The Truck Parking Shortage

Introduction

Trucking is a crucial part of the economy, moving goods and products across the country and around the world. However, a growing concern in the industry is the shortage of truck parking spaces. This shortage not only affects the safety of truckers but also the timeliness delivery of goods.

The current truck shortage is a result of a combination of factors that have impacted the transportation industry over the past couple of years. One of the biggest contributing factors is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted supply chains and caused a surge in demand for goods. At the same time, many trucking companies have struggled to find and retain drivers, which has further exacerbated the shortage.

According to the American Trucking Associations, the industry was short 60,800 drivers at the end of 2018, and that number is expected to rise to 160,000 by 2028. The shortage of drivers has a significant impact on the industry’s ability to move goods across the country. In fact, the ATA estimates that 71.4% of all freight tonnage is moved by trucks, and the industry is responsible for moving $791.7 billion worth of goods each year.

The shortage of drivers has caused delays in the transportation of goods, which has a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. For example, manufacturers are experiencing delays in receiving the materials and components they need to produce their products, which is causing delays in production. Retailers are also struggling to keep their shelves stocked with goods, which is leading to shortages and out-of-stock items.

The shortage is also driving up the cost of transportation. According to DAT Solutions, a transportation industry analytics firm, the average cost of truckload transportation was up 29% in June 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. This is putting pressure on businesses that rely on trucking to transport their goods, as they are having to pay more to secure transportation.

Trucking Rules

There are several rules for commercial Truckers that indicate the importance of safe Truck Parking lots:

To abide by these rules, truckers have to follow procedure and go to a parking lot that is safe. This is usually because Truckers can have loads worth tons of money.

Value of Trucks

For example, trucks in 2017 shipped ten trillion dollars in commodities and this has probably grown since. However, with the growth of the trucking industry, safe parking spaces which is vital for truckers hasn’t grown to the demand. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), there is a shortage of truck parking spaces in the United States, with an estimated need for an additional 400,000 spaces. The FHA also reported that about 20% of truckers have trouble finding a safe and legal place to park.

Reasons for the Shortage in Parking

The shortage of truck parking is a simple supply and demand problem. The demand for transportation and needs have caused the amount of truckers to soar. However, to build the infrastructure for more parking lots takes time. This has led to competition for parking spaces and truckers are often forced to park on the side of the road or in rest areas meant for passenger vehicles, which can be illegal and dangerous.

This graph shows the increased demand on trucks compared to other transportation industries. It can be determined from this that supporting the infrastructure of trucks is very important. With the supply of trucks increasing, the amount of parking spaces hasn’t increased leading to several downsides.

The financial consequences for trucking companies has been significant. This is because of the increased downtime and delays, leading to increased operating costs and reduced profits. If a trucker can’t find a place to park, they’ll have to resort to other solutions that are usually not safe or legal.

Texas Study

In a recent Texas Study, it was found that the demand for truck parking spaces greatly exceeds the available capacity in all major metropolitan areas across the state. This results in truck drivers being forced to park in unauthorized locations, putting themselves and their vehicles at risk.

The study found that 63% of truck drivers surveyed reported parking in unauthorized locations due to a lack of available parking spaces. This can range from parking on the side of the road or in a rest area, to parking in a commercial lot or on private property. These unauthorized parking locations often lack the necessary security measures and amenities, leaving trucks and their cargo vulnerable to theft and damage.

Furthermore, parking in unauthorized locations can also result in legal consequences for truck drivers. They can face fines, towing, and impoundment of their vehicles. This not only adds to their financial burden but also causes significant delays and disruptions to their delivery schedules.

Solutions for the parking shortage

To address the shortage of truck parking spaces, several measures have been proposed, including the construction of new truck parking facilities, the expansion of existing facilities, and the use of technology to better manage truck parking. An example is Discount Truck Parking is constantly expanding to new locations such as Orlando, South Florida, and more.

It is vital for a Trucker to be able to plan a route, and know they’re going to have a secure, safe, and comfortable parking spot. And that’s why we’re working hard at Discount Truck Parking to make sure Truckers have the parking they need.