OLYMPIA, Wash. – Finding a safe place to park and locating clean, comfortable restrooms are two of the highest priorities for any professional truck driver out on the road.
In Washington State, officials are working to address both.
The Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) are supporting legislation pending before the Washington State Legislature that would provide a tax incentive to the private sector to construct new truck parking spaces (HB 1657) and give truck drivers more access to restrooms at retail establishments and port facilities throughout the state (HB 1706).
WTA and OOIDA contend the legislation would create new trucking parking capacity and give truck drivers more access to restrooms and running water, two issues that have plagued the trucking industry for decades.
“Carriers and drivers need more places to park and use the restroom,” said Sheri Call, WTA president and CEO.
“It’s really that simple. These are critical pieces to the supply chain puzzle that need to be addressed. We applaud Representatives Dan Griffey (HB 1657) and Mike Sells (HB 1706) for their leadership on these issues. These are among several proposals this session aimed at support for the trucking industry and there are many more we hope to see rise to the top as the session progresses,”
HB 1657 and HB 1706 are at early stages in the legislative process, but OOIDA and WTA officials say they are hopeful that these bills will eventually pass and be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee later this year.
“There’s a long way to go in the legislative process, but we’re going to do everything we can to get the job done,” said Mike Matousek, OOIDA director of state legislative affairs.
“Grassroots activism is a key part of this effort, so hopefully carriers and drivers that live in Washington will call their lawmakers in support of both bills. Also, a big thanks to WTA for their collaboration and support,”
HB 1657 has been referred to the House Finance Committee, where it awaits further action. HB 1706 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I’m a truck driver of 16 years. I am glad to see someone is finally at least putting something forward. But in my personal opinion it’s a little too small, and a little too late. This is something that should have been addressed years ago when they first came out with a study that said that there was less than 30% capacity in the majority of States across this great country.
New Jersey must be the worse state ever that has no rest area with a bathroom. So many trucks with no restrooms. How long will it take till this problem gets addressed? I have been only hauling for 45 years.
I’ve been a truck driver for 10 years and it’s some states that has hardly no parking and the restrooms suck and Washington state is one those places I literally had to park at shipper and walk to find a decent restrooms
Quit your whining. Your purpose in life is to serve the ruling class.
Most states are not trucker freindly at all i see more and more of every day
Starting more tax laws ain’t suluction we already got way to many taxs pretty soon will be England all over again