Over the last decade, the US truck parking shortage has reached notable levels. The US DOT (Department of Transportation) recently noted nearly one parking spot for every 11 trucks on the road. Other reports found that 98% of truck drivers regularly have issues finding safe parking spots to rest. As a result, there has been an increase in carriers parked in vacant lots, abandoned properties, and highway shoulders. Unavailable parking has also led to fatigued drivers driving through illegal areas to find spaces. This article will explain the cause of the trucking shortage and the industry’s response to it.
What Is Causing The US Truck Parking Shortage?
Despite the shortage escalating in recent years, the original issue stems from the rise in interstate trucking in the 1970s. The construction of the Interstate Highway System helped expedite domestic shipping, but parking infrastructure couldn’t keep up. Then, the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 deregulated the trucking industry by lowering the barriers to entry. The result was a surge of independent operators; however, investments in parking spaces and rest stops remained stagnant. The parking shortage continued to escalate over the years as the volume of freight transported by truck grew. Crises such as the 2010 e-commerce boom and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic increased demand, but continued to grow the shortage.
By 2030, the freight transported by truck could rise nearly 25%, with limited parking development. The lack of available spaces directly impacts numerous domestic shippers’ supply chains. A significant consequence of the inability to find spaces is driving for hours while fatigued. Tiredness is a major cause of accidents involving carriers and other vehicles. Another issue of limited parking is that it can cause delays in supply chains. The time drivers spend looking for available spaces tends to add up and can affect other supply chain parts. As a result, truckers lose thousands yearly in searching, which may lead to rising costs for shippers and carriers.
How Is The Trucking Industry Responding To The Parking Problem?
Due to the impact that a lack of parking has on domestic shipping, industry players have responded in various ways. Trucking groups like the OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) have recently called on Congress to pass a parking bill. The bill would allocate $755 million to truck parking over the next five years. Initially introduced by organizations in 2022, there has not been a final vote regarding this bill. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has also provided $80 million to expand parking infrastructure. Other ways the industry is responding are creating apps dedicated to real-time parking availability and reserved parking at truck stops.
When shipping cargo by truck, you must be prepared for any situation that can impact your shipment. Shippers should understand what to expect and how to navigate disruptions. Failure to be ready can lead to delays, monetary loss, and cargo loss. Speaking to a freight broker before starting is an ideal way to prepare. Brokers act as the middleman between shippers and carriers and coordinate the movement of goods on behalf of the shipper. They also offer other services like finding rates, providing documentation, consultation, etc. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1wwl.com to speak to our brokers to start moving your goods anywhere domestically.