Stormwater BMP • Site Exits • Trackout Control

FODS Trackout Control Mat: A Practical Guide for Cleaner, More Consistent Site Exits

Vehicle trackout is the mud, sediment, and debris that gets carried off-site on tires and ends up on public roads. The goal of a trackout control Best Management Practice (BMP)—plain English: a “site-exit cleanup system”—is to reduce that carryout so you spend less time street-sweeping, reduce complaints, and stay aligned with your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). FODS Trackout Control Mats are a reusable construction entrance system designed to remove sediment from tires without the ongoing material refreshes that come with traditional rock entrances.

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30-minute install (typical) Reusable + long service life Works on multiple substrates

What the FODS Trackout Control Mat Does (and How It Works)

Think of the mat as a controlled “tire cleaning lane.” The raised pyramid pattern is arranged in rows so tires flex as they roll across. That flexing helps release sediment lodged between tire lugs (the grooves in the tread).

Because the system is reusable, you’re not constantly adding, reshaping, and replacing rock. Instead, you maintain performance by periodically sweeping or washing out the captured sediment—then keep rolling.

Real-world takeaway: If your exit gets hammered by weather or heavy traffic, a reusable system can help keep your “exit condition” consistent day-to-day—meaning fewer surprises when the inspector shows up.
Vehicle driving over FODS trackout control mats at a site exit
FODS mats create a defined exit lane that helps knock mud and sediment free from tire tread.
Close-up view of FODS trackout control mat pyramid surface
The pyramid geometry is designed to flex tires and encourage debris release during exit.

Quick Specs Snapshot

Below is a fast way to confirm whether the FODS Trackout Control Mat matches your traffic and logistics. (If you’re planning a full entrance lane, you’ll typically combine multiple mats into a layout.)

Mat size12' W × 7' L × 3 3/4" H
Pyramid height2 7/8"
Mat weight~420 lb (per mat)
Service life10+ years (typical)
Warranty3-year warranty
Install timeAs little as ~30 minutes (typical)

Material-wise, FODS is built from durable HDPE (high-density polyethylene—plain English: a rugged plastic used in heavy-duty applications).

Reusable Mats vs. Traditional Rock Entrances

Rock entrances can work, but they often require ongoing refreshes—especially when traffic, rainfall, or soft subgrades cause rutting and stone migration. Reusable mats aim to reduce that churn by keeping the exit geometry stable and shifting the “maintenance” to periodic cleaning instead of re-building.

  • Reusable system: one-time material investment, generally lower recurring material needs, and removal/repositioning as access points change.
  • Rock entrance: typically one-time use per location, periodic top-offs, grading, and cleanup from displaced rock and sediment.

Choosing the Right Layout (How Many Mats Do You Need?)

Most sites build an “exit lane” by connecting multiple mats. Common configurations range from 4–8 mats in a straight lane or “T” shape, depending on turning radius, traffic volume, and how much tire rotation you want before vehicles hit the road.

Here are a few layout examples used in the field (helpful as a starting point—final selection should match your SWPPP, site constraints, and traffic patterns).

Layout Typical use Why it helps Rock entrance it may replace (rule-of-thumb)
1×4 (Inline Exit) Commercial sites with limited space Creates a defined 28' exit lane ~20'–50' rock entrances
1×5T (Standard Entrance) Entrances needing a wider turning radius Supports turns without sacrificing tire contact time ~50'–70' rock entrances
1×7T (Wide Turning Angle) Higher-traffic exits More tire rotations for improved debris release ~100' rock entrances
Practical tip: If your exit involves a tight turn, choose a layout that preserves tire contact time while allowing the turn— otherwise vehicles may “shortcut” the system and carry debris to the roadway.

Installation: Step-by-Step (Field-Friendly)

Install is typically straightforward and can often be done with hand tools. The goal is a stable, full-contact surface so mats don’t rock, bridge gaps, or sit in pooled water.

  • 1Pick the right location near the exit

    Place the system close to the roadway (as safely possible) and avoid low points where water pools. Keep full contact to the substrate—don’t use mats for bridging.

  • 2Prep the surface (minimal, but important)

    Remove large rocks/debris and aim for a firm, reasonably level base so the mats sit flat and stay stable under traffic.

  • 3Set the layout and direction of travel

    Connect mats into the chosen configuration (inline lane or “T” shape) and ensure the intended direction of travel is consistent across the system.

  • 4Anchor to match the substrate

    For soil installs, stake-style anchors are common. For concrete/asphalt installs, concrete screw anchors are typically used. Anchoring keeps mats from shifting during turning or heavy traffic.

  • 5Do a quick test pass and adjust

    Have a vehicle roll through slowly once. Confirm the mats are stable, edges aren’t curling, and the lane “forces” tires through the full cleaning path.

FODS trackout control mats installed as a site exit lane
A stable layout with consistent traffic flow is the fastest path to consistent trackout performance.

Maintenance & Cleaning (Keeping Performance Consistent)

Trackout control works best when you treat maintenance as a quick, routine task—similar to sweeping a shop floor. The good news: cleaning is typically simple and equipment-friendly.

Common cleaning options:
• Skid steer with broom attachment
• Street sweeper (with adjustable brush head)
• Manual clean-out using a narrow shovel tool designed to fit between pyramid tracks
• Pressure washing (when you can contain runoff)
Best practice:
Schedule clean-outs after heavy rain, after “muddy phase” work, or whenever you start seeing visible carryout past the mat. If your SWPPP requires it, document the maintenance in your inspection logs.

Mini Case Study: Less Street Sweeping During Wet & Dry Conditions

On a project that saw both rainy and dry days, a contractor reported that using the FODS system cut the amount of street sweeping needed by roughly half. The team also noted a positive overall experience and said they would recommend the mats to other contractors.

Why that matters: Street sweeping can become a hidden cost—labor, equipment time, and schedule disruption. If a more consistent exit reduces sweeping frequency, it can pay back quickly, especially on longer projects.

FAQ: Fast Answers for Planning & Submittals

These are the questions we hear most often when teams are deciding between a rock entrance refresh and a reusable mat system.

What are the dimensions and weight of one mat? ⌄
Each mat is approximately 12' wide × 7' long × 3 3/4" high, weighs about 420 lb, and features pyramids about 2 7/8" tall.
How many mats make a typical construction entrance? ⌄
Many entrances use 4–8 mats in either a straight lane or “T” shape, depending on turning needs and traffic volume. Common examples include 1×4 (inline), 1×5T (standard), and 1×7T (wide turn / higher traffic).
Can the mats be installed on asphalt or concrete? ⌄
Yes—FODS mats are commonly deployed over unexcavated soil, excavated soil, asphalt, or concrete. Anchoring should match the surface (stakes for soil; concrete screw anchors for pavement).
What does cleaning look like in practice? ⌄
Typical cleaning methods include a skid steer broom, a street sweeper with an adjustable brush, manual clean-out between pyramid rows, or pressure washing when runoff can be contained per site requirements.
Where should the system NOT be placed? ⌄
Avoid low points where water pools, and don’t use the mats for bridging gaps. For best performance, keep full contact between the mats and the underlying surface.

Ready to size your entrance layout? If you share your exit width, traffic type (pickups vs. tri-axle vs. lowboy), and whether vehicles must turn, we can point you to a common configuration and help you estimate the number of mats.