This report provides detailed technical documentation supporting the Report to Congress on the study called for in Section 4027 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to “determine the location and quantity of parking facilities as commercial truck stops and travel plazas and public rest areas that could be used by motor carriers to comply with Federal hours of service rules.” The report details the methodology and results of a survey administered to commercial truck drivers on their parking needs and preferences.
Janet A. Coleman Director, Office of Safety Programs Safety Core Business Unit |
Michael F. Trentacoste Director, Office of Safety Research and Development |
This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The United States Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
The United States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade and manufacturers’ names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the object of the document.
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16. Abstract Surveys were distributed to a national sample of more than 2,000 truck drivers through site visits and mailings to truck stops. The sample included male and female drivers; independent owner/operators; and drivers for small-, mid-, and large-sized carriers. The majority of respondents identified themselves as long-haul drivers. Nearly all drivers reported that they, not their company colleagues, decide where they will park. Most drivers make this decision as they are driving. When drivers park their trucks, most expect to satisfy only their basic needs. Drivers prefer parking facilities that provide food, fuel, restrooms, phones, and showers. They also consider safety and convenience important. Drivers generally prefer private truck stops to public rest areas. However, for quick naps drivers showed a preference for rest areas over truck stops. Many respondents indicated they have trouble finding available parking at rest areas and truck stops. In fact, drivers asserted that building more truck stop and rest area spaces would be the best way to improve the parking situation. Survey respondents indicated that the parking facilities they encounter generally have characteristics that make those facilities usable. But, drivers did recommend that time limits be eliminated and that parking lot layouts be improved to accommodate large trucks. |
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