Finding safe, legal truck parking has long been a source of frustration for drivers. In fact, the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2026 survey ranked truck parking as the second-highest concern among truck driver respondents, ahead of driver compensation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is taking steps to address this issue, awarding $200 million in grants through its INFRA grant program. Announced on October 14, the funds will support 14 truck parking projects across 12 states.
“American truckers are finally getting the attention and support they deserve thanks to President Trump,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in a press release announcing the awards. “This nationwide investment will make America’s truckers safer, enhance our supply chains, and reduce freight costs.”
Why Truck Parking Remains a Critical Issue
In the 2019 Jason’s Law survey, 98% of responding drivers reported difficulties finding safe parking. The findings, based on responses from 11,696 drivers, identified problems nationwide, with particularly acute shortages around major freight corridors and metropolitan areas.
Concerns over finding safe parking may lead drivers to stop earlier than planned to secure a space. If suitable parking isn’t available, drivers may face unsafe alternatives, such as highway shoulders and ramps.
Jason’s Law was incorporated into MAP-21, the 2012 federal transportation law. It requires USDOT to assess parking availability, truck traffic, and the adequacy of parking facilities. The law honors Jason Rivenburg, a truck driver murdered in 2009 while resting at an abandoned gas station in South Carolina. His wife, Hope Rivenburg, helped advance the legislation through her advocacy for safer truck parking.
Where the Projects Will Add Parking
According to USDOT’s project estimates, the funded projects will provide approximately 2,403 new truck parking spaces.
The largest expansion by space count is planned for Tennessee, with approximately 500 new spaces at five Pilot Travel Centers along I-40 and I-24 near Nashville and Knoxville. These parking areas will be free and accessible to drivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Los Indios, Texas, will also see a substantial addition, with approximately 305 spaces planned near the Los Indios Port of Entry, serving FM 509 and I-69E. Additional projects include:
- Approximately 275 spaces near the Port of Savannah in Garden City, Georgia, serving SR 21 and SR 307.
- Up to 260 spaces along I-91 in Enfield, Connecticut.
- Approximately 150 spaces across six public rest areas along I-80 in Iowa.
- Approximately 140 spaces at the Port of Wilmington in North Carolina, serving I-40.
- Approximately 137 spaces along future I-49 in Crawford County, Arkansas.
Smaller parking projects are planned for Nebraska, Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas, California, Minnesota, and Illinois.
A Step Toward Safer Truck Parking
The American Trucking Associations welcomed the investment, describing safe truck parking as a critical safety and supply chain issue.
“Professional drivers deserve to know a safe parking space will be available at the end of their shift,” ATA Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom said in a press release.
For drivers and carriers operating along these routes, additional parking could make trip planning easier and provide more options for safe rest. As the projects move forward, carriers should watch for opening dates and access details before incorporating the new facilities into their routes.
Found safe parking? If your annual vehicle inspection is coming due, it could be a convenient time to get it done. With US Compliance Services, you can connect with a qualified inspector by video and complete the process in about 30 minutes per vehicle. Give us a call to arrange an appointment.
