House Committee Considers Comprehensive Solutions to Improve Truck Driver Parking Challenges

WASHINGTON — during a recent congressional hearing, transportation advocates called for important increases in truck parking availability as lawmakers acknowledged the vital role truck drivers play in the economy.

“Trucking is essential to our communities and supply chains, yet the industry faces ongoing challenges,” stated Rep. david rouzer (R-N.C.), who chairs the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee.

The bipartisan panel within the House Transportation Committee showed strong support for trucking-related issues during their March 26 meeting.

“As we look ahead to reauthorizing surface transportation legislation, we must build on safety investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” remarked Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), referencing the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law signed by former President Biden. “These initiatives are crucial for protecting cyclists and pedestrians from preventable accidents involving trucks.”

(T&I Committee Republicans via YouTube)

The stakeholders at this session urged that safe truck parking be prioritized in upcoming long-term transportation funding discussions set for 2026.

“I strongly encourage you to incorporate truck parking provisions into future highway legislation,” said John Elliott, former chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association.He pointed out that while a bipartisan proposal known as the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act has stalled in Congress, it contains essential language that should be included in any new highway policy bill.

Elliott emphasized that “the previous infrastructure act did not allocate specific funds for truck parking initiatives.” He insisted this gap needs addressing to enhance both safety and efficiency within our trucking workforce.

An analysis by American Trucking Associations reveals there’s only one available parking spot per every eleven drivers on average!

A report from American Transportation research Institute ranked insufficient access to parking as a top concern within trucking last year. They stated: “Without federal funding specifically designated for truck parking expansion, states will have to seek resources through various U.S. Department of Transportation programs.”

“When safe spaces are scarce, drivers often face tough choices—either park somewhere unsafe like a highway shoulder or continue driving while fatigued or out of hours due to federal regulations,” explained Lewie Pugh from Owner-Operator Autonomous Drivers Association. “this situation increasingly jeopardizes public safety.”

Reps Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) lead efforts on this critical issue in Congress. Craig recently highlighted how “Truckers are vital cogs in our supply chain machinery; they shouldn’t have to sacrifice rest due to inadequate roadside facilities.” She added that enhancing rest area availability benefits both drivers’ safety and everyday commuters.

The forthcoming major highway bill is also expected to prioritize safety measures.

“Our supply chain relies heavily on people—truckers, railroad workers, dockworkers—all working together seamlessly,” said Rep Rick Larsen (D-Wash.). “Ensuring their safety alongside public road users must remain paramount.”

Stakeholders reiterated calls for improved transport safety measures.

cole Scandaglia from Teamsters union remarked how impactful a surface transportation bill could be: “It can elevate roadway security standards while enhancing life quality among those working within trucking.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Management data released last year nearly 41k traffic fatalities occurred across America.

Rouzer also engaged with attendees at a rally supporting President Trump back in ’22 wilmington NC.(Chris Seward/Associated Press)

Both Rouzer & Holmes Norton underscored trucking’s meaning regarding public welfare.”Truckers deliver essentials during crises—they’re key players when emergencies arise,” Rouzer noted about regulatory relief options available under federal law aimed at improving disaster response outcomes.

holmes norton added her commitment towards robust training standards ensuring all new drivers can safely operate vehicles delivering freight efficiently.

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