Although the number of acres or the size of land you need for your truck stop will vary depending on the services and amenities you intend to provide, have it in mind that a range of 5 to 18 acres of land is a good place to start.
You can also go for a bigger space like 15 acres if you have the resources, especially since you can leverage those spaces for amenities that will steadily draw truck drivers to your location. This could be restaurants or something like a truck wash.
Truck stops have proven to be very necessary for truck drivers as these stops tend to provide them with basic services as well as a much-needed break off the road.
Originally meant to serve as refueling points, the truck stop business model has grown to feature things like parking, meals, bathing facilities, retail stores, and other services. These days, truck stop owners as well as truck stop chain executives are seeking innovative means to expand their services and draw in a larger share of the marketplace.
Have it in mind that one of many benefits of acquiring an already established business is that you will in most cases have access to quick cash flow. Aside from that, ready businesses make it more convenient to obtain financing than new businesses.
Don’t forget that building a truck stop would most definitely eat deep into your pocket. It is believed that at least 75% of large construction projects need more budget and take up to 20% longer than expected. As such, if you decide to purchase an already-built truck stop, you can jump past many of these obstacles.
You should also consider building your truck stop from scratch if you have the necessary resources and patience. Just as was noted above, the number of acres or the size of land you need for your truck stop will vary depending on certain factors.
Aside from that, note that the location you choose to run your business as well as the laws and zoning guidelines of the area will influence the amount of space you need for your truck stop.
Factors to Consider When Deciding The Amount of Acres You Need for a Truck Stop
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Amenities in your truck stop
This is most definitely one of the critical factors that will influence the number of acres you need for your truck stop. Truck stops have grown from the basic fueling station with enough space to park at least 20 trucks to truck plazas where you will find motels and retail outlets.
Owing to that, note that the sort of amenities and services you intend to provide will definitely influence the size and space you need for your truck stop. A truck stop with a truck wash and a motel will require much more space when compared to a truck stop with just a fuel station.
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Traffic rate
You should also take into consideration the level of demand for the services you offer as well as the traffic expected to come to your truck stop. For instance, if you have 10 trucks looking to patronize the truck wash point of your truck stop at the same time, then you will require more space when compared to when you have fewer trucks seeking similar services.
Although it can be difficult to obtain these figures, it is recommended you carry out extensive research to understand the demand for the services you offer within your intended location.
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Legal restrictions
Truth be told, there is a legal side to establishing and running a truck stop in the United States. Have it in mind that legal barriers such as city planning, zoning laws, and minimum acre requirements for commercial enterprises could have a massive impact on the number of acres you need to build your truck stop.
Owing to that, it is always necessary to investigate the necessary regulations and restrictions in your city. You can also align with an experienced attorney to ensure you don’t make a mistake that will handicap your business.
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Truck stop location
The location of your truck stop will be another vital factor that will impact the amount of land you have available for your truck stop.
Trucks are the backbone of the American economy. However, with drivers moving from Eastport in Maine to Atka in Alaska and from Barrow in Alaska to Hilo in Hawaii, there is a massive need for truck stops in both urban and rural locations in the country.
Conclusion
Indeed, the phrase “location, location, location” has never been more resounding than it is when starting a truck stop is brought into the equation. You don’t expect a truck driver to make a 20 – 30 mile detour just to branch into your extraordinary truck stop.
Truck drivers will appreciate it if your truck stop is along their driving routes. The number of acres or the size of land you need for your truck stop will vary depending on the factors noted above. However, note that a range of 5 to 18 acres of land is a good place to start. You can also go for a bigger space like 15 acres if you have the necessary resources.