COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS NEED LOADING SPACES--BUT HOW MANY? WHAT SIZE?

Provision of adequate off-street loading space is essential in the accommodation of trucks in urban areas, for reasons of traffic operations, efficiency for carriers, pedestrian safety, environmental concerns, and aesthetics, but finding reliable standards for planning and design is difficult. If efficiency of truck operations is perceived as a private-sector issue alone, and not addressed by the public sector in the land use and transportation planning process, subsequent outcomes can be detrimental to mobility and to the economy as a whole. In this article, 4 affected groups were surveyed: carriers, developers and businesses, consultants and architects, and cities and counties. Zoning codes were analyzed to identify any consensus among current standards. Although little consistency exists, some trends were established. A recommendation is made urging the development of urban truck accommodation design guidelines.