Tale Lites Issue 81

New Data Shows Best/Worst States for Parking - Feds Greenlight More Robots!

Author

Michael Lombard
August 03, 2026

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🚛 New Data Shows the Best and Worst States for Truck Parking

Drivers being able to find safe and legal truck parking remains our number one mission, and one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Which is why I wanted to share this new data from TruckerPath that highlights where the shortage is most severe.

Using data from more than 1 million drivers on its app, TruckerPath ranked states by the availability of both public rest area parking and private truck stop parking.

States with the fewest PUBLIC truck parking spaces:

  • Maryland

  • Tennessee

  • Connecticut

  • Massachusetts

  • New Jersey

States with the fewest PRIVATE truck parking spaces:

  • Massachusetts

  • Delaware

  • New Jersey

  • Connecticut

  • North Carolina

On the other end of the spectrum, these states offer the BEST availability:

Most PUBLIC truck parking:

  • Montana

  • Nevada

  • Wisconsin

  • South Dakota

  • Michigan

Most PRIVATE truck parking:

  • Alaska

  • North Dakota

  • Montana

  • South Dakota

  • Nevada

A lot of these rankings I think drivers would easily guess, and drives home the point that truck parking remains a nationwide issue. With federal Hours of Service regulations requiring drivers to stop when the clock runs dry, a lack of available parking forces difficult decisions and create safety risks for both truckers and the motoring public.

What do you think? For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

🚚 Freight Market Watch

All-in rates (linehaul + fuel surcharge), week of July 19–25

  • Dry Van: down ~2 cents/mile week over week

  • Reefer: down ~4 cents/mile (peak produce-season demand tapers)

  • Flatbed: down ~4 cents/mile

At the Pump

Regional snapshot (July 27 reading, most recent official):

  • Gulf Coast: $5.087/gal (still your cheapest fill up)

  • Rocky Mountain: $5.141/gal

  • Midwest: $5.196/gal

  • East Coast: $5.354/gal

  • West Coast (excl. CA): $5.545/gal

  • California: $6.670/gal — broader West Coast (incl. CA) averaging $6.067/gal

🤖 Federal Government Pushes Forward on Driverless Vehicle Expansion

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced plans to develop a national safety performance standard for automated vehicles, which is backed by a $5 million, 3 year partnership with SAE Industry Technologies Consortia.

As part of the initiative, NHTSA plans to:

  • Allow Zoox to commercially deploy up to 2,500 robotaxis per year for two years under federal oversight.

  • Expand commercial deployment opportunities for certain automated vehicles.

  • Streamline the exemption process for autonomous vehicle manufacturers.

  • Update federal guidance and establish a new docket for AV development and deployment.

NHTSA says the goal is to support innovation while creating consistent safety standards and maintaining federal oversight.

The announcement comes just weeks after the agency raised concerns about autonomous vehicles interfering with first responders during emergency situations. NHTSA has stated it will use its enforcement authority if safety issues persist.

Tale Lites being a trucker focused newsletter I like to watch these developments closely. Earlier this year, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) urged regulators to ensure autonomous vehicle policies are based on rigorous oversight and real-world safety data rather than industry promises.

As autonomous technology continues to advance, the conversation around safety, regulation, and its impact on truckers is one that needs to grow.

📩 What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444 

🍽️ Recipe of the Week! Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

I was a big fan of pork chops while OTR because they were easy portions to scale out, and easy to modify into cool recipes. Typically I’d use a bag of frozen veggies, then one seasoning, and straight into the air fryer. The measurements I use are ballparks, but you can use however much and little as you want!

INGREDIENTS
• 2 boneless pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick
• 1 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/3 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/3 teaspoons salt
• 1 cups frozen green beans or mixed vegetables

STEPS

  1. Coat with mayo: Pat 2 boneless pork chops, and spread a thin layer of 1 tablespoons mayonnaise on both sides.

  2. Press on the crust: Mix grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt together, then press onto both sides of the chops.

  3. Air fry the chops: Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

  4. Steam the veggies: Microwave 1 cups frozen green beans or mixed vegetables in a covered bowl for 3 minutes until tender.

  5. Serve: Plate the chops with the veggies on the side and serve.

    Whole recipe (2 servings) totals:

    • Calories: ~675

    • Protein: ~73g

    • Fat: ~38g

    • Carbs: ~9g

Tips:
You can coat the pork chops the night before and keep them in the fridge, cook day is just one air fryer cycle. The mayo is the trick that makes the Parmesan stick without needing eggs or flour dredging.

Partner Post of the Week

Check out where the Convoy of Chaos parked the other day! If you need safe parking use the promo code chaos20 for $20 off your next booking

Long Time Trucker Writes Book on the State of American Trucking Industry

Is there a quiet war being waged against America’s truck drivers?

That’s the argument behind End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, a new book by longtime driver and writer Gord Magill. Magill claims the industry that once represented freedom and independence is being attacked on all fronts, from government regulations, in cab surveillance technology, corporate consolidation, and the push toward autonomous trucks.

God Magill has decades of experience including 4 seasons on ice roads in Canada, road trains in Australia, and over the road in the US. He argues that drivers today face tighter control, shrinking margins, and a future where human truckers may be pushed out altogether.

If you drive a truck, have driven, or have a family member who drives then this book is a must read.

You can order the book HERE and use the promo code 4TRUCKERS20 for a discount at checkout!

Truck Parking Club Partner Program

Do you create content for truckers, want to help solve the truck parking crisis, and an opportunity to give drivers FREE parking? Let’s work together! Click below to apply for Truck Parking Club’s Partner Program today!