A multi-state truck parking program is under way in the Midwest to give drivers real-time information to help them find available safe parking.
The Truck Parking Information and Management System (TPIMS) is the result of several Midwestern states coming together to try and find a solution to the truck parking problem. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin are all measuring how many parking spaces are available at any given time on their high-volume highways, then feeding that data into a centralized system.
This data isn’t just used for roadside electronic signage however. The data will be openly available for public and private companies alike. This could mean private developers taking the data and making it widely available via apps, websites, telematics devices and more.
When completed, TPIMS will collect data for over 150 parking locations on I-35, I-39, I-64, I-65, I-70, I-71, I-75, I-80, I-94, I-135, and U.S. Route 33 in Ohio.
Certain aspects of the program are already being tested, but it won’t be fully implemented until the summer of 2019. Though according to a spokesperson, TPIMS will have a “soft launch” in the fall of 2018.
If all goes well, the hope is that the network would grow to the rest of the country, with data for every major parking area made available for free to drivers in real time.
Source: fleetowner, trucksparkhere, maasto
Joseph Tucci says
That’s all good.. but what about the North East States
Steven J Baumgras says
How bout adding US 35 in ohio
But its a good idea other wise.
Eventually they will charge for info.
Always happens
Kathy Rains says
I -57? CHICAGO DOWN TO ….where DOES it end down south?
Allen says
Matthews, MO
Ryan says
read the article it tells you which states are currently involved. Instead of complaining be grateful that they are willing to do this for us
Martha says
Great start, but the issue is LACK of parking overall. That’s what really needs to be resolved.
Jody says
Yes- US 35 through Ohio has been a big problem for years. However, you have to consider that drivers will have to stop somewhere, get out their phone or computer and spend valuable time searching the application. Then, head that way to a parking spot only to fine it already taken. In theory it sounds good but not really practical in my opinion. What the country needs is just more plain truck stops, and truck stops in or near cities-not just parking areas 50-100 miles out. Drivers need parking near deliveries in cities like Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, and Dallas where city parking is a joke. Shows us just how much these people really understand about the trucking industry. They need to pass zoning laws that provide for parking in industrial parks where you have 30 trucks lined up on the street waiting to deliver with now place tor really park. And make industrial parks and places like them to have curb parking etc. That could take some pressure off the interstate lack of parking. Furthermore, drivers need to be near deliveries and pickups-not parked 50 miles out of large cities for a 7 am appointment which is ridiculous in places as mentioned above.
Andrew H says
This really doesn’t work in Michigan.
Maybe instead of spending money on this, they should invest the money into more safe parking? We all know most areas are packed to the brim past 9, except I-65 between Indianapolis and Chicago which is a good example of actually having good parking. Usually the J there off exit 240 never fills up and can find parking even at 2am.