By Andrew Jones
Development mistakes in truck parking are rarely glamorous, but very practical issues such as puddles, bad lighting, weak fencing and access control that fails under real-world abuse. The general idea is to build it right–once.
Layout and Capacity: Design for Reality, Not CAD
General planning principles include the following:
- Separate entry and exit when possible;
- Wide aisles and forgiving angles;
- Clear striping with numbered stalls; and
- Room for “messy arrivals” (drivers miss stalls, arrive late, back in tired).
Spot Types To Consider
- Standard tractor-trailer;
- Bobtail-only (often overlooked, frequently in demand);
- Oversize, hotshot and car haulers (premium pricing potential); and
- Reserved vs. general inventory.
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Surface: The No. 1 Driver of Long-Term Headaches
Surface choices are a business decision. Here are key contenders:
- Gravel–cheaper upfront, higher ongoing maintenance and dust control;
- Crushed base–stabilized, mid-cost, better performance; and
- Asphalt/concrete–highest upfront, best experience, often easier for permitting and stormwater compliance.
Whatever you choose, plan drainage aggressively. Standing water is the silent killer of retention and reputation.
Security and Experience: What Drivers Actually Pay For
Drivers do not just pay for dirt. Here are their key considerations:
- Safety;
- Predictability;
- Ease of entry; and
- A spot that is actually available when reserved.
Core build items to review:
- Commercial-grade fencing and gates;
- Bright, uniform lighting (reduce shadows, improve camera value);
- Cameras with coverage that match your claims; and
- Clear signage that covers rules, towing, emergency contact, how-to-enter instructions
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Truck Parking Access Control
Access control is where a lot of new operators lose money, not because it is expensive, but because it is unreliable. Overall, you want to have a solid gate motor and reliable access controls.
A good access control system is beneficial for operators and truck parking clients alike:
- Allows entry without staff onsite;
- Supports reservations and real-time inventory; and
- Logs entry and exit for enforcement and disputes.
To view all installments of the TSN Truck Parking Blog, sponsored by Truck Parking Club, visit here.
Compliance: Protect the Business Early
Truck parking touches more regulation than most outdoor storage:
- Zoning and conditional use;
- Traffic/curb cut approvals;
- Lighting ordinances;
- Stormwater and environmental rules;
- ADA considerations (where applicable); and
- Fire lanes and emergency access.
Treat compliance as part of the product; a compliant site is harder to shut down, easier to insure and more valuable at exit.
Andrew Jones has been in the self-storage business for the last decade working for Yardi, Extra Space and JustStorage before co-founding OTR Truck Parking, where he remains co-owner. He currently serves on the Toy Storage Nation Advisory Board and is a regular contributor to the media-brand’s content, specifically authoring the monthly TSN Truck Parking Blog. In addition, he serves as Vice President of Property Member Optimization at Truck Parking Club, Andrew can be reached at [email protected].
Truck Parking Club (TPC) is a truck parking locator database that books hourly, daily, weekly and monthly parking spaces across the United States. TPC’s system allows site entry without onsite staff, supports reservations and real-time inventory as well as logs entry/exits for enforcement and disputes. To learn more and list your facility in the nationwide truck parking locator database, visit Truck Parking Club.
Toy Storage Nation proudly recognizes Truck Parking Club as a Silver Sponsor of the TSN Storage Redefined Masterclass, hosted in partnership with ISS World Expo, April 10 in Las Vegas. Limited seats are still available. Learn more and register.
