Laws reintroduced in each homes of Congress to fund truck parking

U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) reintroduced the bipartisan Truck Parking Security Enchancment Act to create a short-term authorization of funds to extend truck parking capability and to enhance current truck parking infrastructure. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) launched companion laws within the Home of Representatives.  

The laws would authorize $755 million in aggressive grant funding to broaden industrial truck parking capability throughout the U.S.

“Wyoming is house to a few main interstates that carry 1000’s of tons of cargo a day. With out protected truck parking, truckers spend an pointless period of time trying to find a spot to park – placing truckers and Wyoming drivers at higher threat for accidents. That is simply solvable, and I’m grateful to Senator Kelly for becoming a member of me find a commonsense answer,” mentioned Lummis. “Individuals in Wyoming are nonetheless feeling the impacts of the provision chain disaster, and unreliable truck parking is one other contributing issue to that. Fixing the parking drawback will assist ease this burden on shoppers.” 

She mentioned the Truck Parking Security Enchancment Act will allocate funds to create 1000’s of protected parking spots for vehicles and make essential enhancements to current truck parking areas. 

Members of the trucking group weighed in on the laws, which might assist remedy an issue confronted by 98% {of professional} drivers, in accordance with the Division of Transportation.

Todd Spencer, President of the Proprietor-Operator Impartial Drivers Affiliation

“Most folk most likely don’t notice that 70% of American freight is transported by truck, but extremely there may be only one parking spot for each 11 vehicles on theroad. When truck drivers don’t have a delegated place to park, they find yourself parking on the facet of the street, close to exit ramps, or elsewhere. This isn’t protected forthe driver and it’s not protected for others on the street. Senator Lummis, Senator Kelly, Consultant Bost, and Consultant Craig have heard from small enterprise truckers throughout America and are main the cost in Congress to enhance street security via expanded truck parking.” 

RELATED NEWS: Survey: Public helps extra truck parking … simply not close to their houses

Chris Spear, President of the American Trucking Associations

“The shortage of protected and accessible truck parking locations an infinite and dear burden on our nation’s truck drivers as they work to ship for the American folks. Given the persistent nature of this problem and its nationwide scope, it’s crucial Congress takes motion to supply devoted funding to broaden industrial truck parking capability. We thank Senators Lummis and Kelly for his or her management on this very important piece of laws, which is able to strengthen our provide chain and enhance freeway security for all motorists.”

Jim Ward, President of the Truckload Carriers Affiliation

“Truck drivers deserve a protected and safe place to relaxation as they work to ship a nation. TCA wish to thank Senators Kelly and Lummis and Representatives Bost and Craig for introducing payments to handle the nationwide scarcity of parking affecting truck drivers throughout our nation. The truckload business is glad to have policymakers on Capitol Hill championing this problem and supporting the American truck driver – important to our nation’s provide chain. By allocating this funding from the Freeway Belief Fund, the proposal well makes use of cash put aside for infrastructure initiatives. With one truck parking area for each 11 drivers, this can be a drawback in a lot want of those devoted {dollars}. With out adequate parking, truck drivers are recurrently pressured to select amongst dangerous choices: forfeit drivable time to safe a spot, park illegally and unsafely alongside freeway shoulders and exit and entry ramps, or drive past their regulated hours. Enhancing parking for truck drivers will enhance productiveness, however most significantly will result in higher security outcomes for all motorists on our roadways.”

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David Owen, President of the Nationwide Affiliation of Small Trucking Firms

“Scarce availability of truck parking is at disaster ranges throughout the nation.  Truck parking stays on the prime of truckers’ most urgent considerations and among the many prime points for fleet house owners.  The Truck Parking Security Enchancment Act represents an vital a part of the answer, and NASTC proudly helps it.”

Lisa Mullings, President and CEO of NATSO

“We admire that the Truck Parking Security Enchancment Act acknowledges the vital function that journey facilities and truckstops play in serving America’s long-haul truck drivers. “With greater than 5,000 Interstate truckstops and journey facilities offering 90 % of the truck parking capability in america, truckstops and journey facilities play a key function in addressing any state considerations over truck parking capability. Truckstops and journey facilities are uniquely positioned to fulfill the entire wants of economic drivers, together with their must cease and relaxation. The Truck Parking Security Enchancment Act presents a possibility for grant recipients to enhance truck parking capability alongside these freight corridors the place it could be wanted in a way that finest serves America’s drivers.”