Tester Leads Bipartisan Bill to Improve Trucker Safety, Ease Supply Chains

The bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will improve truck parking infrastructure, allow goods to be delivered on time

As part of his continued efforts to support the trucking industry and ease American supply chains, U.S. Senator Jon Tester this week introduced the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to create a short-term authorization of funds to increase truck parking capacity and improve existing truck parking infrastructure.

Tester was joined by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) in introducing the bipartisan legislation.

“Truckers spend long hours behind the wheel every day to make sure Montanans have the goods we need on our shelves. With working families facing rising prices on everything from gas to groceries, it’s important we keep our truckers safe and ensure our supply chains are running smoothly to help cut costs,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to team up with folks on both sides of the aisle to improve truck parking infrastructure and ensure consumers get the goods they need on time.”

Tester’s bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will authorize $755 million from the General Fund over a three-year period to expand truck-parking capacity and retrofit current truck parking areas to improve existing infrastructure. The legislation is supported by the American Truckers Association (ATA), the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC).

Truckers are legally obligated to comply with ‘Hours of Service’ Regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is estimated that truckers spend approximately one hour per day looking for safe parking, which cuts down on time driving to their destination. According to a study commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration, 98% of truck drivers say they regularly experience difficulty finding safe parking, and are forced to park on an exit ramp, on the side of an interstate, or other unsafe areas. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will allocate funds to create thousands of safe parking spots for trucks and make necessary improvements to existing truck parking areas.

Tester has been Montana’s leading advocate for the trucking industry. Last year, Tester secured $1.1 million for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) through his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will go toward the MDT Truck Parking Project, which will improve safety by providing a safe place for truck drivers to park and rest, and allows carriers to plan routes and realistic delivery times by providing Montana parking locations and availability.