Arizona Trucking Association Calls for Urgent Action on Truck Parking Using Available Funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, AZ — The Arizona Trucking Association (ATA) is joining a nationwide effort to address the severe shortage of truck parking, a growing safety concern that affects truck drivers and the motoring public. In an open letter to Governor Hobbs, the ATA highlights the critical role of truck drivers who transport over 12 billion tons of freight annually and the challenges they face due to inadequate parking facilities.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reports that 98% of truck drivers regularly struggle to find safe parking, a sharp increase from just four years ago. This shortage, which affects drivers in every state, has become the top challenge for truck drivers in 2022.
In response, the ATA is urging state leaders to take advantage of resources provided by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) to increase truck parking capacity. This includes constructing new parking spaces and making improvements at rest areas and other nontraditional locations.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in consultation with the ATA, has been actively studying and planning for additional truck parking, making it well-positioned to capitalize on potential grant opportunities to address this critical issue. The ATA emphasizes that addressing the truck parking crisis is not only essential for the safety of truck drivers but also for the general public. Unsafe parking choices, due to a lack of available spots, result in heightened safety risks, as tragically exemplified by a recent incident in Illinois.
For further information or inquiries, please contact Tony Bradley at the Arizona Trucking Association at 602-850-6005.
About the Arizona Trucking Association: The Arizona Trucking Association (ATA) is a leading trade association representing the interests of trucking companies and their employees in the state. ATA works tirelessly to support and advocate for the trucking industry, ensuring that it continues to be a crucial part of Arizona’s economy and a vital link in the nation’s supply chain.
