Trucking Industry and Law Enforcement Unite to Address Nationwide Truck Parking Shortage

The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Law Enforcement Advisory Board (LEAB) has issued a letter to all 50 governors and state departments of transportation urging them to apply for federal funds to expand truck parking capacity. The nationwide shortage of commercial truck parking has created a growing highway safety issue, as truck drivers are often forced to park in illegal or unsafe locations when authorized parking is unavailable. Law enforcement organizations across the country have seen firsthand how the truck parking shortage jeopardizes road safety for all motorists.

Key Takeaways:

• The LEAB has sent a letter to all 50 governors and state departments of transportation urging them to apply for federal funds to expand truck parking capacity.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering federal funds to help expand truck parking capacity through competitive grant programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• Florida and Tennessee were awarded INFRA grants by the U.S. Department of Transportation totaling $37 million to expand truck parking capacity.
• The LEAB is a working group comprised of 37 current members with a combined total of over 900 years of law enforcement experience.
• The shortage of commercial truck parking has created a growing highway safety issue, as truck drivers are often forced to park in illegal or unsafe locations.
• The LEAB will continue to work on addressing the parking shortage until it is meaningfully addressed.
• The issue of truck parking is critical for both truckers and law enforcement, and it is a top priority for the LEAB.

Statistics:

• $37 million: The total amount of INFRA grants awarded to Florida and Tennessee to expand truck parking capacity.
• 37: The number of current members on the LEAB, who have a combined total of over 900 years of law enforcement experience.
• 50: The number of governors and state departments of transportation that the LEAB has sent letters urging them to apply for federal funds to expand truck parking capacity.
• $37 million: The total amount of INFRA grants awarded to Florida and Tennessee to expand truck parking capacity.

Sources:

• American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board letter to all 50 governors and state departments of transportation
• U.S. Department of Transportation letter to ATA President and CEO Chris Spear
• Official guidance on funding eligibility requirements for states as they plan new truck parking projects