Washington, D.C. — On September 10, 2026 the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted to approve the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, earmarking $755 million for new and upgraded truck‑parking facilities across the nation.

The shortage of safe, accessible parking has become a daily headache for drivers hauling freight on congested corridors. When a driver cannot find a secure spot, hours slip away searching for a place to rest, eroding compliance with FMCSA regulations on driver‑hours and adding fatigue risk. The problem spikes on high‑traffic routes like I‑94, where recent lane closures have already throttled capacity.

The approved legislation authorizes state and local agencies to spend the $755 million over four years on projects that expand capacity, add lighting, install restrooms and improve security measures. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) chief executive highlighted the urgency, saying the lack of parking forces drivers to waste valuable time and increases stress on their schedules. The bill now heads to the full House for a vote before it reaches President Biden's desk.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators can expect more designated pull‑outs and well‑lit rest areas along major freight corridors, reducing the time spent circling for a safe spot. Fleet managers will have clearer guidance on where to schedule mandatory rest breaks, helping them stay within FMCSA hours‑of‑service limits. OTR truck driver routes that intersect I‑94 will benefit from newly funded parking lots, potentially shaving minutes off daily travel times and lowering fuel burn caused by idle searching.

Industry Reaction

The ATA praised the committee’s move, calling the funding “a critical step toward eliminating the parking gap that plagues our industry.” Independent owner‑operators echoed the sentiment, noting that reliable parking directly impacts earnings and safety. Several trucking companies hiring now said the legislation could make recruitment easier, as drivers increasingly demand employers who respect rest‑time needs.

Key Points

• $755 million allocated for state and local truck‑parking projects over four years.
• Funding covers capacity expansion, lighting, restrooms, and security upgrades.
• The bill passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and moves to the full House for a vote.
• Improved parking infrastructure aims to reduce driver fatigue, support FMCSA compliance, and ease I‑94 congestion.

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