Missouri DOT seeks to destroy rest stops and build commercial parking along major highways

Federal laws require truck drivers to rest after every 10-hour shift. Normally, many individuals use these areas to recuperate along major highways rather than stopping off at a truck stop, which allows them to stay en route to their destination.

However, The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently proposed to convert Fruitland rest areas to truck parking, The Southeast Missourian reports.

Some individuals are upset because they need more than a parking lot and outhouse-style bathroom during this downtime. Furthermore, many truck stops charge for long-term parking.

Drivers claim that the new commercial parking lots cannot hold as many trucks as the current rest areas, which could lead to overcrowding. But, MoDOT officials cited trucking safety concerns of parking on interstate shoulders and economics as the major reasons to demolish the rest areas.

Online truck driver training courses could help these professionals stay current on emerging trends in their industry, and how specific state laws will affect them.

By Andie Martin

Missouri DOT seeks to destroy rest stops and build commercial parking along major highways

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011