Two Studies Examine Truck Parking with New Methods
The American Transportation Research Institute has posted two new truck parking studies on its website that use different methods to track available capacity.
ATRI used a camera-based system to track parking availability for one of the studies. Source: ATRI
ATRI used a camera-based system to track parking availability for one of the studies.Source: ATRI
The American Transportation Research Institute has posted two new truck parking studies on its website that use different methods to track available capacity.
The studies were published by ATRI in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. The lack of available truck parking is a major issue for the trucking industry and a hot research topic for ATRI.
In the first study, Utilizing Truck GPS Data to Assess Parking Supply and Demand, ATRI presents a technical analysis that used truck GPS data to assess truck parking capacity at four Minnesota rest areas. The study looked at parking supply and demand by time-of-day and day-of-week by cross-referencing truck GPS data to identify truck activity at several rest stops.
A takeaway from the study is a consistent trend for all rest stops is to experience periods of overcrowding at some point each week. The study also found that vehicles had a harder time finding parking in the latter part of the week.
The second study, A Comprehensive System for Assessing Truck Parking Availability, details a field test conducted by ATRI and the University of Minnesota to deliver real-time truck parking information to commercial drivers through three separate delivery systems. The systems studied were: roadside changeable message signs, online, and in-cab communications systems.
To track parking availability, the team developed and deployed a multi-camera based truck parking detection system to keep track of parking capacity in real time at three state-sponsored facilities. All drivers included in the study had a positive response to increased truck parking information with many drivers saying that it significantly helped them find parking during a trip and stay compliant with hours of service regulations.
Both studies successfully demonstrated new approaches for identifying where additional truck capacity is needed and how delivering real-time information on parking availability to commercial drivers can improve their operational efficiency.
The reports are available from ATRI at www.atri-online.org.
More Fleet Management
What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →
Deen Albert: Let Automation Do the Math, People Make the Decisions
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Deen Albert makes sure people are still at the heart of operations at Grand Island Express, even while adopting artificial intelligence tools. AI-assisted dispatch helped boost revenue 25% with the same number of trucks.
Read More →
Trimble’s New AI Agent Takes Aim at Fleet Back-Office Busywork
Arc Agent works across Trimble TMS products to automate repetitive tasks such as freight orders, maintenance, invoices, fuel costs and more.
Read More →
How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations
Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.
Read More →
Tight Trucking Capacity Pushes Rates Higher Even as Freight Volumes Fall
“Spot rates moving ahead of contract rates have historically signaled a tightening market, but we haven’t seen a capacity-driven market quite like this one,” said DAT's Dean Croke.
Read More →