Trucking Lab

Evidence-Based Truck Parking Intelligence

Knowledge Hub · Multi-State Review

Lessons from 24 State Truck Parking Studies

Across 24 state truck parking studies published between 2012 and 2024, the same pattern appears: demand is rising faster than capacity, while fragmented data and inconsistent policies slow action.

Key takeaway

Most states already know they have a parking problem. The bigger gap is turning that recognition into comparable data, clear priorities, and implementable projects.

Why it matters

More than 70% of truck drivers report struggling to find safe parking on a daily basis, and future freight growth will intensify the shortage.

What Trucking Lab reviewed

We analyzed 24 state studies to identify recurring gaps, useful state strategies, and practical improvements for future studies in 20+ more states.

24 State studies reviewed
2012–2024 Study period covered
70%+ Drivers reporting daily parking difficulty
18–25% Projected truck demand growth by 2040

Common truck parking challenges across states

The studies differ in scope and methods, but the same operational problems appear again and again.

Recurring patterns

  • Widespread shortages: Major highways often exceed 90% parking utilization during peak periods.
  • Peak demand windows: Peak overnight demand varies by state—for example, midnight–1 AM in California, 1–2 AM in South Carolina, and 6–7 PM in Idaho.
  • Undesignated parking hotspots: When facilities fill up, drivers spill onto shoulders, ramps, and nearby retail lots.
  • Missing real-time data: Only a small number of states provide parking availability information through systems such as Variable Message Signs.

What planners still need to solve

  • Amenity gaps: Drivers prioritize restrooms (19%), safety (13%), and Wi-Fi (9%), yet many public facilities still lack these basics.
  • Seasonal pressure: Winter conditions in states such as Ohio and Minnesota—and holiday freight peaks—make existing shortages worse.
  • Long-range demand: By 2040, truck demand is projected to grow 18–25%, requiring additional spaces in many states.

Key data sources used in state studies

Most state studies rely on a mix of trajectory data, surveys, and inventory records.

  • GPS data ATRI telematics and similar sources for truck activity patterns.
  • Truck trajectory data INRIX, StreetLight, Geotab, and related movement datasets.
  • Surveys Driver and stakeholder feedback on shortages, behavior, and priorities.
  • Traffic and crash data Used to compare parking shortages with safety hotspots.
  • Truck stop inventory Sources such as AllStays, Trucker Path, and state-owned facility inventories.

Top state-specific highlights

Several states offer useful examples of how different policy and operational approaches can reduce parking pressure.

1

California (2022)

Unique issue: Major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco report frequent highway police enforcement against illegal parking.

Recommendation: Repurpose closed weigh stations and use public-private partnership models for new facilities.

2

Texas (2020)

Tech-driven solution: Texas emphasized real-time parking information through mobile apps and smart signage.

Key insight: Driver education and off-hour parking at TxDOT facilities can improve awareness and access.

3

Ohio (2020)

Amenity priorities: Drivers ranked restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, lighting, and security as high priorities.

Innovation: The study highlighted real-time space display systems and reservation options.

4

Utah (2012)

Policy win: Reduced enforcement on long-term parking and the reopening of rest areas helped ease pressure on drivers.

Lesson: Small policy changes can produce immediate relief when new construction takes time.

How Trucking Lab helps close the gap

We focus on the operational data that many state studies still lack.

Granular datasets

Trucking Lab provides parking occupancy insights for both public and private locations, helping planners move beyond statewide averages.

Undesignated parking analysis

We identify parking on ramps and shoulders—not for enforcement, but to reveal where capacity expansion may be most needed.

Amenities through My Rig Parking

Our app, My Rig Parking, helps drivers see food options, showers, Wi-Fi, and other amenities at truck parking locations.

Bottom line: Better studies require better operational evidence—especially around occupancy, undesignated parking, and driver-facing amenities.

Case study: Identifying truck parking gaps in Utah

Our Utah screening combined utilization patterns with truck volume to identify where future demand is likely to outgrow current supply.

What we found

  • Four Utah counties emerged as critical areas where truck parking demand is expected to grow.
  • The strongest pressure appeared along major freight corridors tied to I-15 and I-80.
  • This type of corridor-level screening helps states prioritize where deeper study or new capacity is most urgent.
Why this matters: Statewide averages may look manageable, but corridor-level pressure can still create urgent shortages for drivers.
Utah map showing projected truck parking shortages along I-15 and I-80
Utah map showing projected truck parking shortages along I-15 and I-80.

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Authored, reviewed, and approved by Troy Choi, Ph.D., P.E.