Parking Lot Advice

We have a couple of acres at the on/off ramp of a major interstate in Oklahoma. We are thinking about offering overnight parking. Any advice or suggestions? Other than a space to park, are there other services we should offer? Any potential problems? What's the best way to let drivers know we have space available? We can currently accept cash/visa/mc - what other forms of payment would we need to be able to take? Any advice would be appreciated!

Since you mentioned Visa et al this means you're charging to park. I have a few questions for you because I really am intrigued by this topic (truck parking/sleep/safety).

Is power available or are you taking cards via a cell connection?

How much lighting will be needed?

Will the lot be dirt, gravel, asphalt or concrete?

I assume you'll be fenced off with a gate for entry/exit. Will it be automated (think airport parking lots) or manned by employee who doubles as gatekeeper, security and maintenance?

Water and plumbing available? If not, porta potties at minimum. More than one location. If plumbed, a multi-stall bathroom up front will ensure your lot is full.

Sewer connection or septic tank? Portable trailer bathroom or block construction? A huge bonus would be a few vending machines. If building a cheap building consider enough space and power to at least accommodate that. You'd be surprised the extra coin you could make operating your own if you don't sub it out.

A lounge area would be nice if you're going that far, but not necessary. So would a pet area in back.

You don't need a shop, fuel, and other truck stop amenities. If you're going to have an employee, even part of the day, to watch/maintain bathroom, might consider a small laundry area as well. Like an apartment complex might have - a couple washing machines, a couple chairs, a soda and a candy vending machine and a security camera. No biggie. Just a place for drivers to get out of the truck and chat.

Do you have a business plan covering the cost of the land, improvements and taxes? Will you need permits, etc. to open to public use?

Don't forget trash collection. Truckers pile up trash and some are too lazy to walk it to the can. Which means you might need a company like BFI for dumpsters. They charge by the yardage...so the more trash the more money.

Another thing.,.truckers are cheap. They would rather double park illegally on a dirt road than pay $12 at a TA for reserved parking. So how much are you charging? And OK is not exactly a hard place to find free parking with all the casinos down there.

Now if we were talking I 95 in the northeast you could charge $20 and I'd pay lol