How Early Should You Start Looking for Truck Parking?
In an industry where timing is absolutely everything, finding a convenient place to park your truck can mean the difference between success and failure. Well-rested truck drivers who haven’t wasted several hours each week looking for spaces tend to service their routes far better than those who don’t.
But with truck parking spaces in the U.S. at a critical low – and some reports suggesting just one parking space exists for every ten trucks on the road – finding a spot is becoming increasingly farcical.
As a result, many truckers need to start looking for a space incredibly early in the day. But how early are we talking? In this short blog post, we will take a look. Toward the end, we will present a far better solution, one that means you never need to worry about looking for a parking space ever again.
But first, a quick explanation as to why we are in this mess.
What’s Behind the Truck Parking Crisis?
Over the last decade or so, the truck parking crisis has caused woefully inadequate levels. As the number of trucks on the road has continued to surge every year, the available parking spaces simply haven’t kept up at an adequate pace.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Increased Commerce: In simple terms, the boom in e-commerce and the subsequent growing supply chain have resulted in more trucks on the road than ever before. It’s great that business is booming, but the number of designated truck parking spaces hasn’t followed suit, and that’s not so terrific for the wonderful truckers of America, many of whom are starved of parking.
- Lack of Investment in Truck Stops: Despite the increase in trucks, the government hasn’t expanded infrastructure anywhere near quickly enough. As a result, many truckers are left scrambling to find parking each evening, often resorting to dangerous alternatives like abandoned gas stations or even dangerous exit ramps. In the worst case, truckers are literally losing their lives while parked in unsafe areas.
- Stricter Hours of Service Regulations: Changes in federal hours of service regulations a few years ago have forced truckers to adhere to even stricter rules regarding their driving windows. This lack of flexibility leaves many drivers desperately searching for parking as their hours run out, unable to push on to find a safe location.
While other factors exist, these three issues are the main precursors for turning truck parking into a relentless daily battle. For many drivers, it’s not uncommon to start looking for a space as early as mid-afternoon – that means less priority is afforded to the routes they are working, which, in turn, has a direct effect on the industry as a whole.
When Should You Start Looking?
So, at what time of the day should you start to find truck parking? Realistically, the answer depends on various factors, mostly pertaining to your route and schedule. Having said that, there is a general approach that most experienced drivers seem to be following these days.
Suggested Search Times for Different Types of Drivers:
- Long-Haul Drivers: If you are an OTR driver, you may want to start searching for a spot as early as 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Assuming you start mid-afternoon, you should find truck parking within a couple of hours. While that is by no means ideal, with most truck stops filling up by early evening, beginning your search in mid-afternoon is your best option.
- Shorter Routes or Day Drivers: Drivers covering shorter routes may have a bit more flexibility, but the earlier you start, the better. If you aim to secure a spot by 5:00 p.m., you are simply more likely to find parking at popular stops if you start mid-afternoon.
- Drivers Near Major Hubs: If you want to find truck parking near large cities or major distribution centers, you should probably start looking for truck parking even earlier – sometimes as early as 2:00 p.m. Parking near these busy areas tends to fill up quickly due to heavy traffic and increased demand.
Starting this early in the day may seem a little extreme to some, but if you work a busy route, you will know it is necessary to avoid being stuck without a spot at the end of a long day.
There Is a Better Way…
Despite the truck parking situation that has plagued the industry for some time, it really doesn’t have to be this way. Many truckers are now turning to private parking solutions like Truck Parking Club, which provides an effective alternative to the headache of public truck stops through convenient private parking.
Contrary to popular belief, private parking is now quite affordable and much more accessible than it used to be. Through Truck Parking Club, truckers can easily book a spot in advance or find truck parking on the go using the app. With thousands of private locations available, it takes the pressure out of securing a safe place to park.
You simply browse for a space, book it, and enjoy your day knowing you have secured a comfortable place to park. No more risking it at abandoned gas stations or dealing with the stress of timing regulations – just convenient, affordable parking.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, if you want to find truck parking in this current climate, you have little option but to plan way ahead and start your search really early.
But with popular services like Truck Parking Club, truckers have a convenient way to secure parking without endless frustration. Why not make things easier on yourself? Avoid the drama, book a spot, and hit the road knowing your parking is already sorted.
Register With Truck Parking Club Today
The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.
