Source: adapted from Google Earth.
A modern distribution center consumes a large amount of land, such as the UPS Chicago Area Consolidation Hub (CACH). The 240 acres (97 hectares) site is in co-location with a major intermodal rail terminal owned by BNSF. The distribution center occupies 37 acres (14.9 hectares), about 15% of the site. The standard facility to plot size ratio is around 40-45% but mostly concerns smaller distribution facilities. Because of the nature of its operations (consolidating and deconsolidating parcel loads), a substantial share of the site is allocated to trailer parking as well as parking space for the 11,000 employees working in different shifts. Additionally, space must be allocated for water collection as rainfall over such a large paved area would flood local streams.