Lummis, Kelly introduces Bill to improve trucking and road safety

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (RELEASE) – U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have re-introduced bipartisanship Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act To increase the capacity of truck stops and improve the existing infrastructure of truck stops, short-term funding should be organized. The legislation is sponsored by Senators John Tester (D-MT) and John Boozman (R-AR). Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Wyoming is home to three major interstates that carry thousands of tons of freight each day. Without safe parking, drivers spend unnecessary time looking for a place to park – putting Wyoming drivers and motorists at risk for accidents. This can be easily fixed.” and I am grateful to Senator Kelly for joining me in finding a common-sense solution.” said Senator Lummis. “The people of Wyoming are still feeling the effects of the supply chain crisis, and truck parking is another contributing factor. Solving the parking problem will help ease this burden on consumers.”

“The lack of affordable and reliable parking for truck drivers puts pressure on truckers, Arizona companies and our nation’s supply chain. Our bipartisan legislation ensures that truck drivers safely and efficiently move the goods that support our economy. I am proud of our partnership I am grateful to Senator Lummis for his continued efforts and his commitment to resolving this issue.” said Senator Kelly.

“Drivers spend long hours behind the wheel every day to make sure Montanans have the products they need on our shelves. As working families face rising prices for everything from gas to groceries, it’s critical that we keep our trucks safe and our supply chains running smoothly to keep costs down. said Senator Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to work with people on both sides of the aisle to improve truck parking infrastructure so consumers can get the goods they need in a timely manner.”

“Transportation plays a crucial role in our supply chain. Truckers in Arkansas have shared with me that they often struggle with finding a safe place to park while moving goods and products across the country. In Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is an investment that will make it easier for these drivers to find safe parking and improve the efficiency and safety of all drivers on the road. said Senator Boozman.

“I grew up in the family business” said representative Bost. “I understand how difficult and often dangerous it is when America’s truckers are forced to drive those extra miles in search of a safe place to park. By expanding access to truck parking options, we’re making our roads more accessible to all.” we’re keeping passengers safe and ensuring goods and supplies get to market in the most efficient way possible. This is a matter of public safety; and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to see this legislation through the finish line.”

“Our truck drivers play a critical role in maintaining our supply chains, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they can do so safely and efficiently.” said Rep. Craig. “Representative Bost and I are working to pass our bipartisan bill through the House to improve road safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road.”

“The lack of safe and accessible truck parking places a heavy and costly burden on our nation’s truck drivers as they work to deliver for the American people. Given the chronic nature of this issue and its national scope, it is imperative that Congress provide funding to specifically take action to expand truck parking We thank Senators Lummis and Kelly for their leadership on this important legislation that will strengthen our supply chain and improve highway safety for all drivers. said the president of American trucking associations Chris Speer.

“Most people may not realize that 70% of America’s freight is transported by truck, but incredibly there is only 1 parking space for every 11 trucks on the road.” said Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Motorists Association. “When truck drivers don’t have a designated spot, they park on the side of the road, near exit ramps, or elsewhere. This is not safe for the driver or for others on the road. Senator Lummis, Senator Kelly, Representative Bost, and Representative Craig have heard from small business truckers across America and are committed to improving road safety through expanded parking in Congress.

“Parking shortages are at crisis levels across the country. Truck parking remains a top concern for truckers and one of the most important issues for fleet owners. In Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act represents an important part of the solution and NASTC is proud to support it” said David Owen, president of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

“Truck drivers deserve a safe and secure place to rest as they work to deliver the nation. TCA would like to thank Senators Kelly and Lummis and Representatives Bost and Craig for introducing legislation to address the national parking shortage affecting truck drivers across our country. The trucking industry is pleased that politicians on Capitol Hill are supporting this issue and supporting the American truck driver who is vital to our nation’s supply chain. said Truckers Association President Jim Ward. “By separating this investment from the Highway Trust Fund, the proposal makes better use of money that has been earmarked for infrastructure projects. With one parking space for every 11 drivers, it’s a problem that needs these dedicated dollars. Without enough parking , truck drivers are regularly forced to choose between bad options: losing driving time to save space, parking illegally and unsafely on freeway and exit ramps, or driving outside of their designated hours. parking will increase productivity for truck drivers, but more importantly lead to better safety outcomes for all drivers on our roads.”

“We appreciate that Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act recognizes the important role that travel centers and truck stops play in serving America’s truck drivers. said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “With more than 5,000 interstate truck stops and travel centers accounting for 90 percent of truck parking in the United States, truck stops and travel centers play a key role in addressing any of the state’s parking concerns. Truck stops and travel centers are here to meet all of the needs of motorists. businesses, including their stopping and leisure needs, are uniquely positioned Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act Grant recipients will have the opportunity to increase truck parking capacity in those trucking corridors where they are needed to better serve America’s motorists.

“As an organization committed to promoting truck safety, we’re here to support you Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act,” said Director of the Institute for Safe Transportation Harry Adler. “If we are to improve safety throughout the trucking industry, it is important to prioritize the safety and well-being of commercial truck drivers. By providing safe and accessible parking, we can help drivers have a good rest.”

Background

Trucks are legally required to follow the “Hours of Service” regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is estimated that drivers spend about an hour per night searching for a safe parking space, which reduces the time it takes to get to their destination. According to a study by the Federal Highway Administration, 98% of truck drivers say they regularly have trouble finding a safe parking space and are forced to park on exit ramps, on the side of the interstate, or in other dangerous areas. In Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act allocates funds to create thousands of safe places for trucks and implements the necessary improvements at existing truck stops.

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