According to current estimates by the German Federal Association for Freight Transport, Logistics and Disposal (BGL) and others, more than 40,000 truck parking spaces are lacking along and around federal highways every day – and this number continues to grow. However, truck drivers on long-distance routes require regular parking opportunities to comply with legally mandated rest periods. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines.

For drivers, this situation creates significant stress. Searching for parking often means having to check multiple rest areas, wasting valuable time. In the worst-case scenario, drivers park illegally and unsafely – for example, on motorway on-ramps or even on the motorway itself, creating dangerous conditions.

This is exactly where Smart Optimized Lorry Parking (SOLP) comes into play.
SOLP is an innovative AI-based forecasting system that displays available truck parking spaces in real time along a driver’s route. The cloud-based solution is provided via APIs and can be flexibly integrated into existing systems.

The goal of SOLP is to maximize the use of existing truck parking infrastructure to provide immediate relief to the current parking shortage. For drivers, this means less stress; for transport companies, lower costs; and for society, improved road safety and reduced environmental impact.

Christoph Winkelhage provides insight into Smart Optimized Lorry Parking and will cover the following topics:

The problem – Why “Smart Optimized Lorry Parking”?

A dramatic shortage of truck parking spaces and its serious consequences

The idea – How AI can improve the search for truck parking

An innovative solution with many benefits

Release 1 – How SOLP is already being used today

Overview of SOLP services, the SOLP API, and availability

Outlook – What’s next?
Establishment, operation, and further development

Q&A session