Congress has approved $200 million in dedicated truck parking funding, marking the first time lawmakers have set aside money specifically to expand parking for truck drivers. The funding was included in the final FY26 appropriations package and now awaits the President’s signature.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) called the move historic. For years, ATA has pushed Congress to address the nationwide truck parking shortage, which continues to create safety risks and financial losses for drivers.
Unlike previous infrastructure bills that allowed funds to be used for parking, this new allocation requires that the full $200 million go directly toward expanding truck parking capacity.
Why Truck Parking Funding Matters
The truck parking shortage has been a long-standing issue across the country. According to a U.S. Department of Transportation study:
- 98% of truck drivers report difficulty finding safe parking.
- Drivers lose an average of 56 minutes of drive time per day searching for parking.
- That lost time equals about $6,813 per year in lost wages per driver.
Because federal hours-of-service rules require drivers to take mandated rest breaks, limited parking often forces them to park in unsafe or unauthorized areas. As a result, the shortage impacts:
- Highway safety
- Driver productivity
- Supply chain efficiency
ATA leaders testified before Congress multiple times on the issue. Additionally, trucking industry members raised truck parking concerns directly with lawmakers during ATA’s Call On Washington events.
Key Support Behind the Bill
U.S. Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR), chairman of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, played a major role in securing the funding line item.
ATA President & CEO Chris Spear said the funding will help turn a corner on chronic underinvestment in truck parking infrastructure. Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton also praised the measure, noting that trucking represents 1 in 10 jobs in Arkansas and plays a key role in interstate freight movement.
Other Pro-Trucking Provisions in the FY26 Bill
In addition to truck parking funding, the FY26 appropriations package includes several other trucking-related measures:
- Directing USDOT to develop a strategy to address cargo theft
- Addressing distracted and impaired driving
- Studying predatory towing practices
- Reporting on technology to measure intoxication, including marijuana impairment
- Pushing long-delayed guidance on hair testing for drug detection
- Providing updates on a national autonomous vehicle framework
- Studying the impact of congestion pricing
- Strengthening oversight of the Training Provider Registry
- Enforcing English language proficiency requirements
ATA says these provisions aim to improve roadway safety, strengthen the supply chain, and support truck drivers nationwide.
Source:
https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/200-million-secured-truck-parking-following-atas-advocacy
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