Despite trucking organization leaders supporting the $1.2 trillion infrastructure spending legislation, the federal government has not prioritized safe overnight parking spaces. That’s largely why U.S. Department of Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg has been feeling some pressure to rectify the shortage.
“Americans expect new roads, and real infrastructure needs to be addressed,” Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member, reportedly said.
According to the American Trucking Associations, there is only one legitimate parking space for every 11 truckers hauling freight. The lack of parking infrastructure has been well-documented, and the initial mock-up of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) included provisions for increased spaces. The funds were reportedly scuttled during negotiations, leaving the issue to Abutting’s use of discretionary spending. The DOT secretary acknowledged the unacceptable working condition during a recent hearing.
“If you talk with any truck driver, it’s not only an issue of convenience. It’s an issue of safety. And, I might add, with the idling that goes on, it’s even an issue of emissions,” Buttigieg reportedly said. “I’d welcome an opportunity to work with you to make sure that the funding and the authorities available in the law are actually being used to alleviate that problem.”
A 2019 Jason’s Law Report shows that 98 percent of CDL professionals routinely experience difficulty finding safe breaktime or overnight parking. The report indicates a 23 percent increase in safe parking adversity since 2015. The federal law was passed in 2009 after Jason Rivenburg was shot and killed while parked in a poorly lit and unsafe area. It tasks state and federal officials with evaluating and drafting reports on the critical need for improved parking conditions. Jason Rivenburg was reportedly killed over $7, leaving a toddler and pregnant wife behind. She gave birth to twins just weeks after his murder. Studies indicate truckers have fewer legitimate spaces available per driver than at the time of his death.
“The lack of available truck parking has dire safety implications for truck drivers as well as the motoring public,” a letter from members of Congress to Buttigieg reportedly states.
The issue of trucking parking became heated at an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 2. Lawmakers and agency leaders met to discuss how the Infrastructure money would be utilized. Sen. Cynthia Lummis pointed out the Infrastructure package does not “restrict or discourage specific types of projects.” Her point, while addressing Buttigieg, was that the DOT and other federal agencies could direct funds to truck parking. Buttigieg reportedly agreed discretionary resources from the following could be used.
- National Highway Freight Program
- Highway Safety Improvement Program
- Surface Transportation Block Grant program
- National Highway Performance Program
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program
Leaders at the American Trucking Associations, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, lawmakers, and others continue to turn up the thermostat on this crucial workplace safety issue. To date, the DOT has not carved out money for increased truck parking.
Sources: frieghtwaves.com, thetrucker.com, ttnews.com
Once again just another example of a politician saying one thing to get elected then doing nothing about it! Maybe if his boyfriend was a trucker he would give a shit! 🤨
Hi.
The lack of available truck parking is more pronounced at the entrances of large cities or industrial areas.
Elections have consequences.
Let’s go BRANDON..
WTF did donnie boy do?
Fuel prices lowered, more employment less taxes need I go on.
I’m not a trucker, just a car guy with great interest in transportation in general and highways and trucking in particular.
So part of the Federal Govt mandated rules on hours of service, breaks, etc about 7 years ago, but did it in the usual govt half-assed way of neglecting the adverse consequences of the action, nor bothering to evaluate the results. In this case, the actions were probably humane, but the infrastructure was not added, nor is there a report on the effects. Are the roads safer? Who knows? Did the changes make for a better work life for truckers? All the general population sees is rest areas filled with trucks, and more ambulance chasing lawyers attacking truckers. Way to go, Mayor Pete!!
Cardriver
Well, GOP block the Democrats spending bills, then yell at them for not getting anything done that the spending bill would have taken care of.
Sec. BUTTigieg can only tow the party because that money…? Baby, that’s BEEN GONE ALREADY.
Sec. BUTTigieg can only tow the party line because that money…? Baby, that’s BEEN GONE ALREADY.
Truck driver are always at the bottom of list.
He is an idiot. He destroyed South Bend and he will help destroy this industry
Such a misinformed clown ,it’s who u blow not what u know
Buttigieg is a Democrat and they are all commies inside our own country. Don’t expect anything that is good for the American people to come out of him.
Critical needs falling on deaf ears- what a shocker