Remember the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act? Proposed by government officials in 2023, the legislation officially known as HR2367 was crafted to tackle the pressing issue of the nationwide truck parking shortage by allocating $755 million over three years to expand the truck parking capacity.
Well, as we enter the second half of 2024, the trucking industry is still waiting for the government’s next move…
The Truck Parking Shortage Keeps Disrupting the Industry
As of now, the trucking industry is grappling with a parking ratio of merely one spot for every 11 drivers. This alarming statistic not only highlights the dire scarcity but also underscores the potential safety hazards and operational inefficiencies stemming from this shortage.
Drivers are often forced to park in unauthorized and unsafe locations, such as highway shoulders and off-ramps, increasing the risk of accidents and reducing compliance with federal regulations.
Legislative Efforts: The Current Status of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act
HR2367, or the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, sparked a wave of optimism across the trucking sector.
Passed in 2023 by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with an overwhelming majority, the act is currently awaiting further action.
David Heller, Senior Vice President of the Truckload Carriers Association, emphasizes ongoing efforts to garner support for the bill. “Our goal is to secure 20 to 25 co-sponsors in the Senate to ensure the bill’s passage and avoid its entanglement in larger, less focused legislative packages,” he stated.
Industry Support
The American Trucking Association (ATA) and other influential groups have supported the proposed bill. Chris Spear, CEO of ATA, pointed out that this legislation, along with other initiatives, is crucial for addressing foundational issues in supply chain dynamics and enhancing the overall safety and resilience of freight transportation.
Moreover, organizations like the Institute for Safer Trucking and Road Safe America have expressed their endorsement, highlighting the act’s potential to significantly boost driver well-being and safety.
All these organizations believe that implementing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would not only enhance safety by providing more legal and secure parking options but would also improve operational efficiency within the industry.
By ensuring that drivers have ample opportunities to rest and comply with Hours of Service regulations, the act is expected to foster a more efficient supply chain and elevate road safety for all users. When it will be finally introduced, however, remains unclear.
Final Remarks
The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act represents (or was expected to represent) a pivotal step in resolving one of the most persistent challenges in the trucking industry.
By focusing on the safety and efficiency of truck operations, HR2367 promises to bring about long-term benefits, not only for truck drivers but also for the broader spectrum of road users and the U.S. economy at large.
As the industry and its stakeholders continue to advocate for this critical legislation, the hope is that it will soon pass, bringing much-needed relief and improvement to the nation’s freight transportation system.
For now, however, the number of available truck parking spots across the US remains scarce. Luckily, apps like our very own Truck Parking Club exist to help truckers find and book parking spots for their rigs.
Become a trucker member today and discover the Truck Parking Club difference!
Link to the original article: https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/truckload-authority/government-affairs/industry-awaits-next-move-on-proposed-legislation-to-improve-truck-parking-in-the-us
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