Grain Valley, MO — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has formally petitioned the White House to integrate dedicated funding for truck parking infrastructure into the upcoming American Jobs Plan. In a letter delivered to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the association urged the administration to prioritize the inclusion of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, known as H.R. 2187, as a non-negotiable component of federal spending.

Parking shortages remain a chronic failure of the national freight network, forcing drivers to choose between violating federal hours-of-service mandates or parking in hazardous, unlit, or illegal locations. The 2019 Jason’s Law Survey, published by the USDOT in late 2020, confirmed that this capacity crisis spans every state and region, showing no signs of stabilization. OOIDA representatives argue that the federal government owes a debt to the OTR truck driver who kept the supply chain moving during the height of the global pandemic.

The push for legislative action centers on the reality that current infrastructure ignores the basic human needs of those behind the wheel. By tying this request to the broader infrastructure package, OOIDA aims to force a permanent solution rather than relying on piecemeal state-level fixes. The organization maintains that providing secure, well-lit spaces is a fundamental support mechanism for the essential workforce that powers the American economy.

What This Means for Drivers

For the average CDL-A driver, the lack of available spots translates to wasted hours and increased stress during the final stretch of a shift. Owner-operators consistently report that finding a legal place to park after sunset is nearly impossible in high-density freight corridors. Investing in these facilities would allow carriers to operate more efficiently while adhering to strict FMCSA regulations without the constant fear of being forced into unsafe rest areas.

Industry Reaction

Advocates argue that the ongoing failure to expand parking capacity is a direct deterrent to retaining talent in the industry. As trucking companies hiring new recruits face high turnover rates, the quality of life on the road remains a primary concern for veteran operators. Reliable parking is no longer just a convenience; it is a critical safety requirement that impacts the operational viability of every fleet on the road.

Key Points

• OOIDA is lobbying for the inclusion of H.R. 2187, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, in the American Jobs Plan.
• The 2019 Jason’s Law Survey identified that the parking shortage has reached a critical, worsening state across all 50 states.
• The association views this investment as a necessary recognition of the essential role drivers played throughout the pandemic.
• Current parking gaps force drivers into unsafe situations, directly challenging their ability to comply with safety and duty regulations.

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