ATRI’s Research Examines Truck Parking Solutions at Public Rest Areas 

El American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has unveiled significant new research focused on the pressing issue of truck parking at public rest areas. This study, executed in collaboration with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), draws upon the expertise of all fifty state Departments of Transportation, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico 

The shortage of available truck parking spaces has consistently posed challenges for the trucking industry, and it is now receiving heightened attention from state and federal authorities. Current estimates suggest there is only one truck parking space available for every eleven truck drivers nationwide. 

To delve deeper into this issue, ATRI and AASHTO conducted a thorough survey of the fifty state DOTs, aiming to evaluate the costs and components necessary for providing public truck parking spaces. This research not only compiled a comprehensive inventory of existing truck parking facilities but also gathered essential data regarding land acquisition, construction costs, maintenance budgets and the amenities available to truck drivers. 

The research findings revealed that, on average, a national rest area contains nineteen truck parking spaces. Notably, states in the South offer an average of 25 truck parking spaces per rest area, while states in the Northeast provide only fifteen. 

The research also includes select case studies that highlight states that are excelling in their provision of truck parking. Feedback from a survey of over five hundred truck drivers provided valuable insights into these efforts. Case study topics explored include truck parking information systems, innovative repurposing of state-owned facilities for truck parking, and strategies for addressing truck parking needs during severe weather conditions. 

Utilizing insights from the state DOT survey, ATRI has developed a public truck parking dashboard. This tool highlights each state’s public truck parking capacity as well as the range of amenities and safety features offered at rest areas. The dashboard evaluates metrics that consider state size, road mileage and proximity to major freight routes. Truck parking data from the 47 participating state DOTs is accessible through ATRI’s online dashboard. 

Alix Miller, President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association, expressed the importance of ATRI’s research, stating, “This underscores the significance of public sector truck parking and provides multiple tools for states to evaluate their progress in meeting this critical industry need. We applaud FDOT for their commitment to expanding truck parking capacity and remain dedicated to collaborating on efforts to enhance freight safety and mobility in Florida.” 

Shayne Gill, program director for multimodal transportation at AASHTO, added, “State DOTs strive to deliver the safest and most efficient transportation network possible. Addressing truck parking needs is a vital investment to maximize the benefits our highway system provides. The quality of American life and economic mobility largely depend on the vibrancy of our transportation infrastructure in safely connecting people and goods. Adequate truck parking is essential to achieving these goals.” 

For those interested in exploring the findings further, a full copy of the report and the state truck parking assessment dashboard are available on ATRI’s website.