NATSO - Contributors

NATSO and the NATSO Foundation provide the most relevant, trusted and up-to-date news and trends affecting the truckstop and travel plaza industry.

Items contributed by NATSO

Orion Food Systems President Steve Watkins Joins Trade Delegation to China

Orion Food Systems President Steve Watkins joined South Dakota governor Dennis Daugaard and other executives as part of a trade delegation to China.
MoDOT Converts Rest Areas to Truck Parking Only Facilities

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced last week that it will convert two rest areas at Halltown on Interstate 44 into truck-parking only facilities rather than spend funds to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upgrades to the water and sewer systems. The rest areas currently offer parking for 37 trucks, which MoDot said it plans to expand.
Minnesota Senate Votes to Increase Gas Tax

After backing off a proposed gas tax increase in the face of opposition from Gov. Mark Dayton, the Minnesota state Senate voted to raise the gas tax by 5 cents over four years and impose an extra half-cent sales tax in the Twin Cities area over the same time span.
Rep. Goodlatte Introduces Legislation to Eliminate RFS

As the House Energy and Commerce Committee reviews the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the first time in five years, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at eliminating all or part of the RFS.
Sen. Lautenberg Legislation Would Extend Truck Size and Weight Restrictions

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) has re-introduced legislation aimed at keeping larger and heavier commercial trucks off the road by extending the federal size and weight restrictions on commercial trucks to include the entire National Highway System (NHS). This marks the second piece of legislation in recent months to address the issue of larger commercial vehicles, making it increasingly likely that truck size and weight will be debated when Congress begins working to reauthorize surface transportation programs next year.
North Carolina Transportation Committee Approves Bill Limiting Tolls

The North Carolina House Transportation Committee last week unanimously passed a bill out of committee that would limit the state Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) ability to impose tolls on existing interstates, including Interstate-95. North Carolina House Bill 267 permits NCDOT to toll new capacity, but would prohibit the agency from closing existing lanes to build new tolled lanes.
South Carolina Latest State To Seek to Tie Gas Tax to Inflation

The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee last week voted 13-5 to advance a plan that would index the state's 16-cents-per-gallon gas tax to inflation, increasing the tax by 4 cents in 10 years and generating $135 million yearly. The measure also increases truck registration fees by 16 percent.
EPA Launches Online Resource To Identify E-15 Compatible USTs

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week launched a new online resource where it will house information for tank owners regarding the compatibility of underground storage tank system components with E-15.
PHMSA Reduces HAZMAT Fees; Increases Fines

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued two rulemakings last week of importance to fuel haulers.
House Bill Would Give States Option to Increase Truck Weight Limits

Rep. Michael Michaud (D-Maine) introduced the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, which would give states the option of increasing the maximum interstate truck weight from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds on a sixth axle.
National Truck Parking Information System Under Development

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the research arm of the American Trucking Associations, recently announced that it is working with several groups to develop a national truck parking reservation system that allows drivers and fleets to check on parking availability along an interstate corridor in real time using wireless devices.
U.S. Chamber Says Higher Gas Taxes Necessary to Fund Infrastructure

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the lastest group to call for an increase in the fuel tax.
States Seek to Change Motor Fuel Taxes to Increase Transportation Revenues

The number of states seeking to generate transportation revenues by adjusting their state motor fuel taxes continues to grow, with lawmakers in Minnesota, Vermont and Pennsylvania marking the latest to introduce such legislation.
States Offer Tax Incentives to Encourage Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

Several state legislatures recently offered tax incentives aimed at boosting usage of cars and trucks that run on alternative fuels.
National Freight Plan To Be Cornerstone of Highway Reauthorization

House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) has tapped six committee members to help formulate a national intermodal freight plan that will tie together road, rail, air cargo, ports and inland waterways infrastructure planning and policy.
NATSO Comments On EPA's Biodiesel RIN Quality Assurance Proposal

NATSO filed comments last week in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed biofuel Quality Assurance Program.
Rocky Mount Telegram Says N.C. Should Turn Focus Away from Tolls

The Rocky Mount Telegram last week said that North Carolina should focus on alternative ideas for funding road construction instead of tolling Interstate 95.
Timeline Helps Small Businesses Plan for Health Insurance Changes

When the President signed the healthcare bill into law, the clock started to tick on a variety of changes. Whether it is new taxes or new mandated requirements on the insurance purchased in the small group and individual insurance markets, this timeline developed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses provides a quick glance at ch
IRS Issues Simplified Procedures for Claiming Retroactive Biodiesel Blenders Credit

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued new and simplified filing procedures for 2012 retroactive biodiesel blender claims. The new procedure allows claims for all four quarters of 2012 to be filed on IRS Form 8849 Schedule 3. Blenders are no longer required to file amended IRS Form 720X returns to obtain 2012 biodiesel blending credits provided the claim is filed by July 1, 2013.
Interest In Natural Gas Slow But Steady

Suppliers of natural gas fuel tanks promoting their products at the Mid-America Trucking Show said interest in alternative fuels continues to grow at a slow but steady pace and that new tanks and conversion kits could reduce fuel costs by as much as 30 percent by allowing heavy trucks to run on a mixture of diesel and natural gas, according to Transport Topics.
Virginia May Withdraw Tolling Application for I-95

As Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) signed the state's landmark transportation legislation which imposes new wholesale sales taxes on gas and diesel, the governor's press secretary said the state would withdraw the application to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to toll Interstate 95.
Love’s Travel Stops to Complete Addition of RFID

Love’s Travel Stops announced it is completing the addition of a radio frequency ID, or RFID, -enabled payment system at its travel stop locations.
U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices Dip Below $4 a Gallon for Second Week

U.S. diesel fuel prices dipped below $4 a gallon the past two consecutive weeks, putting diesel 17 cents below its price this time last year.
Federal Authorities Charge 28 With Defrauding Fleets in Truckstop Scheme

Federal authorities in Ohio recently charged 28 individuals with stealing a total of $1.7 million from U.S. trucking companies through a wire fraud and money laundering scheme played out at truckstops.
EPA's Tier 3 Rule Eliminates Pump Labeling Requirement

The EPA's new proposed regulation to reduce the sulfur content of gasoline also proposes to remove the dispenser label requirement for diesel fuel pumps dispensing 15 ppm ultra-low sulfur diesel beginning Dec. 1, 2014.
Wisconsin Voters to Decide on Protecting Transportation Funds

In the next election, Wisconsin voters will have the opportunity to approve an amendment to their state constitution that would prevent governors and legislators from diverting money in the state’s transportation fund to any other purpose.
State Department Report Says Keystone Pipeline To Have Little Environmental Impact

The Keystone XL (KXL) pipeline cleared another hurdle last week after a draft report by the State Department concluded that building the pipeline would have little impact on the environment. The report quickly fueled renewed GOP pressure on President Obama to approve the pipeline.
FMCSA Will Not Delay HOS Enforcement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) denied a request from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) to delay enforcement of the latest changes to the hours-of-service (HOS) rule for truck drivers, which takes effect July 1, saying ATA did not demonstrate enough harm to the industry and law enforcement to merit a delay.
Truck Size and Weight Bill Introduced

Representatives Michael Michaud (D-Maine) and Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.) recently introduced H.R. 612 the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2013, which would allow longer and heavier trucks on the National Highway System.
U.S. Natural Gas Production to Remain Strong Through 2040

U.S. natural-gas production will accelerate over the next three decades and provide a growing source of moderately priced natural gas through 2040, according to an extensive study performed by the University of Texas that examined 15,000 wells in northern Texas.
N.C. I-95 Tolling Plan Loses Steam

North Carolina's plan to toll Interstate 95 is losing steam as state leaders instead focus on a 25-year comprehensive study of the state’s transportation needs.
TravelCenters of America Announces Citizen Driver Award Program

TravelCenters of America LLC announced its first 'Citizen Driver' award program, designed to recognize professional drivers who evoke public respect for the truck driving profession.
Pilot Flying J Announces New Fast, Casual Dining Concept

Pilot Flying J announced that it is launching a new fast, casual dining concept at select travel centers and travel plazas nationwide,
National Average Diesel Fuel Price Decreases Four Cents

The national average diesel fuel price decreased four cents for the third consecutive week, to $4.01 per gallon, 14 cents lower than last year at this time.
Trucking Industry Drives Natural Gas Demand in Transportation

Significant infrastructure costs coupled with low consumer demand has many gasoline retailers hesitant to invest in natural gas.
MD Lawmakers Approve Gas Tax Increase

Maryland lawmakers gave final approval Friday to the first increase in the state’s gas tax in 20 years.
MD Lawmakers Approve Gas Tax Increase

Maryland lawmakers gave final approval Friday to the first increase in the state’s gas tax in 20 years. Under the bill, which passed the Senate 27 to 20, motorists can expect to pay between 13 and 20 cents more per gallon by mid-2016.
E-bay Device Aids in Fuel Theft

Attention fuel retailers: It has been brought to NATSO's attention that a device promoting fuel theft is being sold on eBay.
EPA Moves Forward With Tier 3 Rule to Reduce Sulfur in Gasoline

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will move forward with its Tier 3 rule that will limit the amount of sulfur in U.S. gasoline by two-thirds and impose fleetwide pollution limits on new vehicles by 2017. EPA aims to reduce the allowable sulfur content in gasoline from 30 parts per million to 10 ppm.
Iowa 80 Kitchen, Johnson's Corner and Lee Hi Travel Plaza on Travel Channel's Show

Iowa 80 Kitchen, Johnson's Corner and Lee Hi Travel Plaza are scheduled to be featured on the Travel Channel's Show Food Paradise, being renamed Truck Stop Paradise, for this episode, on March 27. The episode will feature food at truckstops, and the film crew spoke with customers about their favorite dishes as well as why they keep coming back. The episode airs at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
Legislation Seeks to Protect Retailers from E-15 Misfueling Liability

Fuel retailers who abide by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) E-15 labeling rules would be protected from liability claims by consumers who misfuel their vehicles under a new bill introduced last week by Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.)
Energy Committee Seeks Industry Comment on Blend Wall

As it reviews the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for the first time in five years, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is seeking input from industry stakeholders to a series of questions related to the "blend wall."
Quick Facts and Figures Relevant to Truckstops, March 25

Buoyed by booming shale plays in North Dakota and Texas, U.S. oil production will be 2 million barrels a day higher than imports by the end of 2014, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook.
Top House Transport Committee Members Ask LaHood to Delay HOS

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R.-Pa.) and ranking member Nick Rahall II (D.-W.Va.) joined with Representatives Tom Petri (R.-Wisc.) and Peter DeFazio (D.-Ore.) in asking Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to stay the implementation of the new Hours-of-Service rule until after the U.S. Court of Appeals rules on pending challenges.
Editorial Mischaracterizes Public's Desire For Tolling

A recent editorial in The Huffington Post mischaracterized the public's desire for tolling and called on Congress to take a more permissive approach to highway tolling.
Broad Tax Reform Could Open Door to Fuel Tax Increase

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) said last week that an increase in the federal fuel tax could be included in a broader tax reform package.
Pilot Flying J is Partnering with Urgent Care Travel

Pilot Flying J is partnering with Florida-based Urgent Care Travel to open about 12 urgent care centers at Pilot Flying J locations in 2013 and as many as 100 by the end of 2016.
Governors Tell Congress to Support Renewable Fuels Standard

The Governor’s Biofuels Coalition last week sent a letter to members of Congress in support of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).
China To Invest in U.S. Natural Gas Fueling Network

ENN Group Co Ltd, one of China's largest private companies, is rolling out plans to establish a network of natural gas fueling stations for trucks along U.S. highways.
FDA Says Writing Menu-Labeling Rule "Thorny"

Writing a new menu labeling law has gotten "extremely thorny," according to the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as the agency tries to figure out who should be covered by it.
IRS Accepting Electronic Filings for Motor Fuel Excise Tax-Related Claims

The Internal Revenue Service announced that it has finished updating its tax-processing system software allowing business and individual taxpayers to once again electronically file 2012 federal tax returns, including motor fuel excise tax returns, biodiesel credit claims as well as alternative fuel and alternative fuel mixture credits and income tax returns.
Quick Facts and Figures Relevant to Truckstops, March 18

U.S. retail pump prices for diesel exhaust fluid remained steady in February at $2.79 a gallon, the third straight month they have held at that level, according to the latest DEF Tracker.
More States Weigh Sales, Fuel Tax Hikes

The number of states seeking to generate transportation revenues by increasing sales taxes or state motor fuel taxes is growing, with lawmakers in Missouri and Washington marking the latest to introduce such legislation.
New Jersey Senate Votes In Favor of Rest Area Sponsorships

The New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee voted unanimously last week to advance a bill to allow private companies to sponsor rest areas and service areas in return for upkeep of the facilities. S2514 next moves to the Senate floor. If approved there, the bill would advance to the Assembly for further consideration.
Virginia’s Transportation Legislation Brings Fuel Tax Changes

Virginia’s recent transportation legislation will make significant changes to the way fuel taxes are calculated when the law takes effect July 1.
Love’s Travel Stops Announces Addition of Compressed Natural Gas

Love’s Travel Stops announced the addition of fast-fill compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling capability to service Class 8 trucks is underway at eight of its travel stops between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, Texas.
Maryland Latest State Seeking to Impose Wholesale Tax on Fuel

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) last week unveiled a new transportation funding plan that would lower the state's excise tax on gasoline and replace it with a sales tax on the wholesale price. The governor appears to be following the lead of neighboring state Virginia, which passed a similar plan last month.
Automakers to Meet Fuel-Efficiency Standards With Increased Electric Cars

Automakers tasked with meeting new federal fuel-efficiency standards of 54.5 miles a gallon by 2025 plan to trim fuel consumption by reducing automobile weights as well focusing on electric vehicles.
North Carolina Anti-Tolling Legislation Introduced

Last week, two bills were introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly to prohibit tolling on Interstate 95.
Merchants Criticize Federal Reserve Decision to Maintain Interchange Fee Standards

In issuing its bi-annual report on swipe fees as required by law, the Federal Reserve last week said it would keep the existing interchange fee standards and fraud prevention adjustments the same. The per-transaction cap remains at 21 cents and also allows for an additional charge of 0.01 cent to cover fraud as well as .05 percent of the sales amount.
U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation to Block Ethanol Increases

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-M.S.) and David Vitter (R-La.) have introduced legislation to block an increase in the amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline. The bill would overturn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers that allowed gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to be used for many passenger cars and light trucks, and would prohibit the agency from granting future waivers for any blends above 10 percent ethanol.
Truck Tonnage Increases in January

The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.9 percent in January after jumping 2.4 percent in December. Tonnage has surged at least 2.4 percent every month since November, gaining a total of 9.1 percent over that period. Seasonally adjusted data takes into account items such as weather, increased factory production for certain times of the year, harvests and back-to-school sales.
Wyoming Passes Legislation Increasing Fuel Tax

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead (R) has signed a bill that will increase the state's tax on diesel and gasoline to 24 cents beginning in July, up from the current 14-cent-per-gallon tax.
New York Bill Creates Incentives for Truck Parking

The New York State Legislature is considering a measure that would create tax incentives and a loan program to fund truck parking in the state. The bill, S3773, would create a 50 percent tax credit for owners or operators of private rest areas, truckstops and travel plazas that provide truck drivers with safe parking, and create a 20 percent tax credit for shipping and receiving facilities that agree to provide truck drivers with a secure area to rest while waiting for pending appointments or to observing federal hours-of-service regulations. The measure is awaiting consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Critics: Obama's "Fix It First" Is Uninspired

Critics of President Obama's "Fix It First" plan, to inject $40 billion into critically failing infrastructure, call it a "band-aid" approach that misses opportunities generate economic growth, jobs and create a legacy for future generations.
Virginia Transportation Legislation A Victory for NATSO, ATA and Tolling Opponents

The Virginia General Assembly on Saturday approved landmark transportation legislation, which includes a provision to require legislative approval on tolls on I-95 south of Fredericksburg, a major victory for NATSO, the American Trucking Associations and the grassroots coalition that have been fighting the state's tolling proposal for more than a year. The transportation legislation puts an end to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s plan to toll I-95 and demonstrates growing opposition to tolls on existing interstates.
ATA Asks Government to Delay HOS Changes

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) asked the federal government to delay implementing changes to the hours-of-service regulations until three months after the group’s current legal challenge ends.
IRS Releases Guidance on Retroactive Biodiesel Tax Claims

The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidance on how to claim biofuel tax incentives that were retroactively reinstated by Congress through 2012.
Virginia Senate Votes to Require General Assembly Approval of Tolls

Transportation legislation involving tolls on Interstate 95 (I-95) is moving fast in the Virginia General Assembly. There are several pieces of legislation under consideration with anti-tolling language that would give the Virginia General Assembly the final approval in the tolling of existing interstates.
Credit Card Settlement Appeal Delayed Until Fall

The U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that an appeal of the proposed swipe fee settlement should wait until after objections to the settlement are filed and heard next fall. That means that settlement notices to retailers across the country can continue to be distributed, and that retailers will have the opportunity to opt out of the monetary portion of the case and/or object to the proposed settlement. Notices will be sent to retailers who accepted Visa and/or MasterCard at any time between Jan. 1, 2004 and Nov. 27, 2012. Even if retailers submitted a declaration objecting to the proposed settlement last fall, they must respond to the notice and submit something in writing again if they want to opt-out of or object to the proposed settlement.
Obama Addresses Infrastructure, Energy and Minimum Wage in the State of the Union

In his State of the Union address, President Obama touched on several issues important to truckstop and travel plaza operators, including highway funding, alternative fuels and the minimum wage.
EPA Releases Requirements for Retailers Planning to Offer E-15

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined the conditions fuel retailers need to meet to sell higher-ethanol gasoline through a blender pump—one that offers both E10 and E15 through a common hose and nozzle.
House Committee Seeks EPA Information on RIN Fraud

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to detail steps it is taking to prevent fraudulent renewable fuel credits, or RINs, from entering the marketplace. The committee also wants to know whether fraudulent credits have contributed to a “dramatic decline” in RIN prices since July 2012. The committee asked EPA to respond by Feb. 22.
Gilbarco and PayPal Bring Mobile Payments to the Pump

Gilbarco Veeder-Root and PayPal have teamed up to make PayPal an accepted payment method at tens of thousands of fueling stations around the U.S. Gilbarco said the move will allow retailers to connect more effectively with customers and simplify the way people pay for fuel and purchase in-store items. Through the partnership, Gilbarco gains access to a new user base--PayPal’s 125 million global users and the 55 million Americans who use a PayPal account right now, while also giving merchants using Gilbarco's equipment the ability to sell additional items through PayPal Wallet.
Lawmakers, Business Groups Discuss Fuel Tax Increase, Public-Private Partnerships

As Congress begins laying the groundwork for the next highway reauthorization bill, lawmakers and business groups are examining the funding mechanisms that will finance the nation’s infrastructure, including an increase in the fuel tax and the use of public-private partnerships and tolls.
Judges Won’t Reconsider E15 Rule; Industry Faces Blend Wall

A federal appeals court refused to reconsider a decision to throw out a lawsuit challenging an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that allows sales of E-15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol. Grocery, auto and oil industry trade groups sued in 2010, saying using more corn-based ethanol in fuel would harm engines and push up the price of food and gasoline.
House Bill Would Eliminate Energy Tax Credits

U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) has reintroduced legislation that would repeal numerous energy tax subsidies, including the cellulosic biofuel producer credit, the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credit, the wind production tax credit and the enhanced oil recovery credit.
Freight Volumes and Rates Expected to Stay Flat in 2013

Carriers and transportation analysts expect freight volumes and rates to stay relatively flat throughout 2013.
U.S. Governors Focus on Increasing Natural Gas Use in 2013

The National Governors Association will make the increased use of natural gas a priority in 2013, said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, the vice chair of the group.
ATRI Seeks Driver Input on HOS Provisions

The American Transportation Research Institute, the research arm of the American Trucking Associations, is asking commercial drivers to weigh in on changes to the 34-hour restart provision of the federal hours-of-service rule set to take effect in July.
Tolling Proponents Launch Aggressive Pro-Tolling Campaign

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the worldwide group representing toll facility owners and operators, said it is launching “an aggressive 2013 public awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of tolling."
Oil Industry Group Seeks Cellulosic Biofuel Waiver

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) has petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to waive the 2012 cellulosic biofuel mandate in the renewable fuel standard (RFS), citing a lack of domestic supply available for domestic use.
Virginia Residents Continue to Oppose Tolls on I-95

Virginia residents are continuing to voice their opposition to tolls on I-95, speaking out at public hearings, signing petitions and taking legal action. At least eight cities and towns have hired an attorney in their fight against the proposal, which they said would be a detrimental economic project. Despite opposition from local governments and citizens, Gov. Bob McDonnell continues to pursue his tolling plan, which would place a toll on Interstate 95 south of Richmond. The Virginia legislature begins its next session this week, so lawmakers and citizens will need to keep up the fight in state's general assembly.
Shuster Confirmed as T&I Chairman, Rahall Ranking Member, and Committee Roster Finalized

The 113th Congress was sworn into office last week on January 3 and as lawmakers settled in to their new offices both parties confirmed committee assignments within their caucuses.
Government Issues Proposed Rule on Healthcare Law's Employer Mandate

Less than one year remains before most businesses will be required to offer health benefits to their workers as part of President Obama's healthcare law, and the Department of Treasury and IRS have moved forward on implementing the law's employer mandate provision, publishing a 144-page proposed regulation that outlines employers' responsibilities and coverage requirements. The regulation details requirements for full-time, part-time and seasonal workers along with how the employer mandate penalty is calculated.
"Fiscal Cliff" Legislation Includes Biodiesel Tax Credit

The House and Senate passed legislation Tuesday designed to avert the so-called fiscal cliff, a combination of tax increases for individuals and cuts to government spending. The legislation overwhelmingly passed the Senate, 89-8, and passed the House 257-167, with 85 Republicans voting in favor of the legislation. The legislation includes extensions of some energy tax credits that are important to NATSO members.
Willkomm Companies Donates $10,000 to Two Local Homeless Shelters

The Willkomm Companies, which operates locations in southeastern Wisconsin, recently donated $10,000 it raised to two local homeless shelters.
Ohio Governor Won't Lease Turnpike

Ohio Gov. John Kasich plans to propose raising $1.5 billion for highway projects with Ohio Turnpike bonds while preserving the toll way as a public entity, state lawmakers briefed on the plan said. The proposal means the Ohio Turnpike won't be sold or leased to a private operator.
Judge Denies Request to Block Preliminary Approval of Swipe Fee Settlement

A federal appeals court panel has denied an appeal aimed at reversing preliminary approval of the $7.25 billion settlement of the antitrust case against Visa and Mastercard.
Virginians Rally Against Tolls on I-95; Anti-Tax Group Warns Against Alternatives

Last week, hundreds of Virginians rallied together to show their opposition to tolls on I-95 at a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) public presentation in Sussex County that nearly filled the 700-seat auditorium at Sussex County Central High School. Prior to the rally, VDOT announced a reduced toll plan for locals, which was rejected by the tolling opponents.
DAS Receives the 2012 Design of the Times Platinum Best of Category Award

DAS has received the 2012 Design of the Times Platinum Best of Category Award in the convenience retail category from the Path to Purchase Institute for its EEC (Electronic Engagement Center) Endcap Display.
Clean Energy Completes the First Stage of America's Natural Gas Highway

Clean Energy announced that it has completed the first stage of America's Natural Gas Highway, a network of liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck fueling stations located throughout the U.S.
Locations Offering Bulk DEF Increase

The number of truckstop locations adding bulk Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) pump facilities in North America has increased over the last two months, with 814 now offering bulk DEF.
Debate Over E15, Renewable Fuels Continues

AAA's call for a halt in the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol has sparked debate. The American Petroleum Industry released a point-by-point analysis of the Renewable Fuels Association's statement about AAA's position.
EIA Reports Natural Gas Exports Could Boost U.S. Economy

A report issued this week by Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration indicates that the U.S. could boost its economy by exporting some of its natural gas. However, critics said doing so is costly and would raise natural gas prices in the U.S. In addition, it's uncertain there will be a market for it.
Miles Traveled Tax Gaining Support

Incoming House transportation Chairman Bill Shuster last week called a U.S. tax based on miles driven “a fair way” to pay for highway improvements. With fuel economy of cars and trucks increasing and more hybrids hitting the road, officials are taking a look at the fuel tax over the long haul, in recognition that the current ways of paying for infrastructure aren't generated enough revenue.
Virginia Holds Public Meetings on Tolling Plan, North Carolina Advisory Council Meets

This week, the public will have an opportunity to express concern with Virginia's proposal to place a toll on Interstate 95 south of Richmond.
Several Travel Plazas Ranked on Forbes 2012 List

Several travel plazas were ranked on Forbes 2012 list of the largest private companies in the U.S.
Childers Oil Company Delivers Bottled Water to Hurricane Sandy Victims

Childers Oil Company with assistance from Lucas Oil, AMBEST, Inc. and The Salvation Army, delivered two tractor-trailer loads of bottled water to Hurricane Sandy victims recently.
Texas Increases Reliance on Toll Roads

Texas is in the midst of rapidly expanding toll road projects as the state struggles to finance transportation projects.
NCR to Acquire Retalix for $650 Million

NCR Corp. said it will acquire Retalix for approximately $650 million.
AAA Urges Officials to Halt E15 Sales

AAA is urging regulators and fuel producers to stop the sale of E-15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol, citing the potential for consumer confusion, voided warranties and vehicle damage.
API Sues EPA Over Biodiesel Mandate

The American Petroleum Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency’s biodiesel mandate.
EPA Inspector General Investigates Renewable Fuel Credit Trading Program

EPA Inspector General has launched an investigation to examine EPA's role in managing the renewable fuels credit trading program, which has been plagued by fraud.
NATSO, PMAA Urge Congress to Extend the Biodiesel Blender's Tax Credit

NATSO and PMAA sent a letter to Congressional leadership and to tax writing committees urging them to include an extension of the one-dollar-per-gallon biodiesel blender’s tax credit to the tax extenders package currently being discussed among lawmakers.
Shuster to Head House Transportation Panel

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Penn.) will take over as chairman of the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in January, replacing John Mica (R-Fla.) who must step down due to term-limitation rules.
Truckstop Executives, Carriers Discuss the Future of Natural Gas

Jimmy Haslam, chairman and CEO of Pilot Flying J, Frank Love, president of operations for Love’s Travel Stops, and Thomas O’Brien, CEO of TravelCenters of America spoke in the session “Infrastructure Hurdles: The Chicken or the Egg.”
Michigan Governor Moves Forward on New International Bridge Crossing

In Michigan voters rejected the constitutional amendment that would have delayed or blocked the planned New International Trade Crossing bridge between Detroit and Windsor.
Refiners Ask EPA to Reconsider Biodiesel Volume Mandate

Last week U.S. refiners asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider its earlier rule boosting the volume of biodiesel to be produced in 2013 as part of the Renewable Fuels Standard.
Virginia DOT Holding Public Meetings on I-95 Tolling Proposal

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding three meetings in December to update the public on the latest proposal to improve Interstate 95 in Virginia.
Federal, State Lawmakers Eye Increases to Gas Tax

Lawmakers at both the federal and state level are saying they will consider raising fuel taxes to fund much needed highway infrastructure projects
U.S. to Become Largest Oil Producer by 2020

The International Energy Agency said the U.S. will become the world's top producer of oil by 2020, a net exporter of oil around 2030 and nearly self-sufficient in energy by 2035 due to a boost in oil, shale gas and bioenergy production in the country.
Companies Investing in Natural Gas Infrastructure, Technology

NATSO member Clean Energy Fuels is collaborating with GE to expand the infrastructure for natural gas transportation in the United States. As part of the project, Clean Energy will buy two MicroLNG plants from GE Oil & Gas. Each plant will support fueling stations along critical transportation corridors and has the capacity to produce 250,000 gallons of LNG per day.
Trucking Industry, DOT Host Truck Parking Webinar Dec. 6

The Transportation Industry Mobility and Technology Coalition and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will sponsor a free webinar on truck parking issues and innovative ways to address them.
Virginia Lawmaker Proposes Fuel Tax Increase Instead of Tolls

Virginia State Sen. John Watkins rolled out his new transportation funding plan that will raise the gas tax, lower the income tax, and eliminate tax credits and exemptions. The plan includes a 14-cent per gallon fuel tax increase that Watkins said would raise about $734 million and avoid tolls proposed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to pay for road construction. Watkins said he will propose the legislation in January.
NATSO, Other Plaintiffs to Appeal Swipe Fee Settlement

To force merchants into an 'agreement' with Visa and MasterCard that leaves them worse off than without it -- that just goes against all notions of fairness.
N.Y. State Senator Introduces Bill to Require Generators at Fuel Stations

New York State Sen. David Carlucci (D) has introduced legislation that would require fuel retailers in New York State to have electric generators on site, ensuring they are able to operate all fuel pumps, dispensing equipment, life safety systems and payment acceptance equipment in the event of a power outage.
Fuel Supply Improves in New York and New Jersey

Fuel supplies in New York and New Jersey are slowly returning to normal after Hurricane Sandy, and officials are continuing to take action to reduce shortages that still remain in some areas. In New York City and Long Island, authorities announced gas rationing systems that started on Nov. 9.
Election 2012 Recap

Despite the balance of power remaining the same, there will be some changes within House and Senate Committees that are relevant to NATSO.
Average Price of U.S. DEF Rises 4 Cents

The average price of U.S. DEF rose 4 cents from September and October.
DOT Releases $4 M to North Carolina for Road Repair

Federal officials are releasing $4 million in emergency funds to North Carolina to help repair roads damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
Court of Appeals Hears Arguments Against California Low Carbon Fuel Standard

A three-justice panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard oral arguments about the constitutionality of California’s “Low Carbon Fuel Standard,” a piece of the state’s landmark global warming law, AB 32.
EPA Issues Draft Proposal To Ensure RIN Authenticity

EPA released a draft proposal last week designed to ensure that RINs are authentic.
Hire and Keep 'A' Players

When a company is clear about its values, hiring only ‘a’ players need not be an overwhelming task.
DOT Team to Expedite Fuel Deliveries in Hurricane Region

FMCSA has created an Interstate Petroleum Transport Team to streamline state regulations and ensure the fastest and most efficient movement of fuel.
Defense Works to Ease N.Y., N.J. Gas Shortages; Waivers Issued

The U.S. Energy Department is working with the Defense Department and National Guard to get emergency generators to gas stations that lost power in New York and New Jersey, creating long lines of customers.
EPA Issues Second ULSD Waiver for New Jersey

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a second diesel sulfur waiver for the state of New Jersey.
EPA, FMCSA Issue Waivers for Reformulated Gas, Non-Road ULSD and Hours of Service

EPA in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy has issued a waiver for reformulated gasoline (RFG) in 16 states and the District of Columbia to prevent disruptions of the supply of RFG in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Court of Appeals Agrees to Hear Challenges to Cross-Border Trucking Program

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has agreed to hear oral arguments in December from a pair of federal lawsuits challenging the U.S.-Mexico cross-border pilot trucking program.
Where President Obama and Gov. Romney Stand on Infrastructure

Democrats and Republicans remain divided over how to pay for transportation projects.
U.S. Production of Crude on Track to Rise 7%

U.S. production of crude and other liquid hydrocarbons is on track to rise seven percent this year.
DOT Agrees to Revise CSA

The U.S. Transportation Department has agreed to revise its Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program, including re-evaluating the relationship between carrier safety scores and crash risks.
Clean Diesel Challenges EPA, NHTSA Fuel Economy, GHG Emissions Standards

Plant Oil Powered Diesel Fuel Systems Inc. recently filed two lawsuits challenging the EPA and Transportation Department's joint fuel economy greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger vehicles and heavy trucks.
North Carolina, Virginia Continue Heated Debate on Tolling

WTVR, CBS 6 in Richmond is asking readers to weigh in on whether they support tolls on I-95 with an online poll.
Oil Firms Set to Bounce Back Quickly After Hurricane Sandy

Oil firms are set to bounce back quickly from Hurricane Sandy.
States Continue to Declare States of Emergency as Sandy Approaches; Northeast Refineries Shut Down

A total of six states have declared states of emergency early last Friday.
NATSO Fall Leadership Meeting Cancelled

In anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, NATSO has taken the precautionary measure of cancelling its Fall Leadership meeting, scheduled to be held Oct. 29 and 30.
EPA Awards $30 Million for Clean Diesel Projects

EPA announced it has awarded $30 million for clean diesel projects as part of its Diesel Emission Reduction Program.
Electric Car Sales Slow to Take Off

Car buyers remain slow to embrace electric vehicles.
EPA and NHTSA Finalize Fuel Economy Standards for Light Duty Vehicles

EPA and NHTSA last week finalized their rule aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel economy for light-duty vehicles for model years 2017 and beyond.
Chicago Planning Agency Calls for Congestion Pricing

CMAP called on Illinois transportation policymakers to incorporate congestion pricing into six major tollway projects.
Biofuels Growth Bumping Up Against "Blend Wall"

According to a new report released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), ethanol's market growth could be limited in coming years as the fuel approaches the maximum percentage blending cap set by the RFS2.
West Coast Gas Prices Ease

Wholesale gasoline prices in California have started to decline after Gov. Jerry Brown allowed an early switch to winter-grade fuel.
N.C. Coalition Applauds Gubernatorial Candidates' Commitment to Keeping I-95 Toll Free

The North Carolina No Tolls I-95 Coalition, Inc., last week commended former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton for expressing their commitment to keeping Interstate 95 toll free during Tuesday night’s second gubernatorial debate.
EFS Acquires T-Chek Systems, Inc.

Electronic Funds Source, LLC, (EFS) announced it has acquired T-Chek Systems, Inc. (T-Chek) for $302.5 million in cash.
Arkansas Aims to Use Sales Tax for Roads

A proposed constitutional amendment on Arkansas’s ballot this November would add a half-cent to the state’s 6-cent sales tax to raise money for transportation.
Bill Moon Scholarship Application Process Open

The NATSO Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2013 Bill Moon Scholarship.
FDA Seeks to Have Cigarette Label Case Reheard

The federal government last week formally asked for a full court review of the U.S. Court of Appeals decision that struck down the FDA's graphic labeling requirements for cigarette packages.
GE Launches New CNG Fueling System

GE and Peake Fuel Solutions last week announced that they have launched an onsite fueling solution known as CNG In a Box that allows easier adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling options for large and small retailers.
CARB Waives RVP Limit Amid Gasoline Shortages

California Air Resources Board has temporarily waived California's Reid Vapor Pressure limit to 9 pounds per square inch (psi), up from 7 psi.
Top Retailers Rolling Out Mobile Payments, ACH Cards

Two of the nation's largest retailers last week announced new payment technology options.
Majority of Named Plaintiffs Oppose Visa, MasterCard Settlement

NATSO last week joined a majority of the named plaintiffs in announcing their opposition to the proposed antitrust settlement agreement with Visa, MasterCard and some of the largest banks that were filed on Oct. 12.
Opposition to I-95 Tolling Grabs Media Spotlight

Interstate 95 tolling opposition gained significant media attention in recent days.
FJ Management to Acquire Majority Interest in Maverik

FJ Management is acquiring a majority interest in Maverik Inc., a 250-store convenience retailer.
EPA to Decide on Renewable Fuel Waivers

EPA plans to decide by mid-November if certain states will receive waivers from renewable fuel requirements for ethanol in gasoline.
Ford and GM Approve E-15 Use in Later Model Cars and Trucks

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors last week announced that they have approved E-15 for use in 2013 model cars and light trucks.
Op-Ed Highlights Inequity in I-95 Tolling Plan

Tolls are simply taxes, but unlike the fuel tax, tolls waste too much of the taxpayer's dollar on unneeded government bureaucracy and expenses.
California Marketers Face Gasoline Shortages

Fuel marketers in California are facing gasoline supply shortages that have driven wholesale spot gas prices to record highs.
Durbin Says Interchange Reform Showing Results

Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) sent a letter to the American Bankers Association (ABA) last week refuting the association's claims that swipe fee reform is a mistake.
Fuel Prices Decline for the First Time in 12 Weeks

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), last week diesel and gasoline fuel prices fell for the first time in 12 weeks.
ATA For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, August

ATA's advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index contracted 0.9 percent in August after increasing 0.4 percent in July.
No Tolls I-95 Chairman Challenges N.C. Newspaper on Tolling

NATSO member Ernie Brame last week challenged the Fayetteville Observer for singling out its readers to pay a tax that other residents of North Carolina would not have to pay.
Iowa 80 Truckstop to Add More Truck Parking

Iowa 80 Truckstop recently broke ground on 110 truck parking spaces north of the truckstop.
Menu Labeling Legislation Introduced in Senate

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) last week introduced S. 3574, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2012.
Reps. Olson and Blackburn Introduce Bill to Stop RIN Fraud

Two legislators introduce the “Stop RIN Fraud Act of 2012” (H.R. 6444).
ATRI Launches Truck Parking Survey

ATRI is conducting a survey on truck parking needs and system requirements.
ODOT To Sell Advertising and Sponsorships at Interstate Rest Areas

ODOT signs contract with Travelers Marketing to run an advertising, sponsorship and naming rights program for the state's rest areas.
GAO Confirms Debit Fee Reform Helped Small Banks

GAO last week confirmed that the debit fee reform implemented Oct. 1, 2011, has helped community banks and credit unions.
NATSO Joins Retail Groups Asking Congress to Reject Claims by Visa, MasterCard

NATSO joined a group of associations representing retailers to highlight the reasons behind the growing opposition to the proposed settlement of the long-standing antitrust lawsuit filed by merchants against Visa, MasterCard and the nation’s largest banks.
PepsiCo President Joins Pilot Flying J as CEO

John Compton, president of PepsiCo, will assume the role of chief executive officer of Pilot Flying J.
51.4% Percent of Motor Carriers Consider Natural Gas-Fueled Truck

A new survey found that 51.4% of motor carriers are considering natural gas-fueled trucks when buying new vehicles.
Washington State Supreme Court Rules that Challenge to Gas Tax Treaties with Indian Tribes May Proceed

Washington state Supreme Court rules that a challenge by gas stations to the state’s deals with Indian tribes on gas taxes can proceed.
Maryland Giving Toll Cheats a Pass

Maryland does little to collect the millions of dollars in unpaid tolls.
Turnpike Billions in Debt Despite Increasing Tolls

The PA Turnpike is spending more money each year than it makes.
EPA Issues New Biodiesel Fuel Requirement

EPA said gasoline refiners must use 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2013.
Oil Prices Hit $100 a Barrel

Crude oil prices hit more the highest price per barrel since May 4 last week.
Accelerated Corrosion in ULSD UST Systems Linked to Acetic Acid

New study finds corrosion is likely due to the dispersal of acetic acid though the UST.
Rep. Forbes Fires Off Third Letter Requesting FHWA Deny VDOT Tolling Application

Rep. Forbes continues to express his opposition to VDOT's proposal to install a toll on I-95.
American Truck Historical Society Historic Route 66 Convoy

The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) kicked off its first Historic Highway Convoy.
Wright Express to Buy Fleet One

Wright Express Corp. has agreed to acquire fueling company Fleet One.
Legal Battle Over Graphic Tobacco Labels Could Head to Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals struck down the law requiring the graphic health warnings.
New Fuel Economy Standards Aim to Reduce Gasoline Consumption

The DOT and the EPA issued new automobile fuel economy standards that reportedly will lower costs at the gas pump by $1.7 trillion and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels by 2025.
EPA Temporarily Waives Summer Fuel Requirements For States Hit by Hurricane

EPA last week temporarily waived RVP requirements in eight states to prevent gasoline shortages after fuel supplies from refineries in the Gulf area were disrupted by Hurricane Isaac.
MDOT To Add 40 Truck Parking Spaces at I-95 Welcome Center

MDOT announced plans to expand truck parking spaces at the I-95 South Welcome Center on Interstate 95.
Virginia Awards Rest Area Sponsorship Contract

VDOT recently awarded a corporate sponsorship contract for the state's 42 rest areas and welcome centers to CRH Catering of Connellsville, Pa.
States Declare States of Emergency Due to Isaac; Price Gouging Laws, HOS Waivers in Effect

In anticipation of Hurricane Isaac, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi declared states of emergency.
White House Releases Unspent Transportation Funds

The Obama administration announces a new "Use It or Lose It" program.
ATA Urges DOT to Begin Rulemaking on Electronic Logging

ATA has urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to start conducting a rulemaking to mandate electronic logging devices.
Lawmakers Petition EPA to Grant Waiver from Ethanol Quotas Amid Drought

Lawmakers are petitioning the EPA to grant a waiver from ethanol quotas.
Court Dismisses E-15 Legal Challenge; EPA Issues New Rules for Pumps Dispensing E-10 and E-15

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last week dismissed the legal challenge to the EPA's decision to allow the use of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol.
Tolling I-95 Will Further Va.'s Transportation Problems, Not Solve Them

Tolling I-95 won't just cost drivers more--it will have a ripple effect on residents, businesses and localities.
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Possible RFS Waiver

EPA is seeking public comment on whether to suspend the Renewable Fuels Standard.
McDonald's Testing Mobile Payments

McDonald’s Corp. announced it is testing a mobile payments service with PayPal.
For-hire Truck Tonnage Index, July

ATA said its seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index was unchanged in July after increasing 1.1 percent in June.
RYO Tobacco Retailers Subject to Federal Tax Requirements of Manufacturers

Retailers with roll-your-own (RYO) cigarette machines soon will be subject to the same federal tax and regulatory requirements as tobacco manufacturers.
Dispute Over I-95 Tolls Heats Up

The dispute over Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to toll Interstate 95 near the North Carolina border got hotter.
BP Recalls 2 Million Gallons of Gasoline

BP has recalled more than 2 million gallons of gasoline in the Midwest.
Refineries Shut Down In Preparation for Hurricane Isaac

U.S. Gulf Coast refiners have started closing facilities in anticipation of the storm.
EPA Issues Long-Awaited Guidance To Ease Way for Removal of Stage II

EPA issued long-awaited guidance that paves the way for removal of stage II nozzles and equipment from gasoline dispensers nationwide.
Starbucks and Square Team Up to Offer Mobile Payments

Square, the mobile payments start-up, announced last week that it is forming a partnership with the Starbucks Coffee Company
Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Wayne Adding Smart Phone Pay-at-Pump Technology

GE energy business Wayne and Gilbarco Veeder-Root announced last week that they have agreed to integrate a mobile commerce application into pay-at-the-pump technology.
Opposition to Tolling I-95 Continues to Rise

Opposition to tolling Interstate 95 continues to rise, with the Ashland Town Council and the Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization becoming the latest groups to join the growing chorus of voices against the project.
Equipment Manufacturers Introduce Products to Modify Fuel Dispensers

Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's approval of E-15 for commercial sale, several fuel dispensing equipment manufacturers have introduced new products for retailers to modify existing fuel dispensers to accommodate higher ethanol blends.
Experts Raise Questions About Transition to Natural Gas

A large-scale move from petroleum-based transportation fuel to natural gas “would likely be a mistake,” and low natural gas prices are unlikely to last an Energy Department researcher told a Senate energy panel last week.
New Legislation Would Provide Retailers Flexibility in Meeting Menu Labeling Regulations

Rep. John Carter (R) introduced the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2012, which would allow more flexibility for retailers as they seek to comply with the FDA's regulations regarding calorie labeling on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, other food retail establishments, and on vending machines.
Love's Goes Cardless

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores announced it has completed the first successful live customer transaction using RFID cardless fueling technology and Comdata’s financial processing software at its Pauls Valley, Okla. location.
TA Completes Installation of 100 DEF Dispensers

TravelCenters of America LLC announced it has completed the installation of bulk diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dispensers at 100 of its TA and Petro Stopping Center branded locations.
Michigan Fuel Shortages Force Gov. To Suspend HOS Rules for Carriers Transporting Fuel

Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday declared a State of Energy Emergency in Michigan due to the limited availability and temporary shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel in areas of the Upper Peninsula caused by a shutdown of the West Shore Pipeline in Wisconsin.
ODOT Effort to Commercialize Rest Areas Rejected

Efforts by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to commercialize five non-interstate rest areas have failed to gain traction with ODOT receiving no bids from developers in response to its request for proposal, although two companies expressed interest in advertising and sponsorship opportunities along the state's interstate highways.
Va. Rep. Forbes Voices Opposition to VDOT Tolling Plans

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) last week expressed strong opposition to the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Interstate 95 tolling plan, saying it would discourage economic development and increase costs for area businesses.
FMCSA Shutters 26 Bus Companies Citing Safety Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) last weekshut down 26 bus companies on the East Coast serving the I-95 corridor for safety violations.
Mass. Senate Passes Right to Repair Legislation

The Massachusetts Senate recently passed Right to Repair legislation, S. 2204, requiring vehicle manufacturers to sell all non-proprietary repair information to local neighborhood mechanics, repair shops and dealers so they can all repair vehicles using the same codes provided by the manufacturers. The bill will now go before the House of Representatives.
NATSO Opposes ODOT Plan to Commercialize Non-Interstate Rest Areas

NATSO last week urged the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to reconsider plans to commercialize non-interstate rest areas throughout the state.
Federal and State Legislation Introduced to Block Tolls on I-95 in N.C.

Lawmakers introduced several bills at the federal and state level in recent days aimed at limiting the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) ability to toll Interstate-95.
TransCanada Receives Go-Ahead for Southern Leg of Keystone Pipeline

TransCanada last week received the last of three permits needed to begin construction on the southern leg of the Keystone XL pipeline as part of an effort to ease a bottleneck that is slowing the movement of oil supplies from Canada and North Dakota to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico.
NRF and NCCR Join Coalition Legal Brief Opposing New Federal Trucking Regulations

The National Retail Federation and its National Council of Chain Restaurants division joined a coalition of manufacturers, shippers and transportation last week in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals opposing the new federal trucking regulations on drivers’ hours-of-service, stating the regulations were arbitrary and capricious.
Judge Declines to Reconsider Union-Organizing Rule

The federal district judge who earlier this year struck down a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ambush elections rule, which would have accelerated the timeframe allowed for union elections, has denied the NLRB's request that he reconsider the decision citing the board's inability to expand and improve its argument.
Senate Committee Approves Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension

The Senate Finance Committee passed a tax extenders package last week by a 19-5 vote that included a 2-year extension of the biodiesel blender’s credit.
Fed Rule Allows Banks to Charge Merchants "Fraud Prevention" Fee

The Federal Reserve Board last week announced approval of a final rule that allows debit card issuing banks with more than $10 billion in assets to charge a one cent fraud prevention fee.
NATSO, Highway Users Express Concern Over Tolling Legislation

The House of Representatives passed legislation last week by voice vote that would broadly authorize discount programs for residents living in close proximity to tolls.
Opposition Continues to Grow Against Va. and N.C. I-95 Tolling Plans

Opposition continues to grow against the Virginia and North Carolina Departments of Transportation's plans to toll Interstate 95 as a means of generating revenue for state infrastructure projects.
Quick Facts and Figures, Domestic Truck Tire Market

In its 2012 outlook, released in March, the Rubber Manufacturers Association predicted replacement truck tire shipments will be up 2 percent this year compared to last year, or 400,000 units.
Small-Business Tax Break Fails to Move Forward

The Senate failed to end debate on the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act last week. S. 2237 would extend write-offs for capital investment and award a 10 percent tax credit to companies that add workers to their payrolls or increase wages.
CSA Opponents Testify the Program Harms Small Carriers

Opponents of the FMCSA's CSA enforcement program testified before the House Small Business Committee last week that the program harms small carriers.
House Committee Investigates Biodiesel RIN Fraud

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing last week regarding fraudulent biodiesel RINs trading that has brought negative publicity to the biodiesel industry and uncertainty to the marketplace.
Pilot Flying J to Acquire Maxum Petroleum

Pilot Flying J, Metalmark Capital, Waud Capital Partners and Maxum Petroleum announced that Pilot Flying J will acquire a controlling interest in Maxum for cash and Pilot Flying J’s contribution of Western Petroleum into Maxum.
Caribou Coffee Opens at Joplin 44

Joplin 44 Truckstop, Joplin, MO., announced it has now added a Caribou Coffee to its list of offerings.
South Carolina Grants Retailers Immunity From Consumer Misfueling

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley recently signed into law legislation that grants wholesale and retail petroleum marketers immunity from liability when a customer dispenses an incompatible fuel into their vehicle. South Carolina is one of the first states to implement such a law.
Kansas Retailer First to Offer E15

This past week, Zarco 66 in Lawrence, Kan., became the first station in the U.S. to retail E15 since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowed its use in automobiles built since 2001.
Industry Speaks on Proposed UST Regulations

The industry speaks on the proposed UST regulations but will EPA do?
Drought Putting Pressure on Biofuels

The fallout is impacting biofuels production and prices.
NATSO Foundation AMBER Alert FAQs

The NATSO Foundation and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) have joined together in support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s AMBER Alert program to safely recover abducted children. NCMEC and the NATSO Foundation prepared this list of frequently asked questions from operators to help NATSO memebrs better support the program.
TA Announces Return of UltraChef One Million Point Recipe Challenge

Professional drivers can submit their favorite recipe to earn a shot at winning UltraONE rewards points and fame in TravelCenters of America's (TA) UltraChef One Million Point Recipe Challenge.
Oregon DOT Offers Electric Truck Incentives

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced it is launching a new electric truck buyer incentive program aimed at reducing diesel fuel consumption within the state.
Four Truckstops Add Electrification

Four truckstops in the mid-South have added plug-in power installations through the federally funded Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP). Each of the four new sites has 24 truck parking spaces at which drivers can plug their vehicles into electrical connections, allowing them to operate heating, air conditioning and cab appliances without running the engine.
Pennsylvania Signs Privatization Bill

The legislation signed by Gov. Tom Corbett gives Pennsylvania the ability to lease large-scale transportation assets to the private sector as a mechanism for raising funds for expansion and repair projects.
TravelCenters of America LLC Opens Two New TA-branded Locations

TravelCenters of America LLC announced the opening of two new TA-branded locations.
Burger King Corp. Launches Mobile Payments Pilot Program

Burger King Corp. has launched a mobile payments pilot program.
Bosselman Boss Truck Shops Opens Its 37th Boss Shop

Bosselman Boss Truck Shops opened its 37th Boss Shop.
Pilot Flying J Teams up with Truckers to Triathletes

Pilot Flying J has teamed up with Truckers to Triathletes to help professional drivers maintain healthy lifestyles.
Nebraska Corn Board To Award Blender Pump Grant Incentives

The Nebraska Corn Board recently allocated funds in its 2012-13 fiscal year budget to further develop the renewable fuel infrastructure in Nebraska.
ODOT Meetings on Commercial Rest Areas Generate Opposition

On June 28 ODOT held a sparsely attended meeting in Columbus for potential bidders on the rest area projects.
What successful new service have you added in the past year?

NATSO members discuss the changes they've made to their truck stop and travel plaza companies to improve their business.
Thank Drivers While Attracting New Customers

Special driver appreciation events honor the 3.4 million professional truck drivers in the United States.
Best Truckstop Customer Service Tips

NATSO members talk about what things make a good overall customer experience.
AMBER Alert Partnership Launched

Truckstops and travel plazas engage in efforts to safely recover abducted children.
What have you learned about selling DEF?

NATSO members who sell DEF talk about how it has affected their business, and what they have learned.
What magazines, blogs or websites do you read?

“The First Thing I Read is Stop Watch.”
Serving Truckstop and Travel Plaza Customers during the Holidays

Although many professional drivers have delivered their loads and are home for the holidays, passenger traffic skyrockets.
What industries do you look to for inspiration?

NATSO members look to different industries for their Truckstop business needs.
Should I take the name truck out of my truckstop?

They want easy access, clean facilities, something to eat and competitive prices—not necessarily in that order.
Sapp Bros. Celebrates 40 Years

From the beginning, the Sapp brothers worked hard to maintain a clean image at their truckstops, attracting families as well as professional drivers.
An Industry That Goes Above and Beyond

In this issue of StopWatch, NATSO members shared several stories of its staff going above and beyond.
Lamar Perlis Inducted into the NATSO Foundation Hall of Fame

Longtime member inducted into the NATSO Foundation Hall of Fame.
Quick Facts and Figures, ATA April Truck Tonnage Index

ATA's seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index decreased 0.7 percent in May after falling 1.1 percent in April.
Quick Facts and Figures, National Average Price of Diesel

The national average price of diesel has fallen nearly 14 cents over the last two weeks.
Does your location use social media?

It’s a great way to stay connected to the customer.
NATSO Unveils ADA Compliance Toolkit

NATSO unveils ADA compliance toolkit.
The NATSO Foundation Offers Insights for Truckstop and Travel Plaza Operators

To help operators better understand industry trends and benchmark themselves against their peers, McLane and The NATSO Foundation have joined together to produce the McLane – NATSO Foundation Index.
The NATSO Show 2011

Key leaders in the travel plaza industry and their suppliers came face to face at The NATSO Show 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in February, exchanging ideas and uncovering new solutions to improve their operations. Read on for some highlights.
Fleets, Truckstops Moving Toward LNG

Nearly every major trucking fleet is adding natural gas trucks to their fleets to test along some of their routes.
Zurich American Will No Longer Issue UST Insurance, Renewals

Zurich American said last week it will no longer issue new UST insurance or renew existing coverage.
How do you attract customers through curb appeal?

These improvements and word of mouth are all attracting people.
The NATSO Show 2010 is Underway!

We’re creating the future at the NATSO Show 2010!
Highway Coalition Urges Highway Bill Conferees to Limit Tolling and Public-Private Partnerships

ASNHN urged the conference committee charged with working out the differences between the House and Senate transportation bills to maintain provisions that seek to limit the expansion of tolling and public-private partnerships (P3s).
EPA Should Ensure RIN Credit Validity, Inhofe Says

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) sent a letter to the EPA) on June 12 calling on the agency to take additional steps to ensure the validity RINs.
Tax Extenders Package Update

NATSO and others have advocated an extension of the biodiesel blenders tax credit that expired last year.
Refiners Sue EPA Over Mandate to Use Non-Existent Biofuels

AFPM and WSPA filed a lawsuit last week challenging the EPA.
IOWA Seeks Rest Area Sponsorships

Iowa DOT said it is seeking funds to help defray nearly $3.7 million in annual operation costs.
Member News, Kwik Trip Moving into Alternative Fuels

This week, Kwik Trip, which operates more than 400 stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, is hosting its first ever Natural Gas Tradeshow & Summit.
Member News, Two Nebraska Truckstops Add Plug-in Electricity

Shoemaker's Travel Center and Sapp Bros Travel Center add electrification.
Trucking Battles Over EOBRs

A provision in S.1813 would require all long-haul trucks to be outfitted with EOBRs capable of real-time tracking for monitoring of trucks and drivers.
Less than 25 Percent of Trucking Fleets Think Natural Gas Can Replace Diesel in Near Term

25% of trucking executives think natural gas could become a viable alternative to diesel in the foreseeable future.
Diesel and Gas Prices Fall as Oil Hits 2012 Low

The average price of U.S. diesel dropped 1.6 cents last week to $4.057 a gallon.
EPA Issues Final Rule Paving the Way for Phase-Out of Stage II Vapor Recovery

EPA has determined that Stage II vapor recovery systems used at gas stations can be phased-out beginning in 2013.
House and Senate Begin to Conference Highway Bill

Committee of lawmakers conferencing the House and Senate versions of the highway transportation reauthorization met for the first time early last week.
Virginia Officials: Leadership Lacking in Transportation Funding

About 50 city and county leaders from Virginia gathered to brainstorm transportation funding issues.
Colorado Motor Carriers, Truckstops Partner with DOT on Safety Initiative

Many truckstops in Colorado will soon be equipped with a video system.
Highway Bill Negotiations Stall

It appears that negotiations on the transportation reauthorization legislation are stalling.
TA, Shell Partner on LNG Fueling Stations

TravelCenters of America announced that it has entered a memorandum of understanding with Shell Oil Products US to construct and operate a network of natural gas fueling lanes.
Three Mexican Carriers Pre-Authorized to Operate in the U.S

Three Mexican carriers have cleared a pre-authorization safety audit for long-distance service across the border.
Heavy Truck Sales Climb, But Orders Slow

Class 8 truck sales continued their steady climb in April.
Ambush Election Rule Overturned

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia last week overturned the NLRB's ambush elections rule.
ODOT to Issue RFP to Commercialize Non-Interstate Rest Areas

Last week ODOT issued a request for information seeking input on an upcoming proposal to commercialize non-interstate rest areas across the state.
NATSO Pie Reception Featured in The Washington Scene

NATSO's annual Congressional Pie Reception featured in The Washington Scene.
Rep. Ellmers Seeks to Prevent Tolls on I-95

Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) says preventing the expansion of tolls in North Carolina is among her top legislative priorities.
Pilot Flying J Partners with Travel Plaza TV

Pilot Flying J has partnered with Travel Plaza TV.
Post Election Lame Duck Frenzy Expected

Bush tax rates, debt-ceiling negotiations and automatic budget cuts are expected to create a frenzied Congressional session after the Presidential election.
Alternative Fueling Stations Increase Scope Across the U.S.

Energy Information Administration provides a map of which alternative fuels are being sold where.
Georgia Truckstops and Travel Plazas Eligible for Funds to Electrify Truck Parking

Truckstops and travel plazas located within 10 miles of an EPA designated non-attainment and maintenance area in Georgia are eligible for funding to electrify truck parking spaces (ETPS) under new grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administrations Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program.
API Says EPA Ethanol Regulations Pose Serious Safety and Environmental Problems for Consumers

EPA continues to move forward with its decision to approve the use of 15 percent ethanol in gasoline (E-15).
Federal Reserve Releases Report on Debit Interchange Fees

Small banks have been unaffected by the changes to debit card transaction fees under last year's Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and competition remains absent from the debit payment market, according to a new report issued by the Federal Reserve last week.
CWPMA Kills Commercialization Bill in Senate

The Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association (CWPMA) last week withdrew its bill HB-1136 "Prohibition on the Use of Public Land for Retail Sales" after Senate State Affairs Committee Chairman Rollie Heath said he would allow taxpayer dollars to be spent by government entities to compete against private companies.
Quick Facts and Figures, ATA March Truck Tonnage Index

ATAs’ advanced seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index rose 0.2 percent in March after increasing 0.5 percent in February.
EPA Levies Fines for Invalid Biodiesel RINs

The EPA last week announced that it levied fines against 30 renewable fuel exporters that purchased invalid biodiesel identification numbers (RINs).
House Committee Talks Tax Extenders; Biodiesel Tax Credit May Be Considered in Lame Duck Session

A House Ways and Means subcommittee last week discussed many expired or expiring tax provisions as an initial step toward a potential tax extenders package that could come after the November elections, in a lame-duck session of Congress.
"Ambush Election" Rule Effective Today

The U.S. Senate last week voted 45-54 against a joint resolution, S.J. Res. 36, that sought to overturn a NLRB rule reducing the amount of time between a request by workers to form a union and the balloting.
I-70 Tolling Hits Roadblock In Missouri Legislature

Plans to turn Interstate-70 in Missouri into a toll road appears to have hit a major roadblock in the state legislature.
California Rest Area Commercialization Bill Defeated

California Assemblyman Ben Hueso’s bill to commercialize the state's rest areas and pursue a waiver to the federal prohibition on the sale of commercial services on the interstate right-of-way failed last week in committee, marking a major victory for California’s fuel retailers.
Colorado House Passes Bill to Prohibit Fuel Sales on Public Land

The Colorado General Assembly last week passed legislation that prohibits fuel sales on public land.
ATA Issues 2012 American Trucking Trends Report

The 2012 edition of the ATA "American Trucking Trends" shows that trucking continues to be the dominant mode of freight transportation and an integral part of the U.S. economy.
House Passes Small Business Tax Credit

U.S. House of Representatives voted 235-173 in favor of the Small Business Tax Cut Act last week.
President Calls for Tougher Penalties on Oil Speculation

President Obama last week urged Congress to toughen penalties for manipulation of oil markets and called for stricter government oversight of energy markets.
House Transportation Extension Passes; Heads to Conference With Senate

The House of Representatives last week voted 293 to 127 in favor of another transportation extension through Sept. 30, 2012.
Congress Holds Hearing on Domestic Fuels Act

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy held a hearing on the Domestic Fuels Protection Act, H.R. 4345, which would remove roadblocks that currently are preventing retailers from considering whether to sell new fuels, including gasoline with 15 percent ethanol (E15).
New NLRB Union Poster Effective Date Delayed

The NLRB's rule requiring employers to post notices of an employee's right to unionize is on hold, after a federal court in Washington, D.C., issued a temporary injunction.
NATSO Recommends Changes to EPA's Underground Storage Tank Regulations

NATSO recommends a series of changes to the EPA proposed revisions to its UST as well as EPA's new requirements for secondary containment and operator training.
New Jersey Trucking Executive Warns Senate on True Tolling Costs

New Jersey trucking executive warned that rapidly increasing toll rates as well as the spread of tolls across the transportation system pose a significant threat to consumers and the trucking industry.
Quick Facts and Figures, For-Hire Transportation

The amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry rose 0.5 percent in February.
Renewable Fuels Fraud Case Exposes Weakness in EPA Program

A recent case involving the sale of fraudulent biodiesel credits is prompting calls for greater oversight of the fuel credit program run by the EPA.
Quick Facts and Figures, Turnover Rate for Truck Drivers

The turnover rate for truck drivers at large truckload fleets unexpectedly dipped one percentage point.
Quick Facts and Figures, April Beige Book

The U.S. economy showed moderate expansion in the past two months.
New Employer Workplace Labor Posting Requirement

Effective April 30, employers are required to post notices informing their employees of their rights to unionize.
New NLRB Election Rules Take Effect April 30

Effective April 30, the NLRB's new rules governing union election procedures will take effect.
House GOP Plans New 90-day Highway Extension Bill, Allows House to Conference With Senate Legislation

House GOP leaders this week plan to consider another 90-day extension of surface transportation programs, on the heels of the recently passed extension through June 30, 2012.
Truck Stop USA Begins its Second Season

"Truck Stop USA" begins its second season with back-to-back episodes starting at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Jim Xenos Receives 2012 Convenience Store News Technology Leadership Award

Jim Xenos chosen as one of two 2012 Convenience Store News Technology Leadership Awards winners.
Illinois and 7-Eleven Create EV Charging Network

Illinois partnership to create the nation's largest network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations.
Quick Facts and Figures, Construction Spending

Construction spending dropped 1.1 percent in February.
Quick Facts and Figures, Monthly Factory Index

The Institute for Supply Management said its monthly factory index rose to 53.4, from 52.4 in February.
House Bill Seeks to Repeal Excise Tax; Increase Diesel Fuel Tax

Congressmen introduce a bill that seeks to repeal the 12 percent federal excise tax on large trucks and replace it with a 6.3-cent increase in the federal diesel fuel tax.
EPA Approves First Applications for Registration of Ethanol to Make E15

EPA approved applications from 19 fuel manufacturers seeking to register gasoline that contains up to 15 percent ethanol (E15).
Chevron Corp. Offers New Credit-Card Tool

Chevron Corp. offering its marketers a new credit-card tool.
Convenience Store News Highlights Love's Growth

Convenience Store News highlights the continued growth of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores.
Minnesota Offers Fleets Loans to Buy APUs

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offering loans to purchase idle-reduction devices.
FMCSA to Change CSA Scoring

FMCSA is seeking public comment on proposed changes in the way it scores motor carriers under its safety system known CSA.
NATSO, Fuel Retailers Voice Support for Domestic Fuels Act

NATSO joined a group of petroleum retailers last week in expressing support for Domestic Fuels Act of 2012.
Highway Bill Extended Ninth Time

President signed into law a 90-day surface transportation extension.
Annual Day on the Hill Registration Open; Special Room Rates Expire Soon

Registration is open for NATSO's annual Day on Capitol Hill.
NATSO, CIOMA Voice Opposition to California Bill Seeking Commercial Rest Areas

NATSO sharply criticizes California Assemblyman Ben Hueso's measure.
Fourth Mexico Domiciled Carrier Passes U.S. Safety Audit

A fourth Mexico-domiciled motor carrier passes the Pre-Authority Safety Audit (PASA)
Quick Facts and Figures, ATA January Truck Tonnage Index

Truck tonnage increases 5.8 percent for all of 2011, matching gains in 2010, according to the ATA
Minnesota Bill Seeks to Make Wireless Internet Available at Rest Areas

If enacted, SF2054 would authorize the state commissioner of transportation to utilize private funding from public private partnerships and sponsorships to pay for the service.
Rep. Ellmers Opposes I-95 Tolling; Urges Impact Study

In a letter to Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, Rep. Ellmers said paying for I-95 construction through a highway tax like tolls would devastate small businesses along the I-95 corridor.
Urgent Call to Action: Tell Your Senator to Vote NO on Sen. Portman's Amendment 1742

It is imperative that you act now and call or email your senators to request that they oppose Amendment 1742 to S. 1813.
ATA, Industry Groups File HOS Lawsuits; Seek Review of New Rule

Industry groups representing file lawsuits in recent days challenging the FMCSA December rule on work and rest regulations for commercial truck drivers
HMSHost Files Lawsuit to Block Rest Area Redevelopment Contract

Circuit judge blocks the award of a $56 million contract to Miami-based Areas USA to redevelop travel plazas on Interstate 95 in Maryland.
Thieves Use Elaborate Schemes to Siphon Fuel

Thieves use a minivan with a cut-out floorboard to siphon gas from an underground storage tank.
Ohio DOT Announces Plans to Modernize Rest Areas

ODOT last week announced plans to modernize East and Westbound rest areas along U.S. 33 in Meigs County.
North Carolina Tolling Analysis Shows Taxpayers Would Pay Double Estimated Project Costs

If I-95 were to be rebuilt and converted to a toll road, taxpayers would pay about $30 billion over 40 years.
House Abandons Five-Year Highway Bill

While the future of the bill is uncertain, the House reportedly plans to pass a shorter-term bill.
Pilot Flying J Acquires new Pilot Travel Center Locations

Pilot Flying J has acquired new Pilot Travel Center locations in Duncannon and Frystown, Penn.
Obama Administration Rejects Keystone Pipeline

The Obama Administration rejected a bid to expand the Keystone oil sands pipeline, saying the deadline imposed by Congress did not leave sufficient time to conduct the necessary review.
CSA Releases New Fact Sheet Series

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program released a new Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) fact sheet series on its website.
Quick Facts and Figures, Industrial Production

Industrial production rose 0.4 percent in December as factory output, which makes up three-quarters of the total, climbed 0.9 percent, the Federal Reserve said last week.
Quick Facts and Figures, Steel Exports Increase

U.S. steel exports increased 10.6 percent through the first 11 months of last year and approached pre-recession levels, government data show.
Quick Facts and Figures, Driver Wage Survey

Nearly 65 percent of motor carriers think that driver wages should be upwards of $60,000 per year to attract and retain drivers, according to a recent survey by Transport Capital Partners.
Quick Facts and Figures, Retail Sales Will Rise

The National Retail Federation Retail reports sales, excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurants will rise 3.4 percent to $2.53 trillion in 2012.
Quick Facts and Figures, Major Retail Chains Increase by 4.2 Percent

Major chains posted a 4.2 percent increase in sales in January.
Quick Facts and Figures, Gross Domestic Product

GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.
HMSHost Challenges Maryland Rest Area Contract

HMSHost files a protest with the Maryland Transportation Authority.
NATSO Urges NCWM To Withdraw Nozzle Standardization and Dispenser Filter Items From Meeting Agenda

In a letter to Committee Chairwoman Judy Cardin, NATSO said proposals to require a 10 micron filter for fuel dispensers offering diesel, biodiesel and diesel fuel, and uniform fuel dispenser nozzle colors were not practical and could potentially create unintended consequences for consumers and fuel retailers.
Quick Facts and Figures, Net Truck Orders

December marked the best month for net truck orders since April, according to ACT Research, a commercial vehicle market research firm.
Quick Facts and Figures, ATA Truck Tonnage Index

The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) seasonally adjusted truck tonnage rose 6.8 percent in December.
President Signals Support for Transportation Reauthorization

Speaking broadly on Jan. 25 about his agenda, President Obama said in the next few weeks he planned to sign an executive order that would clear away the "red tape" that slows down construction projects because "so much of America needs to be rebuilt."
Colorado Lawmakers Seek to Ban Fuel Retailing by State Government

Colorado Republican State Rep. Robert Ramirez and State Senator Ellen Roberts (R) have co-sponsored a bill in the Colorado General Assembly that would prohibit the state or any state agency from operating a truck stop, fueling station or convenience store on or near public land, including state highways, toll roads or any other infrastructure supported by state revenues.
NCWM Withdraws Nozzle Standardization Proposal; Continues Dispenser Filter and Biodiesel Disclosure Issues

NATSO said the proposal to standardize nozzle dispenser colors could cause confusion in the marketplace by creating a patchwork of requirements across the country since some states do not automatically adopt NCWM standards.
Action Report, NATSO Scorecard

This scorecard is designed to illustrate key public policies facing legislative action. Each of these issues represents a public policy priority for NATSO and its members. Government affairs and advocacy coverage in Stop Watch is brought to you by NATSO Inc.
N.C. To Hold Public Hearings on I-95 Tolling Proposal

The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to hold seven public hearings between Feb. 7 and Feb. 27 to gather public comment on its plans for tolling Interstate 95 from South Carolina to Virginia.
NATSO Urges Missouri Lawmakers Not to Toll I-70

NATSO last week urged Missouri lawmakers to oppose a proposal to toll Interstate 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City.
New York Assembly Re-introduces "Jason's Law"

Legislation titled “Jason’s Law” was re-introduced
Ceridian-UCLA PCI Rose 0.2% in December

The Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index (PCI), an economic index that tracks fuel sales at truckstops nationwide, rose 0.2 percent in December.
N.C. Unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Station at Rest Area

North Carolina has installed EV charging stations in rest areas near Burlington on Interstate 40, and at the junction of Interstates 95 and 40.
States Pursue Rest Area Commercialization

Three states could consider rest area commercialization

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