22-04-2014, 11:43 AM
Truck Parking Shortage and Consequences
Exploratory Evaluation of the Problem and Solutions and said that California
ranks first in the nation in overall (private and public) commercial vehicle parking shortage
(Fleger et al., 2006). It is estimated that demand exceeds capacity at all public rest areas and
at 88 percent of private truck stops on the 34 corridors in California with the highest volumes
of truck travel (Caltrans, 2001). Moreover, it is estimated that by the year 2020 the demand
for public rest area parking will increase by 53 percent, and for private parking will increase
by 100 percent (Caltrans, 2001). California is home to major international ports in Long
Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland, as well as the second largest border crossing between
Mexico and the U.S. California’s highways are critical commercial links from these ports of
entry to the nation and carry more commercial vehicle truck traffic than any other state in the
U.S. Given the high volume of truck travel in California, it is not surprising that there is a
serious shortage of truck parking in the state. This shortage negatively impacts economic
productivity, roadway safety, air quality, and public health.