Atlanta, Georgia — Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill on September 8, 2026 that requires the state to develop a 20‑year freight and logistics plan, with a sharp focus on expanding truck parking and safety measures.

The legislation follows a year‑long Senate study committee that examined how truck‑related issues affect Georgia’s economy and supply chains. In hearings, the panel evaluated the impact of inadequate parking on driver fatigue, road safety, and regional commerce. The committee’s final meeting presented a 30‑page report with 12 recommendations, including a call for the Georgia Department of Transportation to partner on expanding parking options while curbing unauthorized stops.

Authorized under the new law, formerly HB617, the state must produce an annual update for legislators on key projects such as interstate and non‑interstate road expansions, intermodal capacity upgrades, and, most critically, commercial vehicle parking and safety initiatives. The plan will also address FMCSA regulations and the need for timely, secure transportation of goods and people, underscoring the role of freight growth in Georgia’s future opportunities.

Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) welcomed the measure, noting that increased safe parking directly improves safety for all road users. “Truck drivers prefer not to park in hazardous locations such as road shoulders or off‑ramps, but they are forced to because regulated hours and adequate rest areas are lacking,” said OOIDA’s director of communication, George O’Connor. “Expanding safe truck parking facilities is a real action that benefits the industry.”

OOIDA’s director of state government affairs, Doug Morris, added that the association supports tangible steps that create additional parking spaces. Nationwide data from a 2019 survey under the committee’s guidance showed 313,000 truck parking spots, with 40,000 at public rest areas and 273,000 at private truck stops. While shortages persist, the new law signals a commitment to closing that gap.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators will see clearer routes to approved parking, reducing the risk of violating hours‑in‑service rules. Fleet managers can schedule stops with confidence, knowing that state‑approved sites will be expanded over the next decade. OTR truck drivers will benefit from a network of safer rest areas, potentially lowering fatigue‑related incidents and improving compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across Georgia have praised the law for addressing a long‑standing bottleneck in the supply chain. Trucking companies hiring now can anticipate fewer delays caused by illegal parking and a more reliable network of rest stops. The move aligns with national trends to improve infrastructure for freight and supports the broader push for safer, more efficient logistics operations.

Key Points

• Gov. Kemp’s bill creates a 20‑year freight plan with annual updates.
• Plan focuses on expanding truck parking and safety, with 12 committee recommendations.
• 2019 survey found 313,000 parking spots nationwide; Georgia will add more under the new law.
• OOIDA highlights the safety benefits of regulated parking for CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators.

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