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Investing in truck parking would meet a basic safety and workforce requirement for the nation’s 3.6 million drivers, according to WIM's Emily Williams. (halbergman/Getty Images)

With federal highway programs expiring Sept. 30, the American Trucking Associations is pressing lawmakers to elevate in the next surface transportation reauthorization.

The group argues the issue continues to be a barrier to workforce growth and driver safety.

Emily Williams, the group’s chairwoman, sent letters March 9 to the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The letters follow feedback from council members that a lack of reliable, secure parking discourages women from entering the industry.

“Amenities like lighted parking lots, bathroom access and on-site security” are critical to safety, she told lawmakers.

Williams also described the broader public-safety risks that arise when drivers resort to “unmarked and unauthorized locations,” such as along highway ramps.

In her letters, she emphasized that investing in truck parking would meet a basic safety and workforce requirement for the nation’s 3.6 million drivers.

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Women In Motion Chair Emily Williams cited lighted parking, bathroom access and on-site security as critical safety issues. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

Federal research underscores the group’s call to action. Over the years, the Department of Transportation has determined most drivers routinely struggle to find parking. Also, the consistently ranks a lack of available parking for truck operators high on a list of industry concerns.

While Congress has taken bipartisan steps — including funding for about 2,000 spaces in 2021 and $200 million for DOT in fiscal 2026 — Women In Motion says the next highway bill should go further.

“We urge you to build on this momentum by paving the way for meaningful, sustained investments in truck parking,” she concluded.

Truck drivers deserve a safe, legal place to park at the end of their shift.

ATA has helped unlock half a billion dollars to expand truck parking capacity, and we are continuing to advocate for this priority in the upcoming surface transportation bill.

This will not only… — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG)

The congressional transportation panels are drafting the upcoming comprehensive highway policy legislation. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) told state DOT leaders his panel would likely vote on a highway bill before the summer, prior to a Sept. 30 authorization deadline. Senate transportation leaders have yet to announce their version of the bill’s consideration.

“Everybody wants to see this thing done, and done on time,” Graves said Feb. 25, speaking to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

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“So this is the most important, in my opinion, the most important highway bill that we’ve ever done,” he said. “And the reason for that is because we’ve never had a time when the difference between what we have and what we need is so great. It’s huge.”

Previewing the legislation, Graves indicated his Republican-led committee can expect to debate provisions that would total about $550 billion for myriad surface transportation systems. Calling the bill “traditional,” the chairman added it would prioritize highways, roads and bridges as well as streamline federal environmental permitting.

Truck parking projects received $200 million as part of fiscal 2026 funding legislation President Donald Trump signed in February. The Federal Highway Administration is tasked with managing the funds, meant to improve safety and enhance efficiency along freight and commuter corridors.