Lessons from 24 State Truck Parking Studies
The U.S. faces a growing truck parking shortage, with over 70% of truck drivers reporting daily struggles to find safe parking. As freight demand surges, states are scrambling to address this crisis—but fragmented data and inconsistent policies hinder progress.
At Trucking Lab, we’ve analyzed 24 state truck parking studies (2012–2024) to uncover solutions and gaps. Below, we break down key findings, state-specific strategies, and our vision to guide future studies in 20+ states
Common Truck Parking Challenges Across States
- Widespread Shortages:
- Major highways exceed 90% parking utilization during peak hours.
- Peak Demand Windows:
- Midnight–1 AM for CA, 1-2AM for SC, 6–7 PM for ID
- Undesignated Parking Hotspots:
- Facilities are over capacity, leading to unauthorized parking on shoulders, ramps, and retail lots.
- Missing Real-Time Data:
- Only a few of states provide parking availability via Variable Message Signs.
- Amenity Gaps:
- Drivers prioritize restrooms (19%), safety (13%), and Wi-Fi (9%), but many public truck parking facilities (e.g., weigh stations or turnouts) lack these basics.
- Seasonal Pressures:
- Winter weather (e.g., OH and MN) and holiday freight spikes worsen shortages.
- 2040 Projections:
- Truck demand will grow by 18–25%, requiring more new parking spaces per state.
Key Data Sources
- GPS Data: ATRI telematics
- Truck Trajectory: INRIX, Streetlight, Geotab
- Surveys: Driver and/or stakeholder feedback
- Traffic/Crash Data: Correlated parking shortages with accident hotspots
- Truck Stop Inventory: Allstays, Trucker Path, etc.
Top 5 State-Specific Highlights
1. California (2022)
- Unique Issue: Frequent highway police enforcement against illegal parking in major cities (LA, SF).
- Recommendation: Repurpose closed weigh stations and use P3 models for new facilities.
2. Texas (2020)
- Tech-Driven Solution: Implementation of real-time parking information systems (mobile apps, smart signage) and allowance of truck parking in TxDOT facilities during off-hours.
- Key Insight: Improved parking awareness through driver education campaigns.
3. Ohio (2020)
- Amenity Priorities: Drivers prioritize restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, and safety measures (lighting, security cameras).
- Innovation: Introduction of real-time parking space display systems and advance reservation options.
4. Utah (2012)
- Policy Win: Reduced enforcement on long-term parking and reopening of rest areas, easing the burden on truck drivers.
Trucking Lab offers
- Granular Datasets: Real-time parking occupancy insights for both public and private locations.
- Undesignated Parking Analysis: Identifies parking on ramps and shoulders—not for enforcement but to explore capacity expansion opportunities.
- Existing Amenities: Our app, My Rig Parking, provides information on food options, showers, and Wi-Fi at truck parking locations.
Case Study: Identification of Truck Parking Gaps
In Utah, four counties were identified through our utilization data and truck volume as critical areas where truck parking demand is expected to grow.
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Authored, reviewed, and approved by Troy Choi, Ph.D., P.E.