Truck parking apps have a driver shortage, researchers say
The trucking industry has a parking paradox: Despite a critical shortage of parking spaces and the availability of technology-driven solutions, truckers are hesitant to embrace mobile apps designed to help. This is according to a recent study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute on behalf of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The study examined truck parking usage along the Interstate 80 and Interstate 94 corridors in Iowa and Wisconsin.
The researchers wanted to identify when, where and for how long trucks stop in unauthorized locations and determine the feasibility and benefits of deploying truck parking capacity management platforms.
Despite the availability of app-based solutions, drivers are largely not utilizing these tools to locate available truck parking spaces. The study notes this behavior has led to a persistent problem of trucks parking in unauthorized locations, including entrances, exits and rest areas along the studied corridors.
'Adequate, safe parking remains a top concern for the trucking industry and for truck drivers, but providing sufficient and free parking in a timely manner is becoming increasingly challenging for both the public and private sectors,' the study adds.
The researchers utilized the Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS) data collected by the Mid-America Freight Coalition to gauge parking capacity usage. Additionally, they analyzed a sample of telematics data from EROAD to track trucks that were stopping in unauthorized locations. The study also included a pilot program implementing a truck parking technology app with Bluetooth capabilities at nine rest areas along the I-80 and I-39/I-90/I-94 corridors.
Key findings showed a significant mismatch between supply and demand, particularly for overnight parking. The unmet demand resulted in truck drivers resorting to parking on the entrances and exits of rest areas along the I-80, I-39, I-90 and I-94 corridors. The study also showed that the need for short-duration parking exists both day and night, putting constant pressure on available parking facilities.
The pilot program using the ParkUnload platform demonstrated the feasibility of using technology solutions to provide drivers with detailed, real-time information about parking availability. These platforms can offer the number of available spaces and their specific locations within rest areas or truck stops.
However, the research uncovered a significant hurdle: driver adoption. 'The two biggest challenges associated with app-based truck parking management platforms are driver participation (i.e., reaching drivers and convincing drivers to download the app) and compliance (i.e., convincing drivers to use the app every time when parking to check in and check out),' the study said.
This resistance to adoption is one of many dichotomies in trucking. On one hand, the input received from truck drivers at the pilot study rest areas during the implementation of the ParkUnload platform was 'overwhelmingly positive.' Conversely, responses to social media outreach about such technologies were 'overwhelmingly negative.'
It remains difficult for researchers to accurately gauge driver sentiment and predict adoption rates. The feedback received from the ParkUnload App users themselves was predominantly constructive and positive, according to the study authors.
The study authors also highlighted the difficulties in identifying and reaching a representative sample of truck drivers that can be extrapolated to determine whether truck parking management platforms are feasible.
In terms of solutions, officials in the states say more funding is needed. Both the Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation pointed to insufficient funding as a major obstacle in expanding truck parking to meet current and future demand.
Other solutions involved adding parking reservation systems at truck stops or diversifying parking services. However, for deployment at smaller rest areas, these systems may be cost-prohibitive.
The authors recommend adopting strategies involving driver education and engagement on the advantages of using parking management apps.
The post Truck parking apps have a driver shortage, researchers say appeared first on FreightWaves.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hundreds in town for Harley Owner's Group rally
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — You may notice more motorcycles on the roads throughout the Ozarks over the next several days. That's because, for the first time in several years, the Mid-America Harley Owners Group rally is back in Springfield. 'It's been a while since I've been here. We're on a actually a rotating schedule. It comes up a chance for this comes up every 3 to 5 years,' Rally Coordinator Archie Buchner said. The event in general is exclusive to members of the Harley Owners Group, but they can bring one guest. 'H.O.G., which is Harley Owners Group, is actually a members group. You become a member with Hog Nationals, and for a regional rally like this, you do have to be a H.O.G. member with national. You don't have to be affiliated with a local chapter, although we do recommend it. Once you're a member with H.O.G. National, then you have the access to attend rallies such as this,' Buchner said. Buchner says the Ozarks has a lot to offer, making it a tourism destination for many riders. 'I think [the Ozarks] have some of the best roads around to ride. We've got a little bit of everything, if you like the straightaways, if you like the corkscrews, it's got a little bit of everything. Sights and sounds, there are places that are a little unique to the Ozarks,' Buchner said. The three-day event for members include 12 guided rides, and 12 guided rides, all throughout the Ozarks. 'Each ride includes a lunch stop as well as fuel stops. So by this, we're taking the benefit of the rally beyond just our Springfield borders. We're taking it out to our Ozark neighbors,' Buchner said. Over 700 riders have registered for the event. 'We have 54%, 54% of the continental US represented here. We have members that have come from Wisconsin, Texas, California, Nebraska, Illinois, pretty much almost everywhere,' Buchner said. There is one part throughout the next three days that the public can take part in. 'We will actually be at Teddy Morse's Renegade Harley Davidson [on West Sunshine] for a rally party that's open to the public. They have stunt bikes going on. Tattoo artists, band, all kinds of things going on out there, [from 6-10 p.m.]' Buchner said. With rain expected, Buchner is hopeful for better weather but also asks drivers to pay more attention with the increase in bikers in town. 'Anytime you're on two wheels or three wheels, the weather's always a factor. Not only traction, but that affects visibility. It affects how we react to the roads that sort of thing,' Buchner said. 'It also makes us harder for cars to see us. So when the weather's like it is these days, we ask everyone to give us that extra look down the road. Be watching for us, and know that we're out there.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Engadget
12 hours ago
- Engadget
Etsy co-founder's new startup is making what really looks like a mixed reality magnifying glass
Virtual and augmented reality are still pretty new frontiers with a lot of potentially cool ideas yet to be developed. The latest product in the mixed reality space could be coming from a startup called Dopple Works. Lowpass reported that the secrecy-shrouded business from Etsy co-founder and former CEO Robert Kalin is working on a new device called Loop. Dopple Works has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission. Many of the details are not publicly available, but that filing indicates that Loop is battery-powered and will use both WiFi and Bluetooth networks. Lowpass also unearthed a patent application that dubs Loop a "dedicated hand-held spatial computing device." The application comes with images that show a camera, speaker and tracking sensor that could capture details on an environment, along with a screen for viewing the mixed reality content. At this stage, there's not enough information available to speculate on what Loop's purpose will be. But the photos from the government filings do spark some entertaining mental images of a future where people wandering about doing their best Sherlock Holmes imitations with mixed reality magnifying glasses.
Business Wire
14 hours ago
- Business Wire
The Raychem Elexant 3500i Thermostat Promises Faster Installation, Reliable Performance and Connected Operation of Industrial Heat-Tracing Systems
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chemelex, a global leader in heat tracing, today announced the launch of the Raychem Elexant 3500i family of electronic thermostats. Based on a configurable hardware platform, the Elexant 3500i empowers users to tailor a control solution precisely to their requirements and further expands the suite of control and monitoring products offered by the company. Reliable Heat Tracing Control "We are thrilled to introduce the Raychem Elexant 3500i," said Amy Escobio, Product Vice President at Chemelex, "with unmatched versatility, efficiency, and connectivity, the Elexant 3500i redefines heat tracing control providing cost savings and preventing downtime." The Elexant 3500i electronic thermostat family offers an array of advanced features, such as alarming functionality, RS-485 and Bluetooth connectivity, current sensing, ground fault detection, automated 24-hour heat trace system check, and a user-friendly mobile app for wireless configuration. Fast Installation, Hassle-Free Upgrades and Hazardous Area Approvals The Elexant 3500i is available in a wall-mounted or pipe mounted enclosure that acts as both a thermostat and a power connection kit, providing ease-of-use and reducing total installed costs. In addition, the Elexant 3500i offers quick connect terminals and includes an internal hub grounding plate to minimize the required components and tools needed for installation. The interchangeable electronic modules ensure hassle-free upgrades, while industry approvals for hazardous areas in extreme environments guarantee reliable performance. Full Connectivity With connectivity at its core, the Elexant 3500i thermostat enables effortless configuration of its settings via a secure Bluetooth connection using the Elexant Connect App on a mobile device or tablet. Integration with distributed control systems (DCS) via Modbus RTU communication empowers users with full control anytime, anywhere. To learn more about the new Elexant 3500i, visit the product page here. About Chemelex Chemelex is a global leader in electric thermal and sensing solutions, protecting the world's critical processes, places and people. With over 50 years of innovation and a commitment to excellence, we develop solutions that ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency in diverse environments – from industrial plants and data centers to people's homes. Chemelex is a Brookfield company. Chemelex trusted brands include Raychem, Tracer, Pyrotenax, and Nuheat, all enabling the world to move forward with confidence.
