Bipartisan legislation recently re-introduced in the U.S. Senate would create a short-term authorization of funds to increase truck parking capacity and improve existing truck parking infrastructure.
Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service Regulations, truckers have a maximum amount of time they are permitted behind the wheel. Drivers are permitted a 14-hour driving window and must take a minimum of 10 hours off. After eight cumulative hours of driving, a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes is required.
Nearly all truck drivers regularly experience difficulty finding safe parking and are forced to park on exit ramps, on the side of the interstate, or in other unsafe areas, according to a study commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration.
U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Jon Tester (D-MT) cosponsored.
U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The bill has the support of American Trucking Associations, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, the Truckload Carriers Association, the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, and the Institute for Safer Trucking.