The shortage of overnight truck parking has often been in the news over the last half-decade. However, recent information has shown some promising improvement in this area.
But is it all that it seems to be? Let’s take a closer look at the facts.
Has There Been an Increase in Overnight Truck Parking?
Data shows a significant increase in the average number of available truck parking spaces across the US since late 2021.
A recent study by TruckerPath has shown that truck drivers using the app have seen a significant increase in the number of available truck parking spots.
The study shows that between the hours of 11:00 and 14:00, the national average number of available parking spaces has increased from 47.7% to 64%.Between the hours of 19:00 and 22:00 the number has increased from 17.1% to 38%.
Looking at the other side of things, namely an absence of available overnight truck parking, the same study has shown that a complete absence of truck parking spaces is becoming less common.
In 2021, the national average for an absence of truck parking between the hours of 19:00 and 22:00 was a whopping 50.6%. Fast forward to 2023 and the number drops to only 26%. Between 11:00 and 14:00, these numbers went from 16.7% to 9% over the same timeframe.
Looking at these statistics, they certainly seem to indicate that the number of truck parking lots and spaces have increased significantly in recent years.
What Trucking Employment Statistics Have to Say
While it may seem like there’s been a significant increase in the numbers where overnight truck parking is concerned, the truck driver employment statistics are saying something else.
2023 saw a significant decrease in the number of available trucking jobs, which means that there’s likely been a decrease in the number of truck drivers. Consequently, this likely also means a decrease in the number of trucks needing overnight truck parking.
The trucking volume has decreased significantly since 2001. Despite that, there’s still a 26% shortage of parking spaces for trucks at night. This goes to show that, even though the situation may have improved significantly, the trucking industry still has a long way to go before the parking shortage is fully resolved.
Federal, state and local governments all believe that there is still a major problem, and several different federal and state grants have been made available to help deal with the issue. However, relatively few applicants have made use of the grants.
Certain states have also introduced additional systems and tools to help solve the shortage. The truck parking availability system is one example of such a tool that helps truckers keep track of available truck parking before reaching a lot or other parking area.
How the Private Sector is Helping to Improve the Truck Parking Situation
While it is undeniable that there has been some increase in the number of available parking spaces, relatively few of these have been the result of federal intervention. Instead, the private sector has been responsible for most of the growth within the industry.
This is largely due to an influx of privately owned truck stops but also thanks to tools like Truck Parking Club. This wonderful website and application give you access to many parking spots that are not generally available through other platforms.
Any landowner with suitable property can easily list their land as a truck parking opportunity. Truck drivers can also sign up with ease, giving them access to hundreds of parking spaces that they may not have had access to otherwise. With just a few clicks, you can easily narrow down parking spaces by region as well as available amenities.
It certainly isn’t as much progress as may be required, but any improvement is a good thing. In terms of the public sector, many additional parking areas have been announced, including an additional 200 truck parking spaces on Interstate 80 in Wyoming. In Nevada, an additional 50 spaces are also being created on the I-80.
Final Thoughts
While it’s definite that there have been significant improvements in the state of the truck parking shortage over the last few years, it’s also clear that there’s still a long road ahead of us.
Considering the decline in freight loads, the increase in truck parking opportunities, and the still-considerable number of shortages, many more initiatives and changes will need to take place before the situation is completely resolved.
However, with tools like Truck Parking Club and similar initiatives, it’s considerably easier to find overnight truck parking than it once was. Why struggle with the rigors of the mainstream truck parking industry when you can do well with independent tools? Sign up for 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.
