LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Semi-truck drivers are asking for more stops along the interstate, specifically the stretch on I-40 east and west in Pulaski County.
There's usually only one on each side, but they're both closed down.
“They either violate their hours of service by finding the next available spot or they park on an on/off ramp which isn't legal and it's not safe,” he said.
Vice President of Arkansas Truckers Association David O'Neal said the lack of available parking for trucks in Arkansas, and around the nation, is due to a shortage in funding for infrastructure.
“We need increased and sustainable funds to catch up and keep up with the demand,” he said.
O'Neal said truck drivers are only allowed to work so many hours in a 24-hour period.
“Truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours in a 24-hour period and be on duty for 14 hours,” he said.
The hours are mandated by the Department of Transportation. In the past six months, the truck parking issue has been in the spotlight because a federal mandate requires drivers to electronically clock their hours.
“Electronic logs are very visible and down to the minute and there's no wiggle room,” he said.
He said now drivers will have to plan better until the demand is met.
“One of our jobs in this industry is to continue to keep educating our lawmaker, regulators and the general public on the need for increased and sustainable funds, not just for infrastructure in general, but for parking so drivers have a safe place to get their rest,” he said.
Luckily, there are apps like Truck Smart and Trucker Path that semi-truck drivers can use to reserve spots at gas stations.