In a recent survey conducted by Trucker Path involving 500 truck drivers, the most desired amenity at truck stops was found to be ample parking space, as indicated by 86.3% of the respondents. Following closely behind were preferences for clean shower facilities (67.5%), having an on-site restaurant (46.6%), and access to healthy and fresh food options (40.7%).
Further down the list, 29.2% of participants expressed interest in 24/7 truck maintenance services, while 27% highlighted the importance of high-speed diesel pumps. Additionally, 21.9% of respondents desired Wi-Fi services, with laundry facilities and a driver lounge area following closely at 20% and 14.9%, respectively.
Other amenities such as a pet-friendly environment, gym or fitness facilities, an on-site security guard, and self-service checkout were also mentioned, albeit with lower priority percentages.
The survey underscores the ongoing issue of truck parking shortages, which has garnered significant attention within the industry.
“This is the No. 1 issue that the professional truck driver has out there,” said Dave Heller, senior vice president of government affairs and safety at the Truckload Carriers Association.
Heller also pointed out that the average driver faces an annual loss of around $5,000 due to the time and fuel expended in the quest for parking spots.
“We’ve made some headway recently,” Heller said. “There is a bill on Capitol Hill, two bills actually — House Bill 2367 and Senate Bill 1035 — that call for $755 million over three years to address the issue. Working with our lobbyists on Capitol Hill, we’re probably about five to six co-sponsors away from actually getting something moving on truck parking that would really make a difference.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently revealed a commitment of over $300 million to tackle the nationwide truck parking issue, signaling progress in addressing this pressing concern.