Truck Parking & Rest Stop Safety
There aren’t enough truck parking spaces in the U.S., and drivers running out of hours often have to choose between a full lot and an unsafe shoulder. Planning your stops and staying alert at truck stops protects you, your truck and your load.
- Truck drivers
- Owner-operators
Photo: well-lit truck stop lot at night with a driver walking with a flashlight and reflective vest
Plan your stops
- Plan where you’ll stop before you start, with a backup or two, based on your hours of service.
- Use truck parking apps and state parking information systems that show open spaces.
- Stop earlier rather than gambling on the next exit when lots fill up in the evening.
- Ask shippers and receivers if you can park on site before or after your appointment.
Avoid parking on shoulders and ramps
Trucks parked on highway shoulders and ramps get hit, often at full speed, by drivers who are drowsy, distracted or impaired. Many states ban it except for emergencies. If you must stop on a shoulder in an emergency, use your hazard lights and warning triangles. See Truck Crash Response.
Personal safety
- Park in well-lit areas, near the building or other trucks when possible
- Lock your doors whenever you’re in the cab, and when you leave it
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Carry a flashlight and wear a reflective vest when walking in the lot at night
- Be cautious about people knocking on your door or approaching your truck
- Tell someone where you’re parked for the night
- Trust your instincts; move if a place feels wrong
Protect the load
- Use seals, locks and kingpin locks; check them after every stop.
- Avoid stopping in the first few hundred miles after picking up a high-value load, when thieves often follow trucks.
- Don’t discuss your load or route on the CB or with strangers.
Before you pull out
- Walk around the truck: check for people, pets, debris, low objects and anyone resting near your wheels.
- Check tires, lights and the coupling, especially after leaving the truck unattended.
- Watch for pedestrians in the lot; truck stops are busy with people walking at night.
See also Recognizing Human Trafficking on the Road.
Standards & references
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