Choosing the right truck storage facility is not only about location and security but also about selecting the right size storage unit! One of the most overlooked and the most critical decisions in choosing a storage facility is selecting the correct size storage unit.
Choosing the wrong size unit can cause unexpected costs, delays in operations and even damage to the vehicle.
Although selecting the proper size storage unit may seem like a minor issue, the size of the storage unit in which a truck is parked has an impact on how safely and effectively the truck will be stored.
The Cost of an Undersized Storage Unit
The most obvious issue with an undersized storage unit is the lack of available space for parking a truck. When trucks are parked in tight, cramped or congested storage units, the likelihood of minor damage occurring will increase, especially when moving in and out of the stall. Over time, minor repairs can add up to costly repairs and downtime.
Also, when a truck is parked in an undersized storage unit, there may not be enough clearance around the truck so that regular inspections, maintenance and tire assessment can be completed.
Thus, if there are any mechanical problems with the truck, the driver may not be aware because they did not have the opportunity to visually inspect it. In some cases, the driver may also not be able to park the truck in the designated stall, which is considered a violation of facility rules or local laws.
Having limited operational space will slow down the loading and unloading of your equipment. If there isn’t enough space to detach any of your trailers or equipment, then you will be creating an inefficient loading and unloading process that will impact both your schedule and also increase fuel costs.
The Other Negatives Of Oversize Storage
While it may seem harmless to select a storage space that is too big, it often results in unnecessary expenses. You pay more for rental fees if you have an oversized storage space, which greatly adds to your overhead costs if you are storing equipment long-term rather than short-term.
Larger storage spaces can create security issues for you. An abundance of empty space makes it difficult to keep watch on movements in the vicinity of your vehicle and can also increase the chances of unauthorized access or unobserved tampering of your vehicle(s).
In addition, for operators with multiple vehicles, poor utilization of storage space can prevent you from using all of your storage space across your storage site.
Fleet Operators and Owner-Operator’s Operational Impact
The reality is that inconsistent sizing of storage units for your fleet can complicate logistics for the fleet manager. Having a standardized storage unit size will help the fleet manager to plan positively, rotate their fleet by way of vehicle-vehicle and provide more accurate cost forecasts.
Choosing the wrong size storage will disrupt this process and create a situation where vehicles have to be moved frequently.
Independent truck owners share a similar set of challenges when they select their unit size. If the unit size is too small, access will be limited and if the storage is too big, parking will be difficult due to time or location restrictions or the unit may not have enough clearance to allow future upgrades to the vehicle.
The first step in selecting the correct storage size for your vehicle is establishing the vehicle’s full dimensions, including trailers or any type of attachments and clearance required when making turns. In addition to where you will park your vehicle, consider how easy it will be for your vehicle to enter, exit and therefore be accessible for inspections.
In addition to knowing your vehicle’s size, when you select a storage unit for your vehicle, you need to consider your future needs. If you will be expanding or if your vehicles will likely have different configurations in the future, it will be important to have flexible storage options available for your truck.
At Access I-35, we offer storage options designed specifically for commercial vehicles, including clear space delineation that allows for many different sizes of trucks without wasting space. By matching the proper size storage unit that corresponds to the exact measurements of your vehicle, you create an environment that leads to safe storage, enhanced efficiency, and controlled costs.
