There’s no doubt about it: construction sites of all kinds can get messy, and limiting that mess is a tough job. From removing dirt and mud to keeping materials organized, the more you can avoid messes in the first place, the less cleanup you’ll ultimately have to do.

There are a lot of strategies you can employ to keep your project sites tidy, but there’s one simple step that can make a world of difference: using composite trackout control mats. Using trackout control mats has a lot of benefits, such as helping ensure Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance and keeping your jobsite clean. The result is a more effective Best Management Practice (BMP) for containing sediment and erosion. The novel approach has been met with widespread demand from contractors who need a safer, more reliable and cost-effective technique.

What are trackout control mats?

Trackout control mats are portable, reusable mats that are placed at the entrances of construction, highway, power line, solar and wind project sites to remove dirt and debris from vehicles and heavy equipment as they enter and exit the site.

United Rentals' trackout control mat rentals have a textured surface that is made from durable composite materials to remove and collect debris from tires. These mats can be connected together to create a larger surface area for construction site entrances. They can also be anchored to the ground to minimize movement and can be installed on various types of surfaces, including grass, gravel and asphalt.

Benefits of using trackout control mats for projects

In many cases, you may be required to create a stabilized construction entrance that meets the requirements of your local jurisdiction. Trackout mat rentals can help you stay compliant and offer additional benefits, especially when compared to traditional solutions that require excavation or installation of erosion control fabric and aggregate, removal and restoration.

Compliance with DOT requirements

Using trackout control mats helps ensure compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT requires project owners to implement measures that prevent material from getting on the roads where it could be kicked up by drivers and cause damage to vehicles. One of the measures that is often deployed is using street sweepers in areas where debris is tracked out onto main roads. This is costly and inconvenient, so trackout mats can help reduce the need for this. You may still occasionally need to sweep the area, but trackout mats will help reduce the frequency because much less dirt reaches the road.

Cleaner worksites

Keep neighboring landowners, homeowners and community members happy by reducing the visual impact of your project. Trackout control mats remove excess mud and dirt as equipment and vehicles leave the site, helping to keep local roads cleaner. Additionally, when vehicles drive onto temporary roads via trackout mats, it keeps the mats cleaner and helps them last longer.

A durable, cost-effective solution

Entrance locations may change throughout the course of a project. Trackout control mats are easy to move (especially when compared to traditional rock-stabilized construction entrances) and can be deployed in about 30 minutes. These durable and reusable mats have a 10-year lifespan, so you can count on them for the duration of your project.

Keep it simple with United Rentals

Our team not only has every type of mat you might need for your project, but also offers installation and removal services to streamline your next project. Our trained crews can efficiently install temporary roads, stable work surfaces and trackout areas in virtually any environment. Whether you have to contend with mud, sand, swampy areas or other uneven terrain, we’ll help you get the right combination of mats in the right place at the right time.

Visit our online marketplace to browse our selection of ground protection mat rentals or contact United Rentals to inquire about composite mat rentals.