Ask a driver what the hardest part of the job is and parking usually comes up before traffic, weather or detention time. It's been that way for years.
The American Transportation Research Institute has studied this for years, and its research puts the average at 56 minutes a day spent finding parking. In the institute's latest survey of drivers and carriers, released in October, parking slipped to 11th on the industry's overall list of concerns. That's the first time it's been outside the top 10 since 2012. Drivers didn't budge, though. They still ranked it their second biggest worry. Nationally, the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association estimate there's about one parking spot for every 11 truck drivers.
What that hour costs
You get 11 hours of driving inside a 14 hour window. When you have to start looking for a spot an hour early, that hour comes straight out of your day. Earlier research from the institute put it at roughly 9,300 paid miles a year per driver, or about $4,600 in lost pay back in 2016.
Then there's the part you can't put a number on. Parking on a ramp because the truck stop was full by 5 pm. Sleeping with one eye on the mirrors. The knock on the door at 2 am telling you to move.
When a monthly spot makes sense
A reserved spot isn't for everyone. If you run irregular routes all over the country, you'll still be relying on truck stops and apps most nights. But it's worth a look if you come home to the same area most weekends and need somewhere to leave the truck. Same if you run a regular lane and stop in the same city a few times a week, or you drop trailers between loads and want them behind a fence. Small fleet owners whose drivers park on the street or at home should take a look too.
What to ask before you sign
Is it fenced and gated, and who has the code?
Is it lit at night, and are there cameras?
Can you get in and out at any hour?
What does the surface look like after a week of rain?
Is it month to month, or are you locked in?
What insurance do they need from you?
A good yard will answer all of those without hesitating.
If you're near St. Louis
Our yard at 13816 Missouri Bottom Road in Bridgeton has space. You can reserve at truckparkingstlouis.com or call (314) 396-7179.
If you're not near St. Louis, the same questions apply to any yard you're looking at. Your time behind the wheel is worth too much to spend it circling.
