One of the first considerations when developing a semi-storage yard is the type of flooring or surface you will put in the yard. Most undeveloped pieces of the property start with dirt, which will not suffice for a semi-storage yard. That means that at some point during the development of a semi-storage or parking yard, you will have to put down either concrete, asphalt, road base, or another option. Below we break down the weight of the trucks and a few options that we have seen work in yards and what we recommend for starting your yard.
How much do Semi Trucks and Trailers weigh?
Unloaded trucks and trailers weigh between 30,000 and 40,000 lbs and loaded trucks and trailers are close to 80,000 lbs or more. This means that even empty trucks and trailers will sink into the dirt. If this happens the yard owner and the renter are in trouble because there are only a number of limited resources to tow something this heavy. The best option is to never park a semi truck or trailer on dirt but instead, use one of the surface materials below for your yard.
Using Road Base for Semi Storage Yard
Road base is typically made from crushed concrete. It is made from recycled material, so it is usually cheaper than something that has to be mined or set, such as concrete. Because of this, you want to inspect the batches to make sure there are no other particles such as glass and nails in the road base.
Road base is usually finer than crushed stone and also has a lot of dust and small particles which fill in any gaps and make it a stable driving base. Many states and counties use road base for roads whereby the traffic is low and does not justify paving because of the cost savings. However, because it is loose, over time more road base will have to be added as potholes and low-lying areas emerge.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Readily available
- Allows for water drainage
Cons:
- Will need upkeep every few years
- Can be hard to Plow
- Estimated Cost per Acre at 6 in depth: $20,000- $25,000
An example of using Road Base in a storage yard
Using Gravel for your Semi Storage Yard
Gravel is a mixture of rock particles. It is not recycled like road base but instead comprised of multiple types of rocks including limestone, sandstone, and more. Gravel can come in two shapes, granular and pebble. Either works for a semi yard but granular is often cheaper.
Gravel can hold thousands of pounds but keep in mind that you will probably want 6 to 8 inches of depth to support the weight of a semi-truck. In large quantities, it can also be harder to find than a road base. Like the road base, it will also need upkeep for potholes and low-lying spots every few years.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Allows for water drainage
- Sizing Options
Cons:
- Will need upkeep every few years
- Can be hard to Plow
- Estimated Cost per Acre at 6 in depth: $40,000 - $45,000
Here is a great video of the difference between Gravel and Road Base
Paving- Asphalt or Concrete for your Semi Storage Yard
Paving with either concrete or asphalt, such as a common parking lot, is another option for a yard. However, it is often 10 times more expensive than road base or gravel. In addition to this cost, as you pave the yard, most counties and cities will make you add additional drainage to your property because the pavement will not be porous. This means that you may have to do an Environmental Study which is time-consuming and costly.
It isn’t all bad though. Paved asphalt does hold up a bit better than gravel or road base. You will not need to do any improvements for years and it makes drawing lines and directions easier to label the storage yard.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Easier to paint on
Cons:
- Very Expensive
- Must create drainage
- Estimated Cost per Acre at 6-inch depth: $250,000 - $300,000
STOW IT’s Recommendation for your Semi Yard Surface
We recommend going with road base first and foremost. The road base tends to hold up just a bit better than the gravel and is a bit cheaper in most instances.
Paving the yard should be your last choice. You will likely be way over budget and will not be able to recoup this investment through a rental rate increase.
Check with your local suppliers before you pick one or the other. Often the prices vary based on the supply and demand needed in the construction industry and sometimes you can find a deal for leftover road base or gravel.
We hope this helps and remember that we can help you fill up your yard faster. We work with large fleets and thousands of drivers that are looking for semi-storage. For details, feel free to call us at 844-478-6948 or Partner with STOW IT.