As the commercial backbone of our fine nation, truck drivers play a huge role in keeping the economy moving by transporting goods from state to state. Without our beloved highway warriors behind the wheel, the country would simply grind to a halt.
Truck drivers are an incredibly tough breed who work long, pressured hours, spending days, weeks, or sometimes even months away from their loved ones. The vehicle’s cab is a second home to this dedicated bunch, with millions of drivers eating and sleeping in them each week.
Parking Spot Selection
Despite common misconception, they are not allowed to pull up just anywhere and visit the land of nod. Parking a 100,000-pound, 80-foot-long semi-truck with the intention of having a quick nap or long slumber takes more thought than you might imagine, especially given the current truck parking crisis, which has caused a severe national shortage of places to park and rest.
So, where do truckers sleep, and what are the rules for sleeping on the road? In this short blog post, we will explain where truckers can and cannot legally rest before exploring the guidelines for compliance and safety.
Where Do Truck Drivers Park to Sleep?
- Rest stops
Legally speaking, there are several options available to truckers who need to sleep in their truck. Rest stops along highways are arguably the most common choice, as they are specifically designed to accommodate large vehicles. They also offer amenities (albeit quite basic in nature) like restrooms and vending machines.
- Truck Stops
Truck stops are another popular option. They provide parking, food, showers, and fuel and are generally quite large in comparison to rest areas, with some truck stops accommodating hundreds of vehicles. There is a downside, however; given the current truck parking shortage, many locations are full by mid-afternoon, making it hard for drivers to find a spot.
- Private Terminals
Some trucking companies have private terminals where their drivers can park and sleep securely, although once again, they are known to fill up very quickly and are extremely limited in availability.
- Gratuitous Parking
Occasionally (but not very often), friendly customers allow truckers to park on their properties overnight, although this is usually arranged in advance and depends on the relationship between the driver and the customer.
- Public Lots
Parking in supermarkets, casinos, or malls has always been a common choice for many truckers. Companies like Walmarts allow truck parking during rest breaks. Many private companies have barred truckers from using their lots over the last few years, though.
- Private Truck Parking
Companies like Truck Parking Club offer convenient, reliable, affordable private parking options that can be reserved in advance. This provides truckers with a guaranteed spot to rest without the hassle of searching for an open space late at night and is a popular alternative to public lots and rest stops.
Regulations and Rules for Truck Driver Sleep
Truck drivers must comply with strict regulations to ensure they get adequate rest and remain safe on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates through Hours of Service regulations that truckers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
Within those 11 hours, a 30-minute break is required after eight hours of driving. These rules aim to prevent driver fatigue and ensure safety on the highways, although they have come at the expense of added driver pressure, who now race against the clock to meet the HOS regulations.
Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of driving in a seven-day period or 70 hours in an eight-day period weekly. After reaching these limits, they must take a 34-hour rest period to reset their weekly driving limit. These regulations were designed to maintain the health and safety of truck drivers and other road users.
Tips for Safe and Effective Sleeping for Truck Drivers
Aside from the issue of where do truckers sleep, another important consideration is how do truckers sleep peacefully. Drivers can get the most out of their slumber by following a few truck parking sleeping tips. Let’s take a look at a few:
- Block Out Light: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to create a dark sleeping environment. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
- Reduce Noise: Invest in earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to minimize disruptions from traffic and other external sounds.
- Pick a Good Parking Spot: Always choose safe and designated parking areas to rest. Avoid isolated spots and ensure the area is well-lit.
- Comfortable Bedding: Make your sleeping space as comfortable as possible with a good mattress and bedding. A comfortable bed significantly improves sleep quality.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid using phones or other screens before sleeping. The blue light can interfere with your sleep patterns. Instead, try reading or listening to calming music.
Illegal & Unsafe Sleeping Locations for Truck Drivers
Can truckers sleep on ramps and shoulders? The short answer is no, definitely not, although many do. In fairness, they have very few options at the moment.
Take a look at this list, for example. If truck stops and rest areas are full, drivers face the prospect of illegally parking on a highway ramp or being chased out of a Walmart by an unsympathetic store manager. Until private parking apps like Truck Parking Club came along, their options were very limited indeed.
Starved of Good Parking Locations
Again, owing to the national shortage of truck parking spots, many drivers feel as though they have no choice but to park on ramps or shoulders despite the fact that it is illegal and extremely dangerous. These locations are not designed for long-term stops and pose legitimate risks of accidents.
Another unsafe practice is parking inside unauthorized private property, such as abandoned gas stations. Parking in these areas can result in fines or towing and pose a serious threat to personal safety. Jason’s law, for example, was enacted following the tragic loss of a trucker at the hands of an armed robber while sleeping in an abandoned gas station.
Bottom Line
With more trucks on the road and fewer spots, parking and sleeping in a truck is becoming more challenging for drivers. Due to the national truck parking shortage, traditional parking options are much harder to find.
Under immense pressure to meet tight schedules while adhering to strict HOS regulations, truckers waste hours each week endlessly circling truck stops and rest areas, looking for spaces that do not exist. There are simply too many trucks on the road and not enough parking spots, leaving the private sector to handle much of the heavy lifting.
For reliable, convenient, and affordable options, Truck Parking Club provides private parking spots on thousands of properties all over America. Drivers can easily browse for truck parking in real-time, ensuring a hassle-free experience every time they need to rest.
Become a trucker member today, and never worry about truck parking again!
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.
