Parkway rangers are actively engaged in efforts to prevent 18-wheelers from accessing the Trace.

Written by Randy Bell

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In the past, it was rare for drivers to encounter a tractor trailer on the Natchez Trace. However, this has changed in recent times, with such vehicles appearing with greater frequency. The district ranger overseeing the Parkway segment that traverses Clinton suggests that the navigation systems employed by truck drivers could be contributing to this rise.

“Most of them aren’t relying on commercial GPS anymore,” states Stephen Dollinger. “Instead, they are utilizing Google Maps or Apple Maps on their smartphones.”

These systems fail to alert truck drivers that commercial vehicles are not allowed on the Trace, and those who break this rule may face hefty fines.

“I wouldn’t want that one at all,” Dollinger remarks. “I think it costs around $330.”

However, certain truck drivers, whether lacking information or opting to take risks, continue to navigate the Trace. This poses a problem throughout the entire Parkway, particularly in the Clinton and Ridgeland regions, where some big rig operators utilize it as a shortcut between I-20 West and I-55 North.

Although their navigation system may direct them onto the Trace, there are clear signs indicating that commercial vehicles are prohibited.

When Dollinger stops a truck driver, he often encounters a variety of excuses.

“Frequently, I hear things like, ‘I missed the sign,’ or ‘I noticed the sign but proceeded regardless.’”

However, Dollinger notes that he hasn't encountered many offenders who fail to grasp the consequences of their actions.

"We spent approximately two years collecting data, which included truck license plate numbers, driver information, and DOT numbers, in order to analyze the number of repeat customers we have."

After completing all those tasks, we discovered that our average for repeat customers was around one percent or even lower.

When truck drivers are halted on the Trace, they receive a citation and are directed to leave the Parkway.

Dollinger explains, “We typically advise them to exit onto the upcoming state highway. We prefer not to direct them towards the narrower county roads, as that could potentially lead to further complications.”

He