Lack of overnight parking for semi trucks could lead to supply chain, safety issues

(WLUK) -- One of a truck driver's biggest concerns is where they are going to sleep that night. Truck drivers around the nation are having trouble finding overnight parking.

Industry officials are saying this could lead to supply chain problems.

Truck driver Natanahel Aguilera deals with this daily.

“All free parking will be taken anywhere between 4-5 p.m. So, if you're lucky, you are able to plan ahead and get paid parking," says Aguilera.

Director of Operations for Xtreme Trucking Heather Enderby feels there is not enough parking in Northeast Wisconsin.

"Unfortunately, we have north of Appleton area very slim parking. But in Green Bay, there are some sites but not even enough for our fleet of 95," says Enderby.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers have an 11-hour driving limit and a 14-hour on-duty limit.

“If a driver has to stop early he may not pick up or deliver on time, causing supply chain issues -- causing grocery stores and other stores to not have the product they need," says Enderby.

Aguilera says he tries to avoid having to stop driving early.

“Sometimes, I still have two to three hours to drive in the day, but because I'm planning ahead, I'm thinking if I keep going I'm not going to find a spot; so, I stop before my time in order for me to get a safe parking spot," says Aguilera.

When asked about potential safety issues, Enderby responded, “Sometimes, they’ll find undesirable locations. They’ll park on off ramps and on ramps, causing possible accidents.”

Drivers like Aguilera have had to park in unsafe spots.

“I’ve had to park a little bit ahead of the rest area where there's a line of trucks, anywhere between five and 15 trucks on the highway," says Aguilera.

Enderby feels there are possible solutions to this problem.

"We can have people reach out to their state representatives. The other is making more government funding available for creation of more parking safe havens for the drivers," says Enderby.

According to the Department of Transportation, a driver’s wasted time is estimated to cause a $5,500 loss in annual compensation, leading to a 12% pay cut.