22-04-2014, 11:41 AM
A Lack of Modern Rest Area Facilities and Adequate Space for Trucks
The trucking community has identified the shortage of highway rest stop facilities for
trucks as a key factor in addressing goods movement to and from the Commonwealth.
Truck stops along the Commonwealth’s highway network are generally inadequate in size
and scope – lacking adequate space and amenities. Facilities at such truck stops should
provide adequate parking, plug in power to avoid long term idling, and sanitary facilities.
This situation results in a conflict for drivers between complying with federal hours-of-
service regulations (which limit the number of hours per day that truck drivers can drive)
or parking in illegal, possibly dangerous locations such as ramps and shoulders. The
parking shortage also affects congestion since drivers with early morning deliveries
typically stay overnight just outside the metropolitan region and stage their deliveries by
driving in before rush hour. There are inadequate facilities for this system to work
effectively in Massachusetts.