Commercial Vehicle Driver Survey: Assessment of Parking Needs and Preferences

This research assessed truck driver parking needs and preferences in accordance with Section 4027 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. A survey was conducted to determine how truck drivers plan for and address their parking needs; how truck drivers select when, where, and at which facilities they park; and what truck drivers think of the adequacy of current parking facilities. This report summarizes the background, methodology, and outcome of the driver survey. 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.