Tractor-Trailer Truck parking has been and continues to be an hot button issue for anyone who drives them, especially those who are over-the-road drivers. I am speaking to you that I see parked on off/on ramps, in abandoned parking lots, and behind dead malls. It is unsafe for you as a truck driver and all other drivers you encounter as well. So what is the solution? The quick answer is – it’s not going to be easy and no one will enjoy the journey. Below I will give you suggestions from our government transportation office. I also included my reaction of good and bad to their solutions – They will be in parenthesis and colored appropriately.
Dealing with tractor trailer truck parking issues can be complex due to the size and requirements of our vehicles. Here are several strategies and considerations to address this problem:
1. Zoning and Land Use Regulations
- Designated Truck Parking Areas: Ensure local zoning laws include provisions for designated truck parking areas, particularly in industrial and commercial zones. (Good – but time consuming with little or no conformity)
- Rest Areas: Collaborate with state or regional authorities to expand or create more rest areas specifically designed for truck parking along major highways. (Good – but same as above.)
2. Private Sector Solutions
- Truck Stops and Travel Centers: Encourage the development of more truck stops that offer ample parking, amenities, and services for truck drivers. (This is a hard one. You need someone ready to make a sizable investment along with a favorable Zoning Board. If it was that easy to build a truckstop they would be everywhere.)
- Partnerships with Businesses: Large retailers and warehouses can designate portions of their lots for truck parking, especially during off-peak hours. (This suggestion is even harder. What incentive are you giving these businesses to do this, where is the money coming from, and who is in this partnership?)
3. Technology and Innovation
- Parking Apps: Utilize or develop mobile applications that help truck drivers find available parking spots in real-time. (Good one – the private sector will come thru here)
- Smart Parking Systems: Implement smart parking systems with sensors and digital signage to manage and direct trucks to available spaces efficiently. (Hmmm, not sure how smart these systems are. I would have to see one in action to be convinced.)
4. Infrastructure Enhancements
- Expand Parking Facilities: Increase the number and capacity of existing parking facilities for trucks, especially near major freight corridors. (Who and where? Who is going to pay for the expanded facilities?)
- Multi-Story Parking Solutions: In urban areas with limited space, consider multi-story truck parking garages. (This just sounds nuts for over-the-road trucks and sketchy for the rest at best).
5. Policy and Advocacy
- Lobbying for Funding: Advocate for state and federal funding to support the development of truck parking infrastructure. (Excuse me for being skeptical, but this seems like another rat hole to throw money in someone’s pocket)
- Policy Changes: Work with local governments to change policies that restrict truck parking in certain areas, balancing the needs of communities and truck drivers. (Trust me, you will have a hard time convincing a community that more truck parking will be good for them.)
6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Community Meetings: Hold meetings with local residents, businesses, and truck drivers to discuss concerns and collaboratively develop solutions. (Who will be the advocate to get these meetings going?)
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public about the importance of adequate truck parking and the economic role of truck drivers. (Once again, who will be the advocate to run the campaigns?)
7. Enforcement and Safety
- Strict Enforcement of Illegal Parking: Implement strict penalties for illegal truck parking to encourage compliance with designated areas. (Like this is a good thing?)
- Safety Measures: Ensure that truck parking areas are well-lit, secure, and equipped with necessary safety measures to protect both the trucks and their drivers. (Good idea – still need an advocate to secure money to create and maintain.)
None of these suggestions are really that great. I know the government is not the answer (see 7 EV charging stations and 7.5 billion dollars story). I believe that the private sector working within the free market is our best option. One private company has come up with a solution that looks to find and reserve parking space for drivers on the go. You can find them in our Truckamuck website (www.truckamuck.com) under Truck Parking. Please take a moment to see if this service will work for you and help find you a safe spot.
In the mean-time and until significant changes are made in the Department of Transportation to fix this problem, we will do what truckers have always done – make the best of a bad situation and park where you can. What do you think?
#truckparking
