Illinois is the freight crossroads of North America, and freight transportation is a key driver of the state economy. Over half of the freight tonnage in the state is transported by truck. The trucks on Illinois’ roads carry around 848 million tons of goods worth about $1.3 trillion as of 2019 and truck volumes are expected to increase substantially by 2045.
Illinois relies on private and public facilities to supply approximately 11,000 truck parking spots statewide, of which public facilities contribute about 15 percent. The primary public locations on the roadway system are at safety rest areas along the Interstate highway system. On average there is a 94 percent utilization rate for existing truck parking spaces at Interstate safety rest areas. Due to this, truck drivers regularly make informal use of roadsides and automobile parking lots to supplement capacity.
Illinois is taking significant steps to address the truck parking shortage, recognizing its critical impact on both the trucking industry and public safety. Through initiatives to increase funding for parking infrastructures, the state aims to provide safe and accessible parking options for drivers.
To continually focus on this issue, the Illinois Department of Transportation has created a committee within the Illinois State Freight Advisory Council.
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