On Wednesday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) unveiled a substantial amount of grant funding, exceeding tens of millions of dollars. These funds have been earmarked for two primary purposes: bolstering access to truck parking facilities and enhancing safety conditions for truck drivers.

The FMCSA has confirmed that a significant portion of these funds, totaling more than $80 million and categorized as High Priority grants, will be directed towards bolstering financial support for truck parking initiatives. These efforts are designed to fortify critical endeavors aimed at assisting truck drivers and raising safety standards within the industry.

This grant announcement took place during an event held in Salem, South Dakota, where a forthcoming truck parking facility is planned to be established.

Under the provisions of these grants, there will be a notable 65% increase in funding allocated for a range of truck parking projects. Additionally, the grant funding will be utilized for various other initiatives, which include:

  • Expanding access to truck parking by helping truck drivers locate available rest area truck parking spaces in real time via dynamic message signs along highways in Kentucky, Delaware, and Indiana. 
  • Researching to support automated, location-based driver alerts via electronic logging devices that inform drivers of upcoming work zones — improving safety for both the drivers and the workers.
  • Enhancement of electronic screening technologies to detect vehicle violations (such as automated license plate readers, USDOT number readers, tire monitoring system, and hazardous materials placard readers). 
  • Outreach and education to combat human trafficking, an effort in which truck drivers can play a key role given their time and attention on the road.

The FMCSA indicates that the grant funding will further augment the financial support provided for the previously disclosed truck parking projects listed as follows:

  • Caldwell County, Texas: $22.9 million RAISE grant to design and construct a truck parking plaza that improves safety and convenience for truck drivers. Plaza will include short- and long-term spaces with lighting, fencing, restroom and shower facilities, with 24-hour monitored security.
  • Caldwell Parish, Louisiana: $10.5 million RAISE grant to buy land and build a Truck Parking facility near the port and a highway for 50 commercial trucks, 100 cars, and EV charging stations that are designed to provide auxiliary power units to power a truck cab’s heating and cooling, without having to run the engine while also recharging trucks. There will also be a system to find parking spaces in real-time.
  • On I-4 Between Tampa and Orlando: $15 million INFRA grant for a new truck parking facility with approximately 120 spaces, electric charging stations, and pedestrian infrastructure to access nearby commercial amenities.
  • Near Memphis, Tennessee: $22 million INFRA grant adds 125 truck parking spaces at a spot along I-40—a critical freight corridor. Project will also upgrade adjacent bridge structures.

“We depend on truck drivers every day, and we have a national responsibility to support their safety and job quality,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today, we are proud to deliver new funding that will improve safety on our nation’s roads.”