Truck Drivers’ Concerns 2023: Tackling Parking, Speed Limiters, and Restroom Access
The Ongoing Truck Parking Shortage
A perennial problem for the industry, the lack of adequate truck parking was drivers’ top concern for the third straight year in 2022, according to the ATRI
A perennial problem for the industry, the lack of adequate truck parking was drivers’ top concern for the third straight year in 2022, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. Just one parking spot exists for every 11 trucks on the road, OOIDA says, forcing drivers to resort to parking on highway ramps and even at a funeral home.
The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, introduced by Sens. Cynthia Lummis and Mark Kelly, would invest hundreds of millions of dollars in additional parking to address the shortage. Pugh met with both senators, as well as Reps. Angie Craig and Mike Bost, who introduced parking legislation in their respective chambers. Craig and Bost’s House bill cleared the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in July.
Speed Limiter Regulations Debate
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration received about 16,000 comments in response to its renewed proposal to require the use of speed limiters inside heavy-duty trucks.
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration received about 16,000 comments in response to its renewed proposal to require the use of speed limiters inside heavy-duty trucks. While speed limiters could help lower fleets’ fuel costs, OOIDA disputes their value as a safety measure.
“We as an association do not believe speed limiters are a good idea,” Pugh said. “We think it will have a counter effect on safety.” Requiring speed limiters could have unintended consequences, such as more road rage incidents when passenger vehicles are unable to pass speed-limited trucks, and truck drivers potentially trying to make up lost time by driving faster on smaller roads with lower speed limits.
Restroom Access for Truck Drivers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many warehouses limited truck drivers’ access to their restrooms as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus. As the country has increasingly pushed past the pandemic, many of those restroom doors have remained locked. Pugh’s trip to the Hill also included visits with Reps. Troy Nehls and Chrissy Houlihan, who introduced a restrooms bill in the House. Nehls told Land Line he expects the law to pass with bipartisan support.
OOIDA’s Priorities for 2023
The OOIDA has set its priorities and goals for 2023, focusing on addressing truck parking shortages, opposing speed limiter regulations, and advocating for better restroom access for truck drivers.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has set its priorities and goals for 2023, focusing on addressing truck parking shortages, opposing speed limiter regulations, and advocating for better restroom access for truck drivers. As Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of OOIDA, puts it, “Truckers are vital, vital, vital people.”
Addressing Trucking Industry Challenges
The trucking industry faces numerous challenges in 2023, and the OOIDA is committed to addressing these issues by lobbying for legislation and raising awareness of truck drivers’ concerns. As the country moves forward, it is crucial to ensure that truck drivers have the support and resources they need to continue playing their essential role in the supply chain.
For more News involving OOIDA’s efforts click here.
External Resources
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA): The official website of the OOIDA provides information on their advocacy efforts, membership benefits, and resources for truck drivers.
- American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI): ATRI’s website offers research and analysis on critical issues affecting the trucking industry, including truck parking, safety, and driver concerns.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): The FMCSA website provides information on regulations, safety initiatives, and resources for both carriers and drivers in the trucking industry.
- Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act: This link directs you to the full text of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which aims to address the truck parking shortage issue.
- National Coalition on Truck Parking: The National Coalition on Truck Parking is an initiative by the Federal Highway Administration that aims to address truck parking issues through collaboration with various stakeholders in the trucking industry.
Conclusion
By understanding the key concerns of truck drivers in 2023, such as truck parking shortages, restroom access, and speed limiter regulations, and staying informed on the latest developments in the trucking industry, carriers, drivers, and policymakers can collaborate to devise effective solutions. This joint effort can lead to improvements in infrastructure, the creation of more truck parking spaces, and the implementation of policies that take into account the unique challenges faced by truck drivers.
In addition, fostering open communication between various stakeholders in the trucking industry can help identify and prioritize other pressing concerns that may emerge in the future. This proactive approach can ensure that the industry remains adaptive to change and is better equipped to handle the evolving needs of truck drivers.
Educational and training initiatives could also play a crucial role in enhancing the skills of truck drivers, promoting safe driving practices, and increasing the overall efficiency of the trucking industry. By offering continuous learning opportunities and resources, carriers and industry organizations can help drivers stay up-to-date on best practices and changing regulations.
The successful management of truck drivers’ concerns in 2023 will depend on the combined efforts of carriers, drivers, industry organizations like the OOIDA, and policymakers. By working together, these stakeholders can create a safer, more efficient, and more supportive environment for truckers on the road, ultimately benefiting the entire supply chain and the economy as a whole.
