Author: Evan Shelley

Photo Illustration by Stacker // Canva

They come rumbling down the highway, crossing bridges and international borders. They bring life-saving drugs, food for the kitchen table, and that random clothing fad that will be out of fashion mere months later.

Trucks are ubiquitous on American roadways. However, they’ve become increasingly important in trade with its neighbors, Mexico and Canada, as relations with China cool and the United States government encourages “nearshoring,” the practice of moving part of a company’s production to nearby countries with similar time zones. In 2022, there were about 5.5 million truck crossings at the U.S.-Canada border and 7.25 million at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trade with Canada and Mexico (much of it via land instead of water or rail) has recently outpaced trade with China, which has long dominated the international trade landscape.

Truck Parking Club used data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Census Bureau to explore U.S. freight trade with Canada and Mexico.

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Geopolitical pressures shift top trading partners

For the first time in decades, Mexico overtook China in the number of goods bought and sold to the U.S. in 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that Canada claimed first place, taking the title of top trade partner.

The shift follows the push to embrace nearshoring. The United States’ dependence on the fragile worldwide supply chain came into focus during the coronavirus pandemic. Then, shipments of vital supplies like computer chips, personal protection equipment, and medication faced shipping backlogs and caused shortages worldwide. Nearshoring policies aimed to encourage suppliers to keep materials and the manufacturing processes geographically closer to the U.S.—not only to have them readily available in case of an emergency but to encourage the economic growth of the U.S. and its direct neighbors.

The trade war between the U.S. and China that began in 2018 and the subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine worried U.S. investors. They recognized the war would bring more sanctions and devolve international business relations and figured it was better to transition some manufacturing to North American soil and U.S. allies.

Increased tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by the Trump administration and carried through the Biden administration also made an impact, forcing companies to look for suppliers and manufacturers closer to the United States. The international North American Free Trade Agreement and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, imposed strict rules outlining what percentage of an item must be produced in North America. For example, under the USMCA, 70% of a vehicle manufacturer’s steel and aluminum purchases by value must originate in North America, and those companies that don’t meet the mark may face additional tariffs.

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The outsized role of trucks in US trade

Most trade among the U.S. and its neighbors occurs through trucking, and the percentage of goods arriving on trucks continues to increase. According to the BTS, $948.0 billion in goods were shipped via truck from and to Canada and Mexico, while goods shipped via trains accounted for $210.2 billion in 2022. The value of truck freight increased by 14.5%, while rail increased by 12.7% between 2021 and 2022.

The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are each other’s largest trade partners for oil, energy, automobiles, electronics, and agricultural goods—and it’s common for materials to be procured from one country, produced into goods in a second, and then marketed and sold in a third.

According to the BTS, U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico accounted for almost a quarter of the country’s international trade. There is hope these ties will economically lift the whole continent and establish stronger labor policies. The USMCA fast-tracks labor dispute processes and requires manufacturers to allow their employees to unionize, leading to higher wages. It pushes Mexico, in particular, to enforce existing employee rights, according to a Brookings Institution analysis.

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Laredo’s rising prominence in the world of international trade

The key to this intracontinental trade is the land ports in the U.S., where trucks stop to have their goods and materials inspected and tracked.

Laredo, a sprawling city in Texas just over the Mexican border, is the second-largest international gateway for trade in the U.S. It has sometimes bested even the ocean ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, which have long been the top import location.

“The Southern California ports grew exponentially during an era of globalization centered on China,” New York Times economics reporter Peter Goodman explained. “Laredo appears primed to assume a similar role in the anticipated next phase of globalization, one centered on regional supply chains, with American companies forging greater reliance on Mexico and Central America.”

Local government officials and business leaders say Laredo’s infrastructure is already lagging behind the demand. Freight entrepreneurs are scrambling to buy land and build warehouses into way stations for goods. Plus, there are plans to streamline the customs process by enacting just one inspection for American and Mexican authorities and expanding the World Trade Bridge so trucks can more quickly pass over the Rio Grande river into Texas.

According to the Joint Transportation Committee, demand for truck parking will likely continue as international border crossing inspections cause bottlenecks and unpredictable wait times. Truckers will try to avoid the traffic by crossing the border at odd hours and planning their mandatory rest periods in the country they cross into.

In this new era of nearshoring, a competitive edge can be as simple as having enough parking for trucks while they wait to drop off their goods. Afterward, they will turn around, go home, and pick up their next load, creating the next link in the ever-evolving global supply chain.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Michael Flocker.

Written by: Cassidy Grom

The shortage of overnight truck parking has often been in the news over the last half-decade. However, recent information has shown some promising improvement in this area. 

But is it all that it seems to be? Let’s take a closer look at the facts.

Has There Been an Increase in Overnight Truck Parking?

Data shows a significant increase in the average number of available truck parking spaces across the US since late 2021. 

A recent study by TruckerPath has shown that truck drivers using the app have seen a significant increase in the number of available truck parking spots. 

The study shows that between the hours of 11:00 and 14:00, the national average number of available parking spaces has increased from 47.7% to 64%.Between the hours of 19:00 and 22:00 the number has increased from 17.1% to 38%.

Looking at the other side of things, namely an absence of available overnight truck parking, the same study has shown that a complete absence of truck parking spaces is becoming less common. 

In 2021, the national average for an absence of truck parking between the hours of 19:00 and 22:00 was a whopping 50.6%. Fast forward to 2023 and the number drops to only 26%. Between 11:00 and 14:00, these numbers went from 16.7% to 9% over the same timeframe.

Looking at these statistics, they certainly seem to indicate that the number of truck parking lots and spaces have increased significantly in recent years.

What Trucking Employment Statistics Have to Say

While it may seem like there’s been a significant increase in the numbers where overnight truck parking is concerned, the truck driver employment statistics are saying something else.

2023 saw a significant decrease in the number of available trucking jobs, which means that there’s likely been a decrease in the number of truck drivers. Consequently, this likely also means a decrease in the number of trucks needing overnight truck parking.

The trucking volume has decreased significantly since 2001. Despite that, there’s still a 26% shortage of parking spaces for trucks at night. This goes to show that, even though the situation may have improved significantly, the trucking industry still has a long way to go before the parking shortage is fully resolved.

Federal, state and local governments all believe that there is still a major problem, and several different federal and state grants have been made available to help deal with the issue. However, relatively few applicants have made use of the grants.

Certain states have also introduced additional systems and tools to help solve the shortage. The truck parking availability system is one example of such a tool that helps truckers keep track of available truck parking before reaching a lot or other parking area.

How the Private Sector is Helping to Improve the Truck Parking Situation 

While it is undeniable that there has been some increase in the number of available parking spaces, relatively few of these have been the result of federal intervention. Instead, the private sector has been responsible for most of the growth within the industry.

This is largely due to an influx of privately owned truck stops but also thanks to tools like Truck Parking Club. This wonderful website and application give you access to many parking spots that are not generally available through other platforms.

Any landowner with suitable property can easily list their land as a truck parking opportunity. Truck drivers can also sign up with ease, giving them access to hundreds of parking spaces that they may not have had access to otherwise. With just a few clicks, you can easily narrow down parking spaces by region as well as available amenities.

It certainly isn’t as much progress as may be required, but any improvement is a good thing. In terms of the public sector, many additional parking areas have been announced, including an additional 200 truck parking spaces on Interstate 80 in Wyoming. In Nevada, an additional 50 spaces are also being created on the I-80.

Final Thoughts 

While it’s definite that there have been significant improvements in the state of the truck parking shortage over the last few years, it’s also clear that there’s still a long road ahead of us.

Considering the decline in freight loads, the increase in truck parking opportunities, and the still-considerable number of shortages, many more initiatives and changes will need to take place before the situation is completely resolved.

However, with tools like Truck Parking Club and similar initiatives, it’s considerably easier to find overnight truck parking than it once was. Why struggle with the rigors of the mainstream truck parking industry when you can do well with independent tools? Sign up for Truck Parking Club today.

The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.

As the commercial backbone of our fine nation, truck drivers play a huge role in keeping the economy moving by transporting goods from state to state. Without our beloved highway warriors behind the wheel, the country would simply grind to a halt. 

Truck drivers are an incredibly tough breed who work long, pressured hours, spending days, weeks, or sometimes even months away from their loved ones. The vehicle’s cab is a second home to this dedicated bunch, with millions of drivers eating and sleeping in them each week.

Parking Spot Selection

Despite common misconception, they are not allowed to pull up just anywhere and visit the land of nod. Parking a 100,000-pound, 80-foot-long semi-truck with the intention of having a quick nap or long slumber takes more thought than you might imagine, especially given the current truck parking crisis, which has caused a severe national shortage of places to park and rest.

So, where do truckers sleep, and what are the rules for sleeping on the road? In this short blog post, we will explain where truckers can and cannot legally rest before exploring the guidelines for compliance and safety. 

Where Do Truck Drivers Park to Sleep?

1. Rest stops

Legally speaking, there are several options available to truckers who need to sleep in their truck. Rest stops along highways are arguably the most common choice, as they are specifically designed to accommodate large vehicles. They also offer amenities (albeit quite basic in nature) like restrooms and vending machines. 

2. Truck Stops

Truck stops are another popular option. They provide parking, food, showers, and fuel and are generally quite large in comparison to rest areas, with some truck stops accommodating hundreds of vehicles. There is a downside, however; given the current truck parking shortage, many locations are full by mid-afternoon, making it hard for drivers to find a spot.

3. Private Terminals

Some trucking companies have private terminals where their drivers can park and sleep securely, although once again, they are known to fill up very quickly and are extremely limited in availability.

4. Gratuitous Parking

Occasionally (but not very often), friendly customers allow truckers to park on their properties overnight, although this is usually arranged in advance and depends on the relationship between the driver and the customer. 

5. Public Lots

Parking in supermarkets, casinos, or malls has always been a common choice for many truckers. Companies like Walmarts allow truck parking during rest breaks. Many private companies have barred truckers from using their lots over the last few years, though. 

6. Private Truck Parking

Companies like Truck Parking Club offer convenient, reliable, affordable private parking options that can be reserved in advance. This provides truckers with a guaranteed spot to rest without the hassle of searching for an open space late at night and is a popular alternative to public lots and rest stops.

Regulations and Rules for Truck Driver Sleep

Truck drivers must comply with strict regulations to ensure they get adequate rest and remain safe on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates through Hours of Service regulations that truckers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. 

Within those 11 hours, a 30-minute break is required after eight hours of driving. These rules aim to prevent driver fatigue and ensure safety on the highways, although they have come at the expense of added driver pressure, who now race against the clock to meet the HOS regulations. 

Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of driving in a seven-day period or 70 hours in an eight-day period weekly. After reaching these limits, they must take a 34-hour rest period to reset their weekly driving limit. These regulations were designed to maintain the health and safety of truck drivers and other road users.

Tips for Safe and Effective Sleeping for Truck Drivers

Aside from the issue of where do truckers sleep, another important consideration is how do truckers sleep peacefully. Drivers can get the most out of their slumber by following a few truck parking sleeping tips. Let’s take a look at a few: 

• Block Out Light: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to create a dark sleeping environment. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Reduce Noise: Invest in earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to minimize disruptions from traffic and other external sounds.
• Pick a Good Parking Spot: Always choose safe and designated parking areas to rest. Avoid isolated spots and ensure the area is well-lit.
• Comfortable Bedding: Make your sleeping space as comfortable as possible with a good mattress and bedding. A comfortable bed significantly improves sleep quality.
• Limit Screen Time: Avoid using phones or other screens before sleeping. The blue light can interfere with your sleep patterns. Instead, try reading or listening to calming music.

Illegal & Unsafe Sleeping Locations for Truck Drivers

Can truckers sleep on ramps and shoulders? The short answer is no, definitely not, although many do. In fairness, they have very few options at the moment. 

Take a look at this list, for example. If truck stops and rest areas are full, drivers face the prospect of illegally parking on a highway ramp or being chased out of a Walmart by an unsympathetic store manager. Until private parking apps like Truck Parking Club came along, their options were very limited indeed.

Starved of Good Parking Locations

Again, owing to the national shortage of truck parking spots, many drivers feel as though they have no choice but to park on ramps or shoulders despite the fact that it is illegal and extremely dangerous. These locations are not designed for long-term stops and pose legitimate risks of accidents.

Another unsafe practice is parking inside unauthorized private property, such as abandoned gas stations. Parking in these areas can result in fines or towing and pose a serious threat to personal safety. Jason’s law, for example, was enacted following the tragic loss of a trucker at the hands of an armed robber while sleeping in an abandoned gas station.

Bottom Line

With more trucks on the road and fewer spots, parking and sleeping in a truck is becoming more challenging for drivers. Due to the national truck parking shortage, traditional parking options are much harder to find.

Under immense pressure to meet tight schedules while adhering to strict HOS regulations, truckers waste hours each week endlessly circling truck stops and rest areas, looking for spaces that do not exist. There are simply too many trucks on the road and not enough parking spots, leaving the private sector to handle much of the heavy lifting. 

For reliable, convenient, and affordable options, Truck Parking Club provides private parking spots on thousands of properties all over America. Drivers can easily browse for truck parking in real-time, ensuring a hassle-free experience every time they need to rest.

Become a trucker member today, and never worry about truck parking again! 

The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.

It’s no secret that the trucking industry is on the brink of a huge transformation with the imminent introduction of self-driving trucks. For the last decade or two, many have viewed autonomous trucks as a probable future invention that would launch at some point, but probably not in our lifetimes. 

However, it does seem as though we are at the precipice of this intriguing new technology becoming a part of the transport industry. Like it or not, self-driving trucks are around the corner. 

While we are not quite there yet, even the most pessimistic observer would have to concede that we are merely a few years away. As self-driving trucks gear up to hit the highways in greater numbers, the implications for truck parking businesses will be profound. 

In this blog post, we shall consider the upcoming changes to self-driving trucks and how they will likely impact truck parking facilities and the broader trucking landscape.

But first, how close are we in terms of actually using self-driving trucks – and has the technology reached a point where it is ready for launch? 

Current State of Self-Driving Truck Technology

Self-driving trucks are quickly advancing from mere concepts to tangible realities on our roads. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Daimler are at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with autonomous vehicle technology. 

Tesla continues to refine its autopilot capabilities, aiming for a future where trucks navigate highways with minimal human intervention. Waymo, leveraging its experience in self-driving cars, has embarked on pilot projects to test the viability of autonomous trucks in real-world logistics operations. 

Meanwhile, Daimler, traditionally a specialist in luxury rather than a tech pioneer, has advanced at an alarming speed after making the forward-thinking decision to collaborate with innovation hubs like Torc Robotics to improve the safety and reliability of their autonomous fleets. 

As these technologies evolve, the integration of self-driving trucks into daily operations becomes not just possible but guaranteed. Make no mistake: the transport industry is very close to a dramatic shift that will radicalize truck parking demands and strategies.

But how will self-driving trucks affect parking?

Implications for Truck Parking Facilities

As self-driving trucks become a common sight on our highways, the landscape of truck parking will inevitably change. The automation of truck fleets suggests a shift in how and where trucks rest. Traditional truck stops might evolve or give way to high-tech parking solutions designed specifically for autonomous vehicles.

These new facilities will likely require sophisticated logistics systems to manage the inflow and outflow of trucks without human intervention. Additionally, the locations of these parking facilities may shift closer to major freight hubs or logistic centers to streamline the distribution processes further.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the transition to self-driving trucks presents exciting opportunities, it also brings its share of challenges. One glaring concern is cybersecurity; as truck parking lots become more technologically advanced, they will need more dependable security measures to prevent hacking and other cyber threats. Additionally, the cost of upgrading facilities to cater to autonomous trucks could be substantial. 

However, these challenges also open doors for innovation in parking technology and management, offering business opportunities for those ready to invest in the future of automated trucking. But how do we prepare for those opportunities?

Preparing for the Future

Truck parking businesses need to start preparing now for the arrival of self-driving trucks. This preparation could involve partnering with technology developers to create integrated parking management systems or even redesigning parking layouts to accommodate autonomous trucks efficiently. 

Participating in pilot projects could also provide valuable insights and give businesses a competitive edge by keeping ahead of potential regulatory changes.

As the truck parking industry prepares for the arrival of self-driving trucks, here are a few additional changes we expect to see that build upon the transformations already discussed:

• Integration of Advanced Technologies: Look for the widespread adoption of smart parking solutions that use AI to efficiently manage parking space allocation entry and exit processes.

• Location Shifts: We anticipate a strategic relocation of truck parking facilities closer to urban centers and major logistic hubs to reduce travel distances for autonomous trucks and streamline logistics.

• Design Innovations: Parking lot designs will evolve to specifically accommodate the unique needs of autonomous trucks, including provisions for electric truck charging stations and advanced maintenance facilities.

• Enhanced Security Measures: The increased reliance on technology will necessitate more reliable security protocols, including enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems to protect autonomous trucks and their cargo.

• Collaborative Operational Models: Expect an increase in public-private partnerships as a strategic move to expand parking infrastructure efficiently. This could potentially lead to mixed-use facilities that cater to both traditional and autonomous trucks.

These anticipated developments demonstrate the need for truck parking businesses to adopt a proactive and adaptable strategy, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future landscape shaped by the integration of self-driving trucks.

Bottom Line

The launch of self-driving trucks will revolutionize the truck parking industry in ways we are only beginning to understand. By embracing this change and preparing for its impacts, truck parking businesses can not only survive but thrive. 

As the industry evolves, Truck Parking Club remains committed to providing innovative and practical solutions that meet the needs of tomorrow’s trucking logistics. Our innovative Truck Parking app allows truckers to browse truck parking listings and reserve spots, taking the stress out of finding a space.

Join Truck Parking Club today and ensure that your business is ready for the future of truck parking, where convenience meets modern technology at every turn.

The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.