Federal lawmakers could soon vote to improve semi-truck parking

Although commercial vehicles represent a significant portion of the traffic on modern roads, much of the infrastructure in the United States doesn’t adequately support these large vehicles. For example, there are many rural routes and old, two-lane bridges not rated to handle the weight of commercial vehicles.

There is also often a dearth of adequate parking for commercial vehicles along highways and even at rest stops intended to provide safe places to stop. Long-haul truckers may have cabs with special sleeping spaces inside, but they still need someplace to park their vehicle where they don’t have to worry about a crash or robbery attempt.

Given that federal trucking regulations mandate rest for long-haul drivers, there need to be places for them to safely stop and sleep before continuing on their routes. Unfortunately, a lack of safe parking is a top concern for those who drive long distances for their jobs. Thankfully, the federal legislature could soon potentially pass bills that could commit millions of dollars toward improved semi-truck parking.

What have lawmakers proposed?

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will potentially lead to projects that will enhance safe parking opportunities for semi-truck drivers. The proposed bill includes $175 million for project grants in 2024 and $580 million in funding for grants for the two years following that. The bills proposing these changes have bipartisan support and authors in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It remains to be seen if the legislature will vote to expand and improve the access to semi-truck parking. These bills could make a major difference for those who help keep the North American economy moving, and the outlook for these bills is promising as of their introduction.

Enhanced parking could reduce operating costs

When there are more public parking locations for commercial vehicles, there will be less need for businesses to pay for private amenities while drivers are on trips when unusual circumstances arise. Additionally, the availability of more appropriate parking and rest facilities would diminish the likelihood of infractions that could lead to costly citations for commercial transportation companies.

Tracking the ever-changing rules that apply to the commercial trucking industry and proposed legislation that can benefit commercial transportation companies can help executives and those in logistics positions more effectively perform their jobs.

Having a law firm with experience in transportation law is vital to protecting your business. Contact us to learn how we can help you.