The Imperative of Establishing Standardized Truck Parking Infrastructure in Iran, with an Emphasis on the Experiences of the European Union and the United State

Road freight transport, as the backbone of national economies, requires efficient and safe supporting infrastructure. Among these, truck parking areas serve as specialized facilities for truck stops and driver rest, playing a crucial role in enhancing road safety, driver health, and supply chain efficiency. Despite their importance, international evidence indicates that the shortage of standardized and secure truck parking facilities results in negative outcomes such as reduced productivity and decreased safety. This study reviews the literature and examines the experiences of the United States and European Union countries, comparing them with the current situation in Iran, in order to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the development of truck parking facilities. The research methodology is based on a comparative analysis of international regulations and practices, national statistical data, and domestic regulatory frameworks. The findings reveal that in Iran , despite the extensive road network and the dominant share of road freight transport , the development of truck parking facilities has not been pursued systematically, and existing legal and operational frameworks face significant constraints. The major challenges identified include insufficient capacity, weak safety and service standards, and limited adoption of intelligent transport technologies. In contrast, international experiences demonstrate that the development of safe and smart truck parking networks can improve driver safety and security while also enhancing economic efficiency and job satisfaction. Finally, the article provides a set of policy and strategic recommendations, drawing on global best practices, to improve the development of truck parking facilities in Iran.