WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $200 million in funding on October 14 for 14 truck parking expansion projects across 12 states through the INFRA grant program, a significant federal investment aimed at addressing one of the most persistent challenges in commercial trucking — the chronic shortage of safe places to rest.
“American truckers are finally getting the attention and support they deserve,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “These patriotic men and women work hard to ensure our store shelves are stocked, our gas stations are fueled, and our packages are delivered. They shouldn’t have to spend over an hour looking for a safe place to rest at the end of the day.”
According to a USDOT study, 98% of truck drivers regularly struggle to find safe parking. Research by the American Transportation Research Institute found the average driver loses 56 minutes of drive time per day searching for a spot — costing them an estimated $6,813 in lost wages annually.
The Projects
The 14 funded projects will add hundreds of new spaces along major freight corridors and at key freight facilities:
Arkansas — A new safety rest area along future I-49 in Crawford County with approximately 137 truck spaces and 49 passenger vehicle spaces.
California — A new 100-stall commercial vehicle parking facility on Ice Plant Road in Needles near the I-40/CA-95 interchange, with restrooms, security fencing, Wi-Fi, and a picnic area.
Connecticut — Up to 260 truck parking spaces on I-91 in Enfield, north of Hartford, with bathrooms and vending.
Georgia (I-75) — Approximately 109 new truck spaces at existing Weigh Station 6 and Rest Area 22 on I-75 southbound in Monroe County, with upgraded lighting and safety enhancements.
Georgia (Port of Savannah) — Approximately 275 commercial vehicle spaces adjacent to SR-21 in Garden City, with a truck access gate, fencing, lighting, security cameras, and real-time occupancy sensors linked to mobile apps.
Iowa — Approximately 150 new truck spaces at six public rest areas along I-80, including Mitchellville, Wilton, Victor, Minden, and Underwood.
Illinois — Reconstruction and expansion of the Green Creek Southbound and Post Oak Southbound rest areas on I-57, adding approximately 38 spaces with Truck Parking Information Management System technology.
Minnesota — A new rest area near Fergus Falls with approximately 63 truck spaces and 60 passenger vehicle spaces serving both directions of I-94, replacing a facility closed due to flooding.
North Carolina — Approximately 140 commercial vehicle parking spaces and 50 container staging positions at the Port of Wilmington in New Hanover County.
Nebraska — A new rest area on I-80 in Dawson County with approximately 60 truck stalls per direction, replacing capacity lost when four aging rest areas close under the state’s I-80 modernization program. Net gain of approximately 92 spaces.
Tennessee — Approximately 500 truck spaces added at five Pilot Travel Center locations along I-40 and I-24 near Nashville and Knoxville, free of charge and open 24/7.
Texas (Fort Worth) — Approximately 100 new truck spaces at the Pilot Travel Center on I-35W in Fort Worth with LED lighting, CCTV, and real-time availability technology.
Texas (Los Indios) — Approximately 305 dedicated truck spaces near the Los Indios Port of Entry with an automated weigh station, driver amenities, and intelligent parking technology.
Wisconsin — Approximately 106 new truck spaces at two I-41 rest areas in Dodge County, including an oversize and overweight staging area, ADA upgrades, and family amenities.
Industry Reaction
The American Trucking Associations called the announcement a significant victory for highway safety and supply chain efficiency. “Truck parking is not simply a matter of convenience. It is a critical safety and supply chain issue that affects every truck driver and every motorist on our highways,” said ATA Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom. “These projects will help hardworking professional drivers find places to rest when they need it, improve the efficiency of freight movement, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
ATA continues to push for broader legislation including the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which would authorize $755 million in competitive grants, and the BUILD America 250 Act, which would authorize $750 million over five years for truck parking construction. Congress approved $200 million for truck parking in the FY2026 appropriations package and is working toward an additional $200 million in upcoming funding.
FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said the investment addresses a problem that has gone unresolved for too long. “Truck parking is one of the most persistent challenges faced by American truckers today, and under President Trump and Secretary Duffy, we’re tackling it head on.”
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