As the U.S. Department of Transportation commemorates the second anniversary of its National Roadway Safety Strategy, aimed at reducing fatalities and severe injuries on highways, a spotlight is cast on the critical issue of the nationwide truck parking shortage – a long-standing road safety concern.
The inadequate number of truck parking spots is especially prominent in Pennsylvania, a state that truckers highlighted as one of the top worst five states to find a truck parking space in.
To resolve this ongoing issue, Federal and Pennsylvania officials aim to build more truck parking spaces for tired truckers.
Truck Parking Shortage Remains a Top Issue in Pennsylvania
For years, truck parking shortage has been one of the most significant issues in the trucking industry. And for years, this issue has been neglected by the government and federal authorities.
This has led to the situation where:
- There’s only one parking spot for every 11 truckers;
- On average, 70% of truckers violate HOS rules because they can’t find a place to stop;
- 98% of truckers report problems finding an overnight parking spot;
- The extended search for available spaces (almost an hour a day) costs each driver approximately $5,500 in lost pay a year.
Not only that, with truckers allowed a maximum of 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, the shortage of parking spots becomes a major safety risk at the end of their shifts.
Of course, as usual, there are states where this issue is even more prominent. One of them is Pennsylvania, which truckers highlighted as one of the top five states with the most significant challenges in finding parking spots.
However, a report from a Pennsylvania transportation advisory committee has urged swift action to alleviate this problem.
A New Legislation Aims to Address the Pennsylvania Truck Parking Problem
The federal government has pledged over $300 million to develop new truck parking facilities, with significant investments designated for areas like Lehigh Valley International Airport.
The new legislation proposes federal grants to either develop new or expand existing truck parking facilities. Notably, U.S. Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania has recently endorsed this initiative.
Proposals include developing new truck parking spaces along key freight corridors like I-79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is also expanding parking at several service plazas, with new installations aimed at informing truckers about available parking spaces.
A Part of the Bigger Picture
Although the truck parking issue is more significant in Pennsylvania than in many other states, the shortage of truck parking spaces remains a nationwide problem.
To resolve this issue, the government under President Joe Biden voted to allocate more federal funding to enhance truck parking facilities across the United States. President Biden’s infrastructure plan includes significant funding aimed at adding 1,000 new truck parking spaces nationwide.
This funding is part of a broader effort to enhance highway safety and ensure truckers have access to safe resting locations, thereby helping keep supply chains moving efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing initiatives reflect a concerted effort by both state and federal agencies to address the critical shortage of truck parking facilities, which poses a significant risk to road safety and the well-being of truck drivers across the nation.
Whether this will be enough, only time will tell. For now, finding a truck parking spot in Pennsylvania remains a key issue for truckers driving their rigs through the Keystone State. Fortunately, we have a solution to aid your struggles.
All you have to do is use Truck Parking Club. Using our platform, you’ll be able to find hundreds of available private truck parking facilities across the United States, including Pennsylvania.
Become a trucker member for free today, browse available truck parking spots in Pennsylvania, and quickly find and book a spot to park your rig!
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