Providing safe and secure parking for the more than three million heavy trucks that move over 70% of the nation’s freight is both a local and national issue. This is especially true for a major freight hub such as Louisiana, with its freight-intensive corridors, including I-10 and I-12. Currently, there is only one parking spot for every 11 trucks in the state, and these shortages lead to illegal parking, creating safety, operational, and economic challenges that ripple through Louisiana's freight system. These include non-compliance with Hours-of-Service regulations, economic and freight inefficiencies, and quality-of-life issues for impacted communities. This report presents the results of research that evaluated truck parking conditions in Louisiana and proposes short- and long-term solutions to address these problems. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis, combining a literature review that synthesized state and national policies and local zoning laws, stakeholder surveys and interviews, GIS and spatial analyses, qualitative thematic analysis, and economic modeling using IMPLAN to assess the impacts of developing truck parking facilities in Louisiana. The cost of not investing in truck parking in the state was also calculated. Data were collected from a wide range of stakeholders, including truck drivers, trucking companies, communities, local government officials, truck parking companies, and law enforcement personnel, providing the necessary input for analyzing issues related to truck parking in Louisiana. Conclusions and recommendations were developed from a rigorous analysis and interpretation of the data. Recommendations focused on identifying priority corridors and locations where optimal benefits from parking investments could be achieved, developing model language for local zoning ordinances to support increased truck parking development in the state, and identifying potential funding avenues and management matrices to help policymakers determine the best approach to financing parking investments. Findings from this study will enable decision-makers to comprehensively address the challenges of providing adequate truck parking in Louisiana, a key to improved freight efficiency, enhanced safety, and more livable communities.

Infrastructure Assets: Highway Assets
Resource Types: Research Report
Capabilities: Tools & Technology
Management Processes: Monitoring & Adjustment, Resource Allocation, Strategic Direction