It’s top of the heap and king of the hill, according to Frank Sinatra. Robert De Niro thinks it is the most exciting city in the world. Most people, actually, seem to love the place.
We don’t disagree. But we can only assume that Ol Blue Eyes and Bobby D never had cause to drive a 70-footer with a sticky fourth gear and squeaky brakes through Manhattan or Fifth Avenue. If they had, their Big Apple opinions may have been markedly different.
While there is no disputing the beauty and buzz of this incredible world-famous city, it can be something of a nightmare from the perspective of a truck driver.
Parking? That’s even worse. Basically, NYC truck parking is simply not allowed, period. With a few exceptions, here and there, that is.
The Main Rules – Broken Down
Which brings us to the purpose of this blog post about commercial truck parking in NYC. The truth is, we were tempted to write a two-word article starting with “don’t” and ending with “even,” but we realized that some of you probably have no option but to figure out truck parking in NYC, so we decided a little more effort might be required.
With that in mind, we shall address the main rules of NYC truck parking as taken from the official DOT outline, and break them down into digestible terms. But first, what constitutes a ‘truck,’ as far as the DOT is concerned?
Commercial Vehicle Definition
If you have a commercial plate, you are a commercial truck falling into specific truck parking rules in NYC. Rocket science, it most certainly isn’t.
Other than that, if your vehicle is modified for transporting goods (with seats and fittings removed), you also fall into the commercial category, as are vehicles with name and address displayed three inches high on both sides of the vehicle, in contrasting colors.
We doubt you needed that definition, as you probably know what a truck looks like, but there it is, anyway.
Parking, Standing, and Stopping Rules
The following stipulations (which are particularly stringent in midtown Manhattan) outline where and how commercial vehicles can park or stand.
Parking of Unaltered Commercial Vehicles Prohibited
Commercial truck parking in NYC is not allowed UNLESS the vehicle has been permanently modified by removing all seats and seat fittings behind the front seats. If the vehicle is designed with a separate passenger cab and cargo area, the seats in the cab don’t count towards this rule.
No Standing Except for Trucks Loading and Unloading
With NYC truck parking specifically, if you see a sign saying “No Standing Except Trucks Loading and Unloading,” it is basically a special zone just for commercial or service vehicles. These spots are designed for quick stops from 7 am to 7 pm.
Angle Standing or Parking of Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles can park or stand at an angle to the curb in designated areas ONLY if necessary for loading or unloading. This is allowed only for the time reasonably needed to perform these activities.
Parking of Trailers
You can’t park trailers or semi-trailers on streets or highways unless they’re actively being loaded or unloaded. However, in industrial zones, trailers or semi-trailers can be parked unattached if signs allow it, but ONLY for the time specified on these signs.
Street Storage of Commercial Vehicles Prohibited
When parking is not otherwise restricted, no commercial truck parking in NYC is allowed in any area, including a residential area, longer than three hours.
Nighttime Parking of Commercial Vehicles
Commercial truck parking in NYC is not allowed on residential streets from 9 pm to 5 am. There is a caveat, however: this rule doesn’t apply to vehicles related to gas or oil heat supply, maintenance, or public utilities.
Vehicles With Platform Lifts
Commercial vehicles may not be parked on any City street with a platform lift set in a lowered position while the vehicle is unattended.
Double Parking
For commercial truck parking in NYC, double parking is usually not allowed in the majority of cases. However, commercial vehicles can briefly double park for pickups, deliveries, or service calls if there’s no free curb space within 100 feet and they follow police or flagperson instructions.
Bottom Line
If your truck isn’t altered for cargo transport, you can pretty much forget about commercial truck parking in NYC. Other than that, look for signs that say ‘No Standing Except Trucks Loading and Unloading’ for quick stops. Remember, Midtown Manhattan is extra strict, especially during peak hours. Night parking on residential streets is a no-go for commercial vehicles, and trailers can only park while loading, unloading, or if attached to a truck.
Alternatives
You do have some options, however. There is a truckstop in Kearny, for example, but unless you are using Truck Parking Club to book your space there, they are usually full after 2 pm most days.
There are plenty of truck stops in New Jersey, but the same applies: unless you are booking through Truck Parking Club, you might find yourself out of luck.
In the worst-case scenario, You might get lucky at one of the service plazas off the turnpike, but only if you are early and enjoy the sight of discarded trash everywhere, along with quite a nasty, distinct toilet-like smell in the air, or so we are told.
Truck Parking Club
Either way, your best option is to use Truck Parking Club to browse for truck parking spaces on privately owned land in the NYC or NJ area. Many drivers are turning to our service as an option for NYC truck parking as we have a system that is both affordable and convenient. It just works.
If you have never used Truck Parking Club before, you will find it useful not only for New York and New Jersey but for the entire country. Just create an account (it takes under a minute) and browse for a convenient parking spot, either as a last-minute option or in advance.
Most of our spots come with amenities of various descriptions, many of them are fenced and gated, and all of them are incredibly convenient.
We have partnered with private landowners all over the states to bring you truck parking spaces, so you never need to worry about finding a spot again. Just open the app, search for a truck parking space by location, and book your spot. Simple!
With Truck Parking Club, there is room for everyone.
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.
