Truck drivers keep the world of commerce moving. When all you want to do is stop and take a well-deserved rest after a long shift, the importance of safe truck parking can be overlooked. However, no matter how tight deadlines are, secure parking should always be a priority.
With every truck stop being different and a shortage of parking options available, finding safe parking can be stressful. But for the sake of road safety, cargo safety and your own well-being, finding a secure place to park is essential.
In this guide, you’ll find real-life solutions to the truck parking crisis to make your next journey more enjoyable, safer and less stressful.
Why Finding Safe Truck Parking Has Become a Critical Issue
America is estimated to have 23.4 million parking spaces for secure truck and trailer parking — but studies show that 98% of those spaces are private. For fleets without the luxury of a private parking space, that leaves just 2% of available spaces nationwide.
Research investigating the truck parking crisis highlights that truck drivers can spend up to 56 minutes searching for spaces every day. This can mean having to park hours from pickup and delivery destinations.
The pressure to comply with federal regulations, such as the Electronic Logging Devices rule and its impact on Hours of Service (HOS) rules, combined with finding a safe truck parking area, adds up.
The Cost of Unsafe Truck Parking
No one should feel unsafe while working. For many drivers, the lack of secure truck and trailer parking can lead to sleepless nights in unsafe places. As some cities ban trucks from being parked within city limits, the true cost of unsafe parking remains a concern.
For drivers, businesses and the sake of national commerce, there are many reasons why unsafe parking should be avoided.
- Driver safety: Most importantly, trucker safety should always be a top priority. When truckers have to park in hazardous locations due to parking shortages, they may end up putting their own safety at risk.
- Safeguarding assets: Cargo theft costs the transport industry $6.6 billion annually. Truckers transport precious goods and materials that can have a severe impact on a business’s financial bottom line if stolen or damaged.
- Regulatory compliance: The legal requirements and federal mandates governing rest periods and parking standards are in place to help protect drivers. However, with limited spaces available, drivers and businesses risk noncompliance.
- Logistical issues: A lack of safe parking options within a fair distance means truck drivers may have to take different routes and load types, which can contribute to logistical issues and slower delivery of goods across all industries.
- Reputational damage: Businesses and truck drivers found to be parking illegally, being noncompliant or experiencing logistics problems risk being unfairly labelled as poorly skilled or untrustworthy.
How Much Is Truck Parking?
Truck parking rates in the United States depend on several factors, including the state you’re in, the kind of amenities you need, the length of stay, parking space location, and the time of year.
Some paid truck parking spaces offer a lower nightly rate but charge extra for a shower or Wi-Fi access. Added charges can potentially raise the overall price in some locations.
Is Paid Truck Parking Worth It?
When considering the risks associated with unsafe parking, a sensible investment in paid truck parking can help prevent significant and costly issues. Fatal crashes involving large trucks have increased by 43%. A fatigued driver who’s stressed about finding a place to park for the night is a potentially unsafe one.
Six months of paid truck parking would still cost less than a fine due to noncompliance. That’s not even factoring in the fuel costs of driving around to find a safe parking option. Being able to stay within your 14-hour HOS limit and getting home safely to your loved ones is priceless.
Safe Truck Parking Spots and How to Find Them
Having an idea of what defines a secure space can be helpful during a long, stressful day. There are some safety criteria that every safe parking area should have. When you’re a driver searching for secure truck and trailer parking, having a list of must-have features can help you to take a much-deserved rest instead of worrying over safety.
The five main features of a safe truck parking lot are:
- Good lighting
- Security cameras
- Fences
- On-site personnel
- Assigned spaces
Apps to Find Paid Truck Parking
Using technology to find paid truck parking nearby can reduce the risk of HOS violations and fuel costs. The following apps can help when you’re stuck trying to find somewhere to park.
- Trucker Path: The Trucker Path app features over 600,000 parking locations in its database, providing details on the number of parking spots available at each location. Call to confirm a space and reserve it directly from the app. Most locations have hourly updates and reviews from other truckers to reduce wasted hours of searching.
- Dock411: This app uses data and solutions sharing to continue improving several aspects of trucking and logistics. Using Dock411 means drivers can reserve parking along routes that are planned based on ease, dock location and proximity to a chosen pickup or drop-off location.
- Truck Parking Club: This website and app help you explore your options for privately listed local and national parking spaces. Truck Parking Club allows you to filter which amenities are most important to you and even chat with your host through the app if needed. Bookings can be made on the day (if available) or up to a month in advance for extra peace of mind.
Focus on the Road, Not Your Finances
Navigating parking regulations can be challenging when limited spaces are available. However, having access to paid truck parking can alleviate this issue, allowing you to rest peacefully and remain vigilant on the road.
Finding safe parking is stressful enough. Don’t let worrying about cash flow add to it. FactorLoads has been helping owner operators and small-to-midsize trucking companies since 1996. Formed by trucking pioneers to serve the trucking industry, we help you gain peace of mind through reliable factoring services.
Fill out our contact form or give us a call to learn how we can streamline your freight load factoring and get cash in your hands!