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The Latest Industry News

Hundreds Attend PEI-NATSO Conference to Prepare for Coming Demand for Diesel Exhaust Fluid

6.5.09

Nashville, Tenn. - The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) – NATSO Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Conference opened today with goal-shattering attendance levels, demonstrating the commitment of players throughout the industry to meeting their customers’ need for DEF.

NATSO, which is the trade association of America’s truckstops and travel plazas, joined PEI, the trade association for petroleum equipment marketing, in organizing the conference that drew 375 participants representing chemical manufacturers and distributors, equipment suppliers, fleets, truckstops and other fuel retailers.

“Attendance levels quickly outstripped our initial goal of reaching 150 people,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “Clearly, players across the supply chain recognize that DEF is coming, and they are eager to seize opportunities to prepare for it.”

In a few months, trucks with 2010 engines will be hitting the road.   Unlike their predecessors, most exhaust systems on new trucks will use selective catalytic reduction to meet emissions standards.  These trucks will require DEF to operate, and distributors, suppliers, fuel retailers and trucking companies are preparing now for this product.

“What’s most exciting about this conference is the range of interests represented in the room,” noted PEI Executive Vice President and General Counsel Bob Renkes.   “Not only did we see the DEF manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, but also the regulators, retailers and end users.  Every element of the DEF equation was here, with key players sharing information, making connections, and putting the pieces in place.”

With business owners formulating plans and identifying needed investments, the session featured several experts who provided keen insight on the factors that will drive DEF demand.  David Siler of Detroit Diesel (Daimler) and Rich Moskowitz of the American Trucking Associations explored the outlook for DEF from the trucking industry’s perspective.  In a special educational session sponsored by the NATSO Foundation, Transport Fundamentals economist Noël Perry presented a detailed forecast for DEF demand in the U.S. and Canada.

Expert speakers also tackled topics ranging from DEF quality concerns, label requirements, storage and dispensing requirements to fire codes and marketing at the truckstop.

The roster of expert speakers included: Jodi Crawford, Airgas Specialty Products; Kevin Ferrick, API; Tom Heinz, Coffee Cup Fuel Stops; Jim Spooner, Colonial Chemical; Mark Barolo and Cliff Dean of EPA; Dave Polak, EZ Fuel; Richard Browne, Gilbarco Veeder-Root; Terry Ross, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores; Don Onwiler, National Conference on Weights and Measures; Bob Benedetti, National Fire Protection Association; Steve Childers, SPATCO; John Lounsbury, Terra Environmental Technologies; Chad Dombrowski and Rolf Isberg, Yara Industrial North America; and NATSO consultant Bill Bartkus.

Airgas Specialty Products, Gilbarco-Veeder Root, Terra Environmental Technologies and Yara Environmental Inc. sponsored the one-day conference, which sold out its exhibitor spaces in addition to far exceeding attendance goals. 

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Founded in 1951, PEI is comprised of more than 1,500 companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of equipment used in petroleum marketing and related operations. Members are located in 50 states and 81 countries. PEI is the international trade association for distributors, manufacturers and installers of equipment used in petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling operations. Users of the equipment include service station and convenience-store owners, terminals, bulk plants and airport refueling operations. The Institute's headquarters are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

NATSO is the professional association of America’s $65 billion travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.

 

PEI, NATSO Add New Speakers to Diesel Exhaust Fluid Conference

5.14.09

ALEXANDRIA, VA. – The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI), the trade association for petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling, and NATSO, which represents travel plazas and truckstops, have added several industry experts who will tap into their decades of experience and expertise to present at the Diesel Exhaust Fluid Conference on June 5.

It is just a matter of months before trucks with 2010 engines will be hitting the road. Unlike their predecessors, most exhaust systems on new trucks will use selective catalytic reduction to meet emissions standards and require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to operate. Chemical manufacturers, truckstop operators, fleets and equipment suppliers will come together for the one-day, intensive workshop at the Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Session topics include DEF quality concerns, label requirements, storage and dispensing requirements, DEF locator services, fire codes and more.

DEF manufacturers John Lounsbury of Terra Environmental Technologies and Jim Spooner of Colonial Chemical will provide a crash course in DEF basics, including its product characteristics, how it is produced and distributed, when it will be available and anticipated volumes.

Everyone in the industry wants to know who is going to be buying DEF and when. David Siler of Detroit Diesel (Daimler), and Rich Moskowitz of the American Trucking Associations will provide an outlook for the year ahead, sharing their insights on who is going the DEF route and who isn’t.

Before DEF can make its way to trucks, it has to be available at the truckstop. The conference will offer recommendations on how retailers can ramp-up DEF at existing truckstops and integrate it on the fuel island at new truckstops. The session will also cover payment systems, equipment costs, and financing and lease options for DEF equipment.

Europeans have been using DEF for three years, and those in the U.S. can learn from their experience. Richard Browne of Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Rolf Isberg of Yara Industrial North America will lead a session highlighting lessons learned from the equipment and infrastructure rollout in Europe.

The impressive line up of speakers also includes: Cliff Dean, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA; Mark Barolo, Environmental Protection Agency; Kevin Ferrick, API; Bob Benedetti, National Fire Protection Association; Don Onwiler, National Conference on Weights and Measures; Dave Polak, EZ Fuel; Steve Childers, SPATCO; Kim Doran of Quixote Group and the North American SCR Stakeholders Group; and Chuck Mattina of Quixote Group.

Sponsored by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Terra Environmental Technologies, and Yara Industrial North America, the conference will kick off with a reception on Thursday, June 4.  Visit www.natso.comto register today. Registration is $149 for NATSO, PEI, NACS and PMAA members and $349 for non-members until May 22. Additionally, a limited number of tabletop exhibits are available for $750.

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Founded in 1951, PEI is comprised of more than 1,500 companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of equipment used in petroleum marketing and related operations. Members are located in 50 states and 81 countries. PEI is the international trade association for distributors, manufacturers and installers of equipment used in petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling operations. Users of the equipment include service station and convenience-store owners, terminals, bulk plants and airport refueling operations. The Institute's headquarters are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

NATSO is the professional association of America’s travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.

 

Jobs, Businesses Could Be At Risk Under Virginia Transportation Board’s Rest Area Plan, says NATSO

4.2.09

ALEXANDRIA, VA. – A resolution passed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board would threaten jobs, businesses and the property tax base of local governments, according to NATSO, a national trade association based in Virginia.

The board wants Congress to lift a ban on food and fuel sales at interstate rest areas. The resolution urges Gov. Tim Kaine to work with Virginia lawmakers against the federal law, which was designed to encourage investment in local communities.

Counties (such as those in Virginia) without commercialized rest areas have twice as many businesses at interstate exits than those counties with commercialized rest areas, according to a 2003 University of Maryland study. Located on the median or shoulder, commercialized rest areas operate as virtual monopolies because of their location. Any proposal to establish commercialized rest areas in Virginia would cripple many of the thousands of travel plazas, truckstops, convenience stores and restaurants in Virginia that depend on business from interstate travelers. 

More than 63,000 people are employed by Virginia’s 2,300 businesses at exit interchanges, the 2003 University of Maryland study revealed.  According to government data released last week, nearly twice as many Virginians are without jobs than at this time last year. "With unemployment figures continuing to rise, it is astounding that government officials would risk Virginia jobs by proposing rest area commercialization," said NATSO President & CEO Lisa Mullings.  “The Commonwealth Transportation Board has essentially asked the governor to spend his time working to put more Virginians out of work.”

Local governments would also lose under the board's plan. Particularly in rural areas, county governments need property taxes paid by businesses at interstate exits to fund schools, police and fire protection.

The board’s resolution came as Virginia officials drew fire from elected officials, truckers and residents for a plan to close 25 rest areas, which would result in a loss of 412 truck parking spaces. Private businesses within ¼ mile of a Virginia highway offer an estimated 7,300 spaces for professional drivers.

“This board’s resolution is not only bad policy, it is also bad math,” said Mullings. “In an apparent effort to save 412 rest area parking spaces, the plan would threaten thousands of spaces at businesses directly off the highway. This is not the solution Virginia needs to keep the rest areas open.”

When Congress created the Interstate Highway System, community leaders voiced concerns that the number of local businesses and jobs would shrink as motorists bypassed their towns. These leaders opposed commercialized facilities (found on state turnpikes) that stifled business development. Congress agreed, limiting the sale of food and fuel at interstate rest areas built after January 1, 1960.

“Preventing state-owned rest areas from unfairly competing with businesses near interstate exits has been an undeniable success,” Mullings said. “A change in this law would threaten existing businesses that depend on sales to interstate travelers.  These travel plazas, truckstops, restaurants and convenience stores employ thousands of Virginians and pay millions of dollars each year to local governments."

PEI, NATSO Announce Diesel Exhaust Fluid Conference

2.25.09

TULSA, OK – The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI), the trade association for petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling, and NATSO, which represents travel plazas and truckstops, will bring fuel retailers and the petroleum equipment industry together for a one-day workshop to prepare for the launch of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

The conference will be held June 4 and 5, 2009.

Beginning in January 2010, diesel exhaust fluid will be required for the exhaust systems on most new diesel trucks, which will utilize selective catalytic reduction as an emissions control technology.  DEF is urea-based mixture which is specially formulated for use in the new emissions systems.

The DEF conference will kick off with a reception on Thursday, June 4, followed by a full-day workshop on Friday, June 5.  Sessions will focus on how DEF will be handled, stored, dispensed and marketed, and a session will focus on the DEF rollout in Europe three years ago. 

Registration for the one-day program is $149 for NATSO and PEI members and $349 for non-members. Additionally, a limited number of tabletop exhibits are available for $750. Registration for the one-day program will begin in early March.

For more information about the conference, please contact NATSO at (703) 739-2100 or PEI at (918) 494-9696.

Founded in 1951, PEI is comprised of more than 1,500 companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of equipment used in petroleum marketing and related operations. Members are located in 50 states and 81 countries. PEI is the international trade association for distributors, manufacturers and installers of equipment used in petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling operations. Users of the equipment include service station and convenience-store owners, terminals, bulk plants and airport refueling operations. The Institute's headquarters are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

NATSO is the professional association of America’s $65 billion travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.

Fuel Retailer Groups Concur with California Energy Commission That Automatic Temperature Compensation Would Cost Consumers

12.8.08

December 8 -- The California Energy Commission’s (CEC) findings that consumers would pay more for their fuel and the “net cost to society is slightly negative” if automatic temperature compensation were required statewide was applauded today by petroleum retailing trade groups.

On Dec. 9, a CEC workshop is scheduled to review the Commission’s draft report, released on Nov. 26 following a year-long study of the costs and benefits to consumers associated with automatic temperature compensation (ATC). The 158-page report found that the initial costs alone to retrofit fuel pumps in California would range from $102 million to $123 million, and that annual expenses for ATC-related maintenance and inspections would range from $4.4 million to $13.0 million.

Groups representing petroleum retailers – including the California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA), Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA), National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and NATSO, representing truckstops – will provide testimony on Dec. 9 that the CEC report is a good first step in providing a level and comprehensive analysis of ATC.

At issue is how a gallon of fuel is defined, based on changes in temperature. For decades, the standard for a gallon of fuel has been 231 cubic inches when measured at 60 degrees F. However, when the temperature of the fuel increases beyond 60 degrees, the fuel expands; the opposite occurs when the temperature drops below 60 degrees. Every 15-degree swing in temperature changes the volume of fuel by an estimated 1 percent for gasoline and about 0.6 percent for diesel fuel.

Proponents of ATC mandates argue that “hot gas” costs consumers money. The petroleum retailing groups, however, have consistently maintained that ATC will actually cost consumers more money.

“Temperature variations are already factored in to retail prices,” said Carl Boyett, CEO of Boyett Petroleum, which operates Boyett Petroleum and Kwik Serv stations in and around Modesto, California. “If retailers are required to adjust the volume of each gallon of fuel they sell, they will necessarily adjust the price of that fuel by an equal amount. In addition, consumers will be forced to pay for the installation and operation of the ATC equipment in the form of higher prices. We agree with the CEC that ATC will not benefit consumers it will only increase their fuel costs.”

While the petroleum retailing groups praised the work of the Commission, they continued to express concern that some of the costs may in reality be higher than what the CEC estimated because of inaccurate assumptions concerning retail fuel operations. They also disagreed with the CEC’s suggestion that fuel retailers could simply raise prices on convenience store items to cover the costs associated with installation of ATC equipment.

“The majority of fueling stations in the country are operated by single-store businesses, not the integrated oil companies that continue to divest their small retail assets,” said Tom Robinson, CEO of Robinson Oil Corporation, which operates 34 Rotten Robbie stations and Mrs. Robbie’s Markets throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. “Retailers exist on such thin profit margins – which annually average 1 to 2 cents per gallon – that they depend upon in-store traffic and sales to support their business. Raising prices on in-store items to pay for ATC equipment would be counter-productive, especially when their competitors for those same items in other retail channels will not incur similar costs,” stressed Robinson

The groups said that the petroleum retailing industry opposes any regulatory proposals that will increase costs to consumers without providing them an equal or greater benefit.

“The CEC study demonstrates that society would pay more for temperature compensated fuel while receiving no benefit of equal or greater value. Consequently, we believe proposals to implement ATC at petroleum retailing locations should be rejected,” stressed Jay McKeeman, CIOMA’s vice president of government relations and communications. 

 

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The Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA), representing 270 members, is the premier national trade association representing independent chain retailers and marketers of motor fuel, both branded and unbranded.

NATSO is the professional association of America’s $65 billion travel plaza and truckstop industry.  Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.

PMAA is a national federation of 46 state and regional trade associations collectively representing over 8000 independent U.S. companies marketing gasoline, diesel, heating oil and lubricants.  Many of the companies operate both as fuel wholesalers and retailers. PMAA companies own 60,000 retail outlet such as gas stations, convenience stores and truck stops. Additionally these companies supply motor fuels to 40,000 independently owned retail outlets and heating oil to 7 million households and businesses.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS is the international association for convenience and petroleum retailing, representing more than 2,200 retail and 1,800 supplier member companies. The U.S. convenience store industry, with over 146,000 stores across the country, posted $577 billion in total sales in 2007, with $408 billion in motor fuels sales.

The California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA) is the industry’s statewide association of independent wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils and other petroleum products. Founded in 1952, CIOMA has approximately 450 members, including nearly 90 percent of all the independent petroleum marketers in the state.

 

NATSO, Barjan Join Together to Bring Value to The NATSO Show 2009; Announce Gretchen Wilson to Perform Opening Night Private Concert

10.28.08

ALEXANDRIA, VA — NATSO, the only trade association dedicated to the $65 billion truckstop and travel plaza industry, and Barjan LLC, one of North America’s leading industry suppliers, are pleased to announce they’ve joined together to bring even more value and networking opportunities to The NATSO Show 2009 in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24-28.

Barjan President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Sciandra, said, “We’re pleased to announce we are combining our Barjan Buying Bonanza with The NATSO Show 2009 to give truckstop operators even more discounts and unbeatable networking opportunities in one convenient location. As the leading distributor of general merchandise to the travel plaza industry, we want to help our customers maximize their profits.”

Show attendees can take advantage of the Barjan specials. In addition to the Barjan fourth quarter offerings, over 200 industry suppliers will exhibit at The NATSO Show, displaying their products, answering questions and providing valuable insights. Many will also offer deep discounts only available during the show.

Barjan has also announced that it will sponsor an opening night private concert featuring award-winning singer Gretchen Wilson on Jan. 25. NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings said, “The networking opportunities at The NATSO Show are unbeatable. We provide countless opportunities for truckstop operators to connect with their peers and industry suppliers. We are excited Barjan has made Gretchen Wilson’s performance possible.”

Wilson is a multi-talented singer-songwriter who's scored three No. 1 country albums and her smash hit "Redneck Woman" spent five weeks at No. 1. She's also won across-the-board awards including a Grammy and ACM, CMA and AMA nods for best female vocalist. She even authored a New York Times bestseller.

Wilson has been featured on “60 Minutes,” “Dateline NBC,” “20/20 Primetime” and virtually every morning, noon and late-night television show on the air. Her magazine covers and major newspaper feature stories could paper an entire wall.

Wilson is busy writing and recording songs for her next album, “I Got Your Country Right Here,” due out in 2009. She’ll be performing her hits plus songs from her upcoming CD at the opening night private concert, so attendees won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and experience Gretchen Wilson live and up close!

Mullings said, “All truckstop and travel plaza operators are invited to attend the show and pack a year’s worth of business into just a few days. Not only that, Tennessee is within a day's drive of 65 percent of the U.S. population, so this is the perfect time for travel plaza operators to take advantage of exclusive savings and network with their peers and suppliers.” Learn more at www.natso.com.

Energy Expert and Former Shell President John Hofmeister to Speak at The NATSO Show

10.2.08

Today NATSO, the only trade association dedicated to the $65 billion truckstop and travel plaza industry, announced that John Hofmeister, former president of Shell Oil Co. and the founder and head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, will be a featured speaker at The NATSO Show 2009 in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24-28.

NATSO leverages 50 years of powerful relationships with key individuals, associations and partners in Washington, D.C. to provide its members with the latest information that affects the industry both today and tomorrow.

Hofmeister will rely on his 30 years of experience and share his expertise with truckstop and travel plaza owners and operators in his keynote speech, “The Dilemmas of Energy Retailing.”

Retailers, consumers and politicians are all concerned about the current energy situation in the United States. Hofmeister isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He is seeking solutions. During his time at Shell, he launched an unprecedented 18-month, 50-city tour across the country and met with more than 15,000 business, community and civic organizations.

Upon retirement from Shell, Hofmeister founded the public policy advocacy firm Citizens for Affordable Energy that promotes sound energy security solutions for the nation, including a range of affordable energy supplies, efficiency improvements, essential infrastructure, sustainable environmental policy and public education on energy issues.

In an interview with NATSO’s Stop Watch magazine, Hofmeister called on Congress to develop both a short- and a long-term energy plan. He said, “I think we must drill more of our own natural resources, which are currently off limits, in order to slow down if not stop this incredible transfer of American wealth.”

In addition to drilling, Hofmeister recommends energy supplies come from every possible source — from hydrocarbons to biofuels. Many alternative sources mean new infrastructure for retailers. Hofmeister recognizes it is difficult for retailers to invest heavily in new technology prior to customer demand. “I’m a strong advocate of an energy plan for the country that states what the infrastructure requirements are going to be and then puts in place the appropriate incentives, which will increase the demand,” Hofmeister told Stop Watch.

Hofmeister will be speaking during The NATSO’s Show’s Opening General Session on Jan. 25. The NATSO Show brings innovative solutions to truckstop and travel plazas’ immediate business challenges and gives insights into coming trends. Learn more at www.natso.com.

NATSO Announces Staffing Changes

8.22.08

Alexandria, Va.– NATSO President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa J. Mullings announced several changes to the government affairs and communications departments at NATSO, the national trade association representing truckstops and travel plazas.

“We have significant energy and transportation legislative issues facing us, which demand public policy refinement, in addition to the growth of our public relations activities,” Mullings said.

Christine K. Schoessler was appointed vice president of communications and marketing. Schoessler joined NATSO in 2005, where she has served as director of meetings and special projects. Schoessler moves into the new position with prior communications and investor relations experience for global energy firm AES.  In addition, Schoessler has extensive experience developing public outreach strategies and conducting government relations for an international financial institution affiliated with the United Nations.  She also served as an aide to Republican Senator Richard Shelby.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Christine’s experience and skills, and I am grateful that she has agreed to step into this critical role,” Mullings said.  

Schoessler’s move was prompted by the departure of Vice President of Public Affairs Mindy R. Long, who will leave the association on Aug. 28. Long will continue to contribute to NATSO’s member magazine, Stop Watch, and pursue additional freelance communications work within the industry. Long made the move in order to have more flexibility and time to spend with her young son.

Amy McMahon joined NATSO as public affairs manager and will be involved in the association’s legislative and regulatory agenda as well as contributing to the association’s marketing agenda. McMahon was previously an editorial assistant for Transport Topics Publishing Group.

Mandi Oliver will stay onboard at NATSO as the public affairs assistant. She will continue to oversee NATSO’s Web site, publish the weekly newsletter and write for Stop Watch. She will also take on additional responsibilities in the government affairs department, including providing support for NATSO’s annual Day on the Hill.

Mullings said, “This reorganization reflects the growing interdependency of our communications and government affairs agenda as well as the change within our industry this year.”


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