Finding a truck parking space in the US can often be extremely frustrating. Many states struggle with truck parking shortages, causing truckers to spend their precious time searching for available parking spaces to spend a night.
That need for a parking space can quickly become desperation many parking owners try to exploit. They jack up the prices for overnight parking, forcing desperate truckers to spend their hard-earned money on truck parking that is often far from perfect.
Of course, that doesn’t apply to all truck parking lots. At Truck Parking Club, we only cooperate with truck parking operators who offer safe and secure parking at reasonable rates, ensuring truckers don’t overspend when searching for a parking space.
However, the exact truck parking costs will depend on numerous factors, such as the location, time of year, demand, etc. How much should you expect to pay when driving through the US? Let’s find out.
How Much Is Truck Parking? A Quick Answer
The average truck parking rate in the US ranges from $15-25 per night. These prices, however, will vary depending on the location, demand, and amenities offered, with some truck parking lots charging less or more.
What Factors Affect Truck Parking Rates?
As covered, several factors affect truck parking costs. Namely, its location, seasonal demand, and amenities. Let’s discuss these in more detail:
Location
As you drive throughout the states, you’ll notice that truck parking rates depend on the state and area you’re currently in. In general, urban states, such as California or New York, tend to be more expensive than rural locations and states due to higher property prices and increased demand.
For instance, truck parking costs in California can reach up to $45-50 per day, with truck parking lots in Texas or Illinois charging $10-15 per night. Keep that in mind when planning your route to ensure you don’t overspend on truck parking when driving through several states.
Another location-related factor is where the parking lot is physically located. For instance, truck stops and parking lots near main highways and larger cities will charge higher parking rates than those in more remote areas.
Seasonal Demand
Some times of the year are busier than others. And when it gets busy on the road, the demand for truck parking increases and, with it, parking rates. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for truck parking owners to charge more for truck parking during specific periods, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your routes to avoid unexpected fees.
Amenities & Additional Fees
Generally, the more exclusive the parking lot and the more amenities it offers, the more you can expect to pay for an overnight stay. However, some truck parking lots may collect lower rates, charging extra for using the available amenities. For instance, a truck parking spot may cost $20, but you’ll have to pay $5 to take a shower or pay an extra fee to access Wi-Fi.
States with the Most and Least Expensive Truck Parking Rates
So yes, as explained, truck parking rates vary from one state to another. But which states are the most expensive when it comes to truck parking?
According to the 2022 survey from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the top five states with the highest truck parking rates are California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon. The average cost of an overnight truck parking spot in these states can range from $30 to $40, often exceeding forty dollars.
What makes these states so expensive for truck drivers? One reason is that all these states have high population densities and high-traffic urban areas. They also tend to have higher operating costs due to differences in taxes, property values, and higher labor costs.
Okay, but what about the states with the least expensive truck parking rates? According to the same survey, the five states with the lowest truck parking costs are South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wyoming, where the average truck parking rate ranges from $12 to $15 per night.
What are the reasons for these lower rates? Well, opposite to the most expensive states, these aren’t as densely populated. The traffic is, therefore, lower, meaning the demand for truck parking isn’t as high as in more urban states (e.g., California or New York). The operating costs also tend to be lower there, further decreasing truck parking rates.
Of course, keep in mind that we’re talking averages here. There can be instances where truck parking in Dakota will cost more than in New York. On average, though, you should expect to pay more for truck parking in certain states than others.
Fortunately, there are several ways to find more affordable truck parking without sacrificing overall security and convenience.
How to Find the Most Affordable Truck Parking Spots?
What if we told you that finding affordable and reliable truck parking doesn’t have to be challenging? That in a matter of minutes, if not seconds, you’ll be able to find and book available parking spots in any US state?
All it takes is to use Truck Parking Club. Through our platform, you’ll be able to browse available parking lots across the US, find those with affordable pricing, and then book them in advance for peace of mind that you have a safe spot to spend a night when on the road.
As the #1 truck parking app in the US, Truck Parking Club is the perfect solution for truckers searching for safe parking locations nationwide. All you have to do to book your spot is to create a free trucker account. Once you do that, you’ll gain access to all our platform’s features, allowing you to quickly find and book available spots.
So yes, using our truck parking app is one solution for finding affordable truck parking. There are more tips you can use to boost your chances of finding a parking spot without putting a dent in your finances. Namely:
- Plan routes in advance. Although it’s not always possible to plan ahead, if you can, planning your route and stops is the best way to ensure you find a place to serve your mandatory break and that you don’t overspend. For instance, if your route takes you through several states, you can plan your stops strategically and park in states and areas with lower truck parking rates.
- Do your research. When in a hurry, it’s natural that you’ll choose the first stop that pops up as an answer to your “truck parking near me” query. We’d spend some time on research, though. There’s a high chance you’ll find a more affordable option in a more remote location or without luxurious amenities.
- Opt for weekly or monthly parking options. Most locations at Truck Parking Club offer daily, weekly, and monthly truck parking payment options. If you, for instance, drive specific routes regularly, opting for a weekly or monthly parking option will turn out cheaper than paying a daily parking fee.
What About Free Truck Parking?
This is a question many truckers, especially younger ones, ask – can I park my truck for free? The short answer is yes. Some spots, such as truck stops or public parking lots, allow truckers to park for free. Many truckers also go off-road to find some spots where they can sleep. In general, though, it’s not the best option around.
First of all, it’s not safe. One of the reasons why dedicated truck parking lots charge extra fees is due to them being more secure. They often come with monitoring and other security measures, ensuring that truckers and their cargo remains safe. It’s also not very convenient, as you don’t have access to even the most basic amenities, such as a toilet or a bar.
So yes, while finding free truck parking in the US is possible, it’s not something we’d recommend. If you want to stay safe and relaxed on the road, it’s better to spend those 15/20 bucks and enjoy peace of mind that your cargo is secure and that you can satisfy your basic needs in more civilized conditions.
Key Takeaways
Many truck drivers complain about high truck parking rates in the US. And true, some parking lots charge high rates for overnight parking. These costs, however, heavily depend on the lot’s location and the demand for truck parking spaces.
On average, you should expect to pay around 15/25 bucks per night for a truck parking spot in the US. As covered, though, these costs can be higher or lower depending on specific factors.
Generally speaking, if you want to ensure you don’t overspend on truck parking while also staying in a secure and reliable lot, the best idea is to use our truck parking app. Using Truck Parking Club, you’ll be able to browse, find, and book secure truck parking spots nationwide, all available at competitive rates from reliable private truck parking owners. Create your free trucker member account 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.
