Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, cosponsored the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. This bill authorizes $755 million in grant funding, provided by the Department of Transportation (DOT), to expand truck parking capacity for the next four years; build new truck parking facilities; and convert existing weigh stations and rest areas into parking spaces for truck drivers.
“Truck drivers are a critical link in our nation’s supply chain, and their continued safety on the road is integral to the overall success of America’s freight transportation system,” said Senator Cramer. “Too often, drivers do not have access to safe parking to rest following a long shift. Our bill authorizes funding to increase truck parking capacity so safe parking options exist for all drivers.”
“Senator Cramer’s support for the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is great news for North Dakota truckers. Far too often, truckers struggle to find safe places to park when hauling freight across the country. This bill will also support out-of-state drivers who face increasing demand for safe parking spots while picking up or delivering critical freight in North Dakota. I am extremely grateful that Sen. Cramer heard the concerns professional drivers raised about the lack of truck parking and stepped up to be a part of the solution by cosponsoring S. 1034,” said George Gray, Member, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
Stakeholders supporting the legislation include the American Trucking Association, OOIDA, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, Women in Trucking, Truckload Carriers Association, Transportation Intermediaries Association, Institute for Safer Trucking, American Highway Users Association, and the National Motorists Association.
Click here for bill text.
Background:
Truck drivers are legally required to comply with ‘Hours of Service’ Regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. According to OOIDA, the truck parking shortage has widened in recent years to one parking spot for every 11 trucks on the road. This lack of parking forces truck drivers to spend an average of one hour daily searching for safe parking. In a study conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, 98% of truck drivers say they regularly experience difficulty finding safe parking and are forced to park on an exit ramp or on the side of an interstate.