The American Trucking Association (ATA) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) contacted Pete Buttigieg, the United States Secretary of Transportation, regarding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to be used for truck parking nationwide.

The ATA states there are more than 11 drivers for every one parking space. Studies show that truck drivers spend about an hour driving each day looking for safe parking on average. Studies also show that about 58% of truck drivers say they had to park in an unauthorized area at least three times a week due to lack of parking.

The Letter

The letter sent to the United States Secretary of Transportation claims a shortage in truck parking. With this shortage, drivers must spend time looking for parking, which lowers productivity, reduces driver pay, and increases operating costs.

Drivers are often having to use their drive time looking for parking. On average, this is about 56 minutes daily – which in return equals about $5,500 in loss of compensation or a 12% cut in yearly pay. Also, with the loss of finances, there is a loss of productivity which causes excessive fuel usage and environmental impacts.

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear speak the following on parking shortages – “The severe shortage of safe parking presents truckers with an untenable dilemma: either keep driving when they are fatigued and possibly in violation of their federal hours-or-service requirement – or park in unsafe, sometimes illegal locations, such as a roadside shoulder. The health and well-being of our drivers, the safety of the motoring public, and the sustainability of our supply chain all depend on Congress addressing this issue with adequate funding in a surface transportation bill.”

Spear continues to say – “Washington needs to listen to our nation’s truck drivers and respect their most serious needs. They are the heartbeat of our economy and directly support the frontlines in the fight against COVID – a battle that will only be won with the help of the trucking industry.”

You can find the full letter here.