumers alike. Worst of all, the parking shortage contributes to thousands of accidents and dozens of fatalities each year. One of those avoidable tragedies occurred in 2023, when a Greyhound bus struck three semitrailers parked on the shoulder of an Interstate 70 rest area ramp in Illinois, killing three passengers on board the bus. In the agency's report on the accident released just a few weeks ago, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jennifer Homendy put the cause bluntly: 'Our investigation brought to light a critical shortage of safe truck parking and made clear a painful lesson: Until we address this important safety issue, lives are at risk on our nation's roads.' For policymakers and business leaders alike, the message is clear: If we want our supply chains to remain resilient and our roads to remain safe, we must invest in truck parking infrastructure. More designated rest areas. More capacity at existing facilities. Smarter deployment of real-time parking information systems. Last month, President Donald Trump's administration took a major step toward addressing this crisis, issuing project agreements to move forward more than $275 million in grant funding to expand truck parking access nationwide. Among the projects funded is nearly $180 million targeted at the Interstate 4 corridor in Florida, which will add 917 much needed parking spots across Volusia, Seminole and Osceola counties. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's leadership, backed by Trump's commitment to the trucking industry, is a clear signal that Washington is finally listening. By increasing funding specifically targeted toward truck parking, they are addressing one of the most pressing and solvable challenges our industry faces. Congress can protect American motorists by passing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Illinois Rep. Mike Bost that would authorize $755 million in dedicated funding over four years to expand truck parking capacity. These funds could have prevented tragedies such as the 2009 murder of New York truck driver Jason Rivenburg, who was shot and killed for the $7 sitting on the dashboard of his truck while parked in an abandoned lot he used out of desperation for rest. The $200 million allocated to truck parking in the House transportation appropriations bill released last week is a welcome start to preventing similar tragedies. A dedicated federal funding stream, paired with state-level grant programs, would cut through the red tape that often sidelines critical parking projects. These resources must be allocated in a targeted, flexible way that allows states to build, expand and modernize truck parking across freight corridors and logistics hubs. It's not enough to authorize projects — we must fund them with real dollars that reflect the scale and urgency of the problem. Accounting for 87% of truck parking spaces, the private sector plays a vital role in providing parking, but it cannot solve this alone. Market forces don't always align with safety and infrastructure needs. Truck stops face high land and development costs, and zoning hurdles often block new projects. That's why a public-private solution is not only prudent. It's essential. Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack has proved himself a staunch advocate who was instrumental in including $200 million toward expanding trucking parking in last year's House transportation appropriations subcommittee funding bill. We need more champions like Womack in Congress who will help prioritize and accelerate funding, treating truck parking as the safety and commerce issue it is, rather than an afterthought. Truckers don't ask for much. They don't expect luxury accommodations or special treatment. What they do expect — and deserve — is a safe place to stop after moving America's economy day and night. Let's make sure they have it. Chris Spear is president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois congressman says his legislation could help prevent highway traffic tragedies
ILLINOIS – On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said a tired bus driver was the primary cause of the deadly Interstate 70 bus crash in Highland, Illinois. But investigators also found three tractor trailers illegally parked on the shoulder of the exit ramp to the Silver Lake rest area contributed to the crash. According to Rep. Mike Bost (R-Illinois 12th District), it's part of a larger problem that he says his bipartisan bill can help fix. 'If you collide with one of these trucks that are parked alongside the road or on an off ramp, it doesn't care if you're Republican, Democrat, or Independent, you're going to get hurt anyway,' Bost said. When it comes to the trucking industry, Bost knows a thing or two, because he's seen a thing or two. 'I was born and raised in a trucking business. I actually drove my first tractor trailer across a lot at nine years old,' he said. Donate here: Help support St. Louis storm victims Bost says he took over the family business for ten years after serving in the Marines. That experience informed the creation of Bost's Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. The legislation would provide competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation for the construction of new commercial truck parking facilities. 'If there's not enough parking space available, you're going to end up being in a very bad situation on an off ramp or somewhere where it's not safe for you to take that rest,' Bost said. Earlier this week, the NTSB identified what it called 'a critical lack of truck parking availability along the National Highway System' as a factor in the July 2023 Greyhound bus crash. Three passengers were killed, and a dozen others were injured, including the driver, when the bus collided with three tractor trailers parked along the shoulder of an exit ramp near the Silver Lake rest area. 'Staff is proposing a recommendation to the USDOT to pursue available options to increase commercial vehicle parking capacity on highways,' Michael Fox of the NTSB said. The NTSB cited research done in the creation of Jason's Law, which showed the quantity of public truck parking spaces has not kept up with increased truck traffic volume. Jason's Law was enacted in 2012 to address long-term parking shortages for commercial motor vehicles. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'This is a problem that's been around for a long time and it's only getting worse,' Thomas Chapman of the NTSB said. Bost believes his legislation can help make things better. 'I've screamed this from a mountaintop for years on how important is that this bill is, so my hope is that all members in the House understand…and the Senate understands it as well,' he said. Bost's legislation was approved by the House Transportation Committee last Congress but did not receive a vote in the full House. He tells FOX 2 News he thinks there is a good chance it passes later this summer as part of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
House lawmakers reintroduce truck parking bill
WASHINGTON — The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act was reintroduced in Congress on Thursday to dedicate federal grants specifically for increasing available parking spaces desperately needed by truckers for resting during off-duty hours. The latest version of the bill would set aside $755 million over five years (FY2025 through FY 2029) that would be available through a competitive grant program. Similar legislation was introduced in 2021 and in 2023. 'I grew up in a family trucking business,' said Mike Bost, R-Ill., who reintroduced the bill in the U.S. House along with Reps. Angie Craig, D-Minn., Pete Stauber, R-Minn., and Salud Carbajal, D-Calif. 'I know firsthand how difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, it can be when America's truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park. By expanding access to parking options for truckers, we are making our roads safer for all commuters and ensuring that goods and supplies are shipped to market in the most efficient way possible. This is a matter of public safety for everyone and I'm committed to do all I can to drive this legislation over the finish line.'Owner-operators and carriers have been pushing lawmakers on the issue as one of their top concerns for the past five years. 'I can tell you firsthand that when truckers don't have a safe place to park, we are put in a no-win situation,' said Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. 'We must either continue to drive while fatigued or out of legal driving time, or park in an undesignated and unsafe location like the side of the road or abandoned lot. It forces truck drivers to make a choice between safety and following federal Hours-of-Service rules. The current situation isn't safe for the truck driver and it's not safe for others on the road.' American Trucking Association President Chris Spear agreed, calling the lack of truck parking an unacceptable risk to both truckers and the nation's motoring public. Congress must step in to provide a solution.'Projects eligible for grants under the legislation include new standalone 'safety rest areas' for truck parking or adding parking spaces adjacent to private commercial truck stops or travel plazas. Federal funds could also be used to reopen existing weigh stations, safety rest areas or park-and-ride facilities for commercial truck parking. Bridging the Divide in the Truck Parking Debate (The Playbook) Why the trucking industry should celebrate paid truck parking Lawmakers introduce 'clear path' to more truck parking Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post House lawmakers reintroduce truck parking bill appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rep. Bost reveals bill to increase access to safe truck parking
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – U.S. Representative Mike Bost joined other U.S. Representatives in reintroducing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. Rep. Bost's office says this legislation addresses the nationwide shortage in safe, accessible parking spaces for large commercial trucks by providing U.S. Department of Transportation funding on a competitive basis for the construction of new lots and spaces. 'I grew up in a family trucking business,' said Rep. Bost. 'I know firsthand how difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, it can be when America's truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park. By expanding access to parking options for truckers, we are making our roads safer for all commuters and ensuring that goods and supplies are shipped to market in the most efficient way possible. This is a matter of public safety for everyone; and I'm committed to do all I can to drive this legislation over the finish line.' Illinois lawmakers introduce bill to decriminalize prostitution Officials say truckers are legally obligated to comply with 'Hours of Service' regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is estimated that each trucker spends approximately one hour per day looking for safe parking, which cuts down on time driving to their destination. Officials say according to a study commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration, 98% of truck drivers say they regularly experience difficulty finding safe parking, and are forced to park on an exit ramp, on the side of an interstate or other unsafe areas. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will allocate funds to create thousands of safe parking spots for trucks and make necessary improvements to existing truck parking areas. 'Lack of safe truck parking has been a top concern of truckers for decades and as a former truck driver, I can tell you firsthand that when truckers don't have a safe place to park, we are put in a no-win situation,' said President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Todd Spencer. 'We must either continue to drive while fatigued or out of legal driving time, or park in an undesignated and unsafe location like the side of the road or abandoned lot. It forces truck drivers to make a choice between safety and following federal Hours-of-Service rules. The current situation isn't safe for the truck driver and it's not safe for others on the road… The bill has longstanding, broad industry support and should be a top priority as Congress begins reauthorizing our nation's highway safety programs.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
