BACKGROUND: Truck parking demand is driven by economic demand, safety considerations, and the need for adequate rest for commercial vehicle operators. Recent studies of truck parking demand and capacity constraints reflected a consensus that truck parking demand exceeds the available supply in many public rest areas and private truck stops across the nation. Some state departments of transportation (DOTs) have developed truck information management systems to better address commercial vehicle parking needs by reducing parking search time and providing safer parking options through the collection and dissemination of real-time parking availability using a variety of technologies.

There was a need to (1) explore issues such as planning, design, operations, procurement and selection of technologies, the means and format for reporting information, life-cycle considerations, interoperability, and interagency coordination; and (2) develop a guide that presents rational practices for truck parking information management systems. Such guide should be a resource for state DOTs in implementing information management practices that address commercial vehicle parking needs, thereby reducing the challenges associated with the search for safer parking options.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to develop a guide of suggested practices for the development, connectivity, and management of truck parking information systems. At a minimum, the guide will address planning, design, operations, procurement and selection of technologies, the means and format for reporting information, life-cycle considerations, and interagency coordination.

STATUS: Research is complete. The guide will published as NCHRP Research Report 1137 and the research report will be published as an NCHRP Web-Only Document 415.