What You Missed in the Biz Brief This Week: November 12, 2014

700-Year Old 'Truckstop' Discovered and more...
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In today’s information-overloaded business world, we often find ourselves deluged with literally hundreds of news items from dozens of sources. While it is likely impossible to read every article and remain productive, by not doing so we risk missing the one article that could change a key business practice or thought process. And that is where the NATSO Foundation’s publication, Biz Brief, provides assistance! The NATSO Foundation's Biz Brief is a daily collection of the most relevant business intelligence for truckstop and travel plaza operators. 

While we think the Biz Brief is a must-read every day, if you only read ten news articles this week, these ten most-clicked Biz Brief articles are the ten to read. 

  1. 700-Year Old 'Truckstop' Discovered 
    Archaeologists have recently discovered the remains of a truckstop, where horses could be parked and fed, while drivers of the ancient load-carriers could enjoy a meal. The 700-year old facility was found in the village of Krakau, Germany along a medieval highway, which ran from Hannover to Dresden. According to a member of the archaeology team, “Presumably the villagers have come up with the idea of serving snacks and light meals to the passers-by; this may have generated a significant extra income." Click here to read more >

  2. The Ghost Fleet 
    Author Donny Cates has recently penned a new novel titled "The Ghost Fleet," which will be introduced in 12 issues beginning this month. The story retells one of truck driving’s most mysterious legends – the so-called “ghost fleets” that haul classified or other high-security loads across the country's interstates. Cates shared, "While most truckers have heard about or maybe even know somebody who has driven for the ghost fleet, at some point the first rule of being a ghost fleet driver seems to be - 'You do not talk about the job.'" Click here to read more >
  3. "What John brings is a lot of energy and passion and stories about overcoming negative experiences. Everybody knows you're supposed to give good customer service, but everybody's definition for that is different."

    Retired TravelCenters of America executive, Ara Bagdasarian, commenting on John DiJulius of The DiJulius Group. 
    Click here to read more >

  4. Great Ideas for Employing Teamwork 
    The fourth quarter is upon us. For most of us in the travel plaza and truckstop world, if history repeats itself, we will see a significant increase in fuel gallons and inside sales as we gear up for the holiday and winter season. As part of any successful operation, teamwork will play a critical role in executing a successful run this fourth quarter. NATSO's Vice President of Membership, Darren Shulte, offers great ideas regarding the employment of teamwork. Click here to read more >

  5. 2015 Restaurant Trends 
    Like many other businesses, the restaurant industry is immersed in a rapidly changing environment. FastCasual.com takes a stab at trends that they expect to see in 2015. Customers are more sophisticated than ever and competition is more acute than ever. That likely will result in many of the significant trend shifts outlined in this article. Click here to read more >

  6. Pilot Unveils "Travel Well" 
    Pilot Flying J announced the launch of a new fresh brand identity. The initiative will provide customers with a selection of healthy food items, a menu of hot beverage offerings and $100 million in facility upgrades aimed at leading to an overall improved customer experience. The company will build larger showers with improved lighting and Italian tile. New restroom features will include new floor and wall finishes, low water consumption fixtures including toilets and faucets, touchless hand dryers and LED light fixtures aimed at providing a greater level of comfort during travel stops. Click here to read more >

  7. Love's Opens Alabama Location 
    Love’s Travel Stops opened a new location in Muscle Shoals, Ala. recently. The stop, which has 76 parking spaces and seven showers as well as a Love’s Truck Tire Care center and an assortment of restaurants, is located at the intersection of State Highway 157 and U.S. Highway 72. This marks the third location that the company has opened in Alabama in 2014. Click here to read more >
  8. Four Traits of Inspirational Leaders 
    The art of leadership involves inspiring people to take desired actions. Four characteristics seem to be common in inspirational leaders. The ability to earn and extend trust, embrace transparency, connect with others and collaborate across boundaries serve this type of leader well. Click here to read more >

  9. How to Manage Your Biodiesel This Winter 
    Extremely cold winter weather affects both biodiesel and petroleum diesel negatively with gelling as a primary concern. Read the attached NATSO blog post from guest contributor Jon Scharingson of NATSO Chairman Circle Member Renewable Energy Group as he discusses the cold flow properties of both products and alternatives to managing both. Click here to read more >

  10. Cargo Thefts By The Numbers 
    Good news: The frequency of cargo thefts fell 20 percent in the third quarter of 2014. Bad news: The average loss value per cargo theft incident in the third quarter of 2014 jumped 100 percent from that experienced in 2013. Food and drink loads remain the most stolen commodities, with electronics and building materials as the next most frequently targeted. The states of California, Florida, Texas and New Jersey accounted for 60 percent of all theft incidents. Click here to read more >


I might be biased, but I think if you aren't receiving Biz Brief, you are missing out! Not a subscriber? Be sure to submit a request to be added to the email list. Already receive it and have feedback for me? Be sure to email me at editor@natso.com.

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