With federal funding and legislative support, the U.S. government is pushing forward with the construction and modernization of truck rest areas nationwide. More than 3,000 new parking spots are expected to be available by the end of 2025.
In response to one of the most urgent demands of the freight transportation sector, the U.S. government is moving ahead with the expansion and modernization of truck stops and rest areas across the country.
The project, backed by the Truck Parking Expansion Act and funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aims to improve the safety, well-being, and efficiency of professional drivers.

A Critical Need
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), over 98% of truckers have had to continue driving past their legal hours because they couldn’t find a safe place to park.
This situation not only increases the risk of accidents but also leads to fatigue, stress, and penalties for violating rest regulations.
“It’s a national crisis. We’re not just talking about comfort—this is about road safety and mental health for the people keeping our economy running,” said a spokesperson from OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association).

What the Plan Includes
The Truck Parking Expansion Act, passed in committee in 2023 with funds allocated starting in 2024, is already being implemented in at least 17 states, including Texas, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and California. The plan includes:
Construction of new rest areas with truck-only parking
Expansion of existing stops, including lighting, restrooms, signage, and security cameras
Installation of electric charging stations, anticipating the future electrification of freight transport
Development of real-time availability apps so drivers can plan stops in advance
States Under Construction
Here are some of the projects already underway:
Texas: Expansion of rest areas along I-10 and I-35, with over 500 new parking spaces planned
Florida: Upgrades along the I-75 corridor, especially in the southern part of the state
Illinois: Construction of a mega rest area on I-80 with 120 spaces, showers, and free Wi-Fi
In total, more than 3,000 new truck parking spaces are expected to be available before the end of 2025.
Funding and the Road Ahead
The federal budget commitment totals $755 million through 2027, with a combination of funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT), state governments, and private associations.
In the long term, the plan envisions a nationwide network of smart and safe rest areas, as part of the government’s broader commitment to road safety and logistics infrastructure.
With this expansion, the U.S. aims not only to reduce fatigue-related accidents, but also to dignify the essential work of thousands of truckers who keep the nation supplied and moving.

Clean Truck Deal: Judge Halts California Emissions Agreement with Truck Manufacturers
Clean truck deal and California emissions return to the center of the national debate after a federal court blocks enforcement of the Clean Truck Partnership, pausing requirements tied to zero-emission truck adoption while litigation continues.

Truck Transport of Live Animals for Research: Lessons from the Mississippi Monkey Incident
The transport of live animals for research is under renewed scrutiny after a truck carrying rhesus monkeys overturned in Mississippi, allowing several to escape. This article explains what went wrong, how these transports are supposed to operate, and what lessons the trucking industry can take away.

Halloween activities for truck drivers: take the fun on the road
To celebrate this holiday safely while keeping the fun alive, we’ve put together a list of activities truck drivers can do to embrace the spirit

Secretary Duffy unveils new measures to strengthen trucking safety and compliance
In a press conference, Duffy pledged federal effort to eliminate fraud and improve trucking safety standards. On the morning of October 31, U.S. Secretary of

Rain and Early Snowfall: Weather Alert Issued for U.S. Highways This Weekend
Rain and early snowfall are prompting a weather alert for U.S. highways this weekend, with heavy storms expected across the South and early-season snow developing over the Rockies and Northern Plains.

Truck classification: a guide to the world of road transport
Understanding the vehicles we share the road with allows us to better appreciate the work and responsibility of those behind the wheel. Let’s talk truck