| One misconception in industrial real estate is that if the interior of the building is functional, then it will work for most industrial users.
In reality, the exterior land surrounding the building and its access is equally important. If trucks cannot move efficiently around the property, it may not be functional for the business considering it. Here are a few of the biggest truck related deal killers: Inadequate Access The first challenge is simply getting trucks onto the property. Tight entrances, narrow driveways, low hanging utilities, or difficult intersections can make it nearly impossible for tractor trailers to enter and exit safely. Even if trucks can access the site, if every delivery becomes a difficult maneuver, many users will continue looking elsewhere. Turning Radius Once trucks are on site, they need enough room to maneuver. A property may have plenty of parking or yard space, but if a trailer cannot comfortably turn to reach the loading area, the site quickly loses appeal. This is especially important for manufacturing, distribution, and logistics companies that receive frequent deliveries. Truck Parking Truck parking is becoming increasingly valuable. Some businesses need room to stage trailers before loading or unloading. Others need overnight parking for company vehicles. Properties with limited truck parking often create operational headaches and reduce efficiency. Loading Configuration Not every industrial operation uses a building the same way. Some businesses require multiple dock high doors for loading trailers, while others rely on drive in doors for equipment or service vehicles. The number, location, and configuration of loading doors can make or break a deal. While modifications are sometimes possible, they can also be expensive and time consuming. When evaluating industrial real estate, it is easy to focus on price per square foot or the building’s size. Those factors certainly matter, but operational efficiency matters just as much. A property that looks like a great value can quickly become a poor fit if trucks struggle to access the site, maneuver through the property, or load efficiently every day.
Before buying or leasing an industrial property, it is worth taking a close look at how trucks will actually function on the site. Sometimes the biggest deal killers are not inside the building at all. They start the moment the first truck pulls onto the property.
If you’d like to discuss your commercial real estate questions or needs, feel free to reach out! Emma McDaniel Lunning, CCIM 864-576-4660 emma@mcdanielandco.com |
