Every day, there are more than 26,000 truck trips made in Minnesota, yet there are only 4,846 available truck parking spaces, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
The 2019 Minnesota Truck Parking Study found that although MnDOT operates and maintains rest areas with truck parking, more than 85 percent of truck parking in the state is owned and operated by private companies.
MnDOT and truck-stop operators will need to collaborate to address the parking space availability and future parking needs, the study concluded.
MnDOT is seeking public comments on how to improve truck safety. Comments should be made before Nov. 9 to the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations.
MnDOT completed the study in collaboration with the truck-stop industry, truck drivers, and trucking companies.
The agency gathered Streetlight Insight and GPS Probe data from rest areas and truck stops for the federal Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey. Data was used to identify parking trends and potential solutions.
Also included in the study was an analysis of truck travel locations by zip code with the greatest need for more parking spaces. This will be used to help prioritize locations for potential future investment.
In Minnesota, 85 percent of manufactured goods are moved via truck.