Why these checks matter
A food truck brings its own kitchen, but it still needs somewhere suitable to park and work. Most on-the-day problems are about getting the vehicle in, getting it level, and powering it. A few photos and measurements before the event save a lot of worry. Every vehicle is different, so always ask your caterer for their exact needs and check them against your site.
Access: width, height and turning
- Gate and track width. Measure the narrowest point on the route in, including gateposts, bollards and parked cars.
- Height. Look up. Low branches, arches, archways, balconies, cables and gazebos can block a tall vehicle.
- Turns and slopes. Tight corners, steep drives and humpback bridges can be tricky, especially with a trailer.
- Weight limits. Some private bridges, drives and car parks have weight limits.
- Timing. If other suppliers are arriving at the same time, agree who unloads first.
Send your caterer photos of the route in, from the road to the spot where the truck will stand.
Level, firm ground
A food truck needs to stand level to cook safely. The best spot is level hardstanding, such as tarmac, concrete or firm gravel. A flat, firm lawn can work in dry weather, but soft or sloping grass is a common problem. Ask:
- Is the spot level, or close to it?
- Will the ground take the weight of the vehicle after rain?
- Is there hardstanding nearby if the lawn turns soft?
Protecting lawns
Lawns at houses, gardens and wedding venues can be damaged by vehicles, especially when wet. Talk to the venue or landowner about ground protection mats or boards, a route along a firm track, or a spot on hardstanding at the edge of the lawn. Agree in advance who provides any ground protection.
Distance from buildings and people
Cooking equipment, heat and fumes need space. Venues and event safety advisers often set a distance between catering vehicles and buildings, marquees, trees and fences, and the caterer will have their own requirements. Keep the serving side facing the guests, with room for a queue, and keep the back of the truck clear of children and foot traffic. Don’t park the truck right under a marquee roof or next to a doorway.
Power
Food trucks need power for lights, fridges, extraction and some equipment. There are three common options:
- Mains power from the venue. Ask what supply is available, where the socket is, and how far it is from the truck’s spot. Long cable runs across walkways need covering.
- A generator. Some caterers bring one, some ask the venue or hire company to provide it. Ask, and confirm in writing.
- The truck’s own supply. Some vehicles have their own power for part of their needs.
We confirm power arrangements with each booking.
Generator noise
Generators make noise and fumes. If one is needed, place it away from seating, sleeping areas and neighbours, and check any noise rules at the venue. Some venues have quiet hours or ban generators near buildings. Ask the venue before the event.
Water
Caterers need clean water for handwashing and cleaning. Some bring their own supply and some need a tap nearby. Ask what’s needed, and where any waste water should go. We confirm water arrangements with each booking.
A quick checklist to send your caterer
- Full address and postcode, and what3words or a map pin for fields
- Photos of the route in and the parking spot
- The narrowest width and lowest height on the route
- Ground type, and whether it’s level
- Power available, type and distance
- Water available and distance
- Venue rules: noise, times, fuel, vehicles
- Any other suppliers on site, such as marquees or bars
Send this with your enquiry and we’ll confirm what we need for your event. Contact us for a quote through our quote form, or read our food truck hire guide.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote for your event.