U.S. Department of Transportation Commits $275 Million to Expand Truck Parking Nationwide

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a major initiative to improve truck parking nationwide, committing $275 million to new and expanded parking facilities. This move addresses a long-standing concern within the trucking industry, where drivers frequently struggle to find safe, legal places to rest.

A large portion of the funding—$180 million—will go to Florida, where the state plans to develop approximately 917 new truck parking spaces along the I‑4 corridor. The remaining $95 million will be distributed later this year through competitive grants to support similar projects in other parts of the country.

This investment is part of a broader effort to treat truck parking as a national priority. Under Jason’s Law, truck parking improvements can now be fast-tracked with access to federal funds. The DOT is encouraging states and local governments with ready-to-build projects to apply for immediate support.

Truck parking shortages have been a persistent problem, with drivers often spending an hour or more searching for a spot. This not only increases fatigue-related risks but also contributes to supply chain delays. The issue gained national attention following the tragic 2012 death of driver Jason Rivenburg, which led to the passage of Jason’s Law and subsequent federal studies on truck parking capacity.

In recent years, lawmakers and industry groups have pushed for further action. One notable effort came in 2020, when Representative Mike Bost introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which proposed $755 million in dedicated funding. While the bill passed the House with bipartisan support, it stalled in the Senate. Advocacy organizations such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have remained active, urging federal officials to treat the issue with urgency.

Alongside this funding announcement, the Department of Transportation also plans to ease regulatory burdens on drivers. Some proposed rules, including a speed limiter mandate, are being withdrawn, and redundant regulations are being removed.

This combination of new infrastructure investment and regulatory relief marks a significant step forward in supporting the needs of the trucking industry and improving safety for professional drivers across the country.