Mindy Long - Contributors

Before launching a full-time freelance career, Long edited NATSO's Stop Watch magazine. Prior to that Long worked as a staff reporter for Transport Topics, a weekly trade newspaper, covering freight transportation, fuel and environmental issues. In addition to covering the transportation sector, Long has written, reported and edited for a variety of media outlets. She was the Washington correspondent for WCAX-TV (CBS) in Burlington, Vt., a criminal court reporter in Chicago and a freelance copy editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine in Washington D.C. Long hold a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Ill., and a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Westminster College in Salt Lake City.

Items contributed by Mindy Long

Broadway Flying J Celebrates 50 Years of Extra Mile Service

In 1963 Don and Bernice Alsaker took a chance and opened a fueling station on the newly constructed Interstate 90. Today, Broadway Flying J has grown from the original location on I-90 to seven travel plazas in Washington, Montana and Nevada. For the past 50 years, Broadway has served highway travelers, local residents and professional drivers and has always gone the extra mile.
What Was the Best Idea You’ve Gotten at the NATSO Show?

NATSO members share the best idea they've gotten at The NATSO Show.
New Payment Technologies at Truckstops Boost Customer Service

From rfid to paypal, truckstop operators are giving customers more ways to pay while moving them in and out of the location faster
Visual Study Tour: Valuable Business Insights from Abroad

Attending the International Study Tour in person is the best way to gather valuable business insights abroad, but as a distant second best, Darren Schulte, NATSO’s vice president of membership, is providing readers with a virtual tour of his trip through pictures he gathered last fall.
Minimize Employee and Vendor Theft

Losses from theft—also called shrink—are a part of life for retailers. Shrink will never be completely eliminated, but truckstop and travel plaza operators can take steps to minimize it.
Diesel to Remain the Leading Fuel for Trucking

Diesel fuel will remain the primary fuel the trucking industry uses for decades to come, according to a two-year study on the future of alternative fuels conducted by the National Petroleum Council. The U.S. Secretary of Energy requested the study, which looked at a range of alternative-fuel options alongside traditional diesel and gasoline.
Who Do You Look Up To In The Truckstop Industry?

NATSO operators share who they look up to in the industry and why.
Connecting with Truckstop Customers

To better understand their customers, truckstop and travel plaza operators are relying on old-fashioned, face-to- face customer service while also embracing technology to initiate conversations and engage with a customer base that is constantly on the move.
Trends And Priorities Affecting The Truckstop And Travel Plaza Industry

History shows that the offerings and business operations at truckstops and travel plazas shift as their customers’ needs change, and the most successful operations work to stay
NATSO Members Take to Capitol Hill

In May, NATSO members from across the country will assemble on Capitol Hill and meet face-to-face with their lawmakers to discuss the key issues facing the truckstop and travel plaza industry and protect the businesses they’ve spent years building.
Suggestive Selling Boosts Profits While Benefiting Customers

“If you’re suggestive selling, you’re greeting customers when they come in, you’re having conversations with them, and you’re paying attention to merchandise.”
Trends and Priorities Affecting the Truckstop and Travel Plaza Industry

During The NATSO Show in Savannah, Ga., trucking industry experts and truckstop operators said everything from driver health concerns and hours-of-service regulations to increased fuel efficiency and changes in the length of haul are changing the way they operate.
The NATSO Show Concludes in Savannah

Hundreds of truckstop and travel plaza operators and managers, industry suppliers and innovative experts convened in Savannah, Ga., to discuss the latest industry trends, see new products, and learn new ways to improve their business operations both today and into the future.
Virginia Transportation Legislation Headed to Conference Committee

Both the Virginia Senate and House have approved their transportation bills, which now move into a conference committee as the two groups work to hash out differences between the plans before the General Assembly’s session ends on Feb. 23.
Freight Patterns Evolving; NATSO to Feature Keynote on Intermodal Outlook

To help truckstop operators better understand the rail piece of the puzzle, the changing dynamics in the shipping business and the growing partnership between trucking and rail, The NATSO Show will feature keynote presenter Ryan Houfek, CSX’s assistant vice president for intermodal sales, who will provide CSX's outlook on intermodal freight movement in the coming decades.
Republicans and Democrats Join to Oppose Tolls in Virginia

A bipartisan group of Virginia lawmakers have joined together with local officials and business leaders to speak out against tolls on Interstate 95 in Virginia. Republicans and Democrats stood shoulder to shoulder and called for the General Assembly and not the Department of Transportation or Gov. Bob McDonnell to determine whether to put tolls on Interstate 95 and other existing highways.
Canadian Crude Oil Pumps Supply for Local Refiners

Tom Kloza, the chief analyst at the Oil Price Information Service, said a concentration of crude from Canada, down through North Dakota, Missouri and West Texas is creating opportunities for local refineries, resulting in lower prices in some markets.
As Legislatures Convene, Tolling Remains Under Consideration Despite Opposition

As state legislative sessions opened up last week, tolling continues to be an issue in several states despite widespread opposition.
A Day in the Life of a Truckstop Operator: Michael Sibley

For Michael Sibley, Travel Center in LaPlace, La., work is spread between his home office and the travel plaza.
Experts on Loan: In NATSO's Human Library

At The NATSO Show 2013, NATSO will host its popular Human Library sponsored by Bridgestone Commercial Solutions. A handful of experts with decades of experience will be on loan for customized, one-onone learning experiences operators can tailor to their own objectives.
Laplace Travel Center, Poker and Plenty More

Michael Sibley, President of LaPlace Travel Center in LaPlace, La. talks to Stop Watch about how he has improved his business.
Get To Know Your Fuel Customers

Knowing what products to stock and when can boost sales and profits for truckstop and travel plaza operators. Operators take time to get to know the drivers who come into their locations each day, but to foster long-term relationships, they must also get to know the corporate executives at the trucking companies where those drivers work.
NATSO Members Lead The Fight Against Tolls

Two NATSO members are spearheading grassroots campaigns in their home states of Virginia and North Carolina, drawing attention to the effect tolls on I-95 will have on drivers, highway-based businesses and the communities in which they operate.
James A. "Jim" Haslam Stands Out as an Industry Leader

Haslam’s leadership and expertise has benefited his family business and the truckstop and travel plaza industry alike, and The NATSO Foundation is pleased to honor him with the Hall of Fame award.
Negotiating Vendor Contracts

When business owners make their way to the negotiating table, preparation is the key to success.
Freight Expected to Grow Slowly in 2013

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said he expects truck tonnage to grow at a slower pace in 2013 than it did in 2012, adding that a stronger economic recovery could boost the industry in 2014 and 2015. Costello, who is a featured speaker at The NATSO Show, predicted a two percent increase in for-hire truck tonnage this year, slowing from the 2.7 percent increase he projected for 2012. Costello said tonnage growth had been slowing throughout 2012. Tonnage in October dropped 3.8 percent and marked the first year-over-year decrease since November 2009. In November, however, tonnage increased 3.7 percent, marking the first gain since July.
Barbecue Moves from the Backyard Grill to Restaurant Menus

While barbecue is synonymous with summertime, leading restaurant operators have picked up on the trend and many are using limited-time offers to feature barbecue throughout the summer and even as a winter-time meal.Adding new barbecue offerings to menus could boost sales for truckstop and travel plaza operators and industry suppliers while also increasing customer satisfaction.
Fast- and Fast-Casual Restaurants Sales Continue to Grow

Limited-service restaurants are the driving force behind the commercial foodservice industry, and account for more than half of total industry sales despite their low check averages in comparison to full-service restaurants.
New Technology and Signage Helps Truckstop Operators

NATSO members nationwide are turning to LED lighting, digital signage and strategic placement to promote their offerings.
Calming Complainers

Addressing complaints can show people that you’re human and give them a solution to their problems, but to make the most of the situation, it can help to know the type of complainer.
Bill Moon Scholarship Winners Value Connection to the Industry

This year, nine hardworking students received scholarships from The NATSO Foundation.
Four Places to Network at The NATSO Show 2013

The opportunities to connect with attendees extend well beyond the show floor at The NATSO Show 2013.
Shoppers Continue to Make Impulse Buys

Impulse purchases are alive and well among consumers.
Consumers Adhere to Three Meals Daily But Snack Often

By offering the right mini-meals and snacks, truckstop and travel plaza operators and industry suppliers can tap into this trend and boost sales.
DEF Sales on the Rise; Operators Respond in Numerous Ways

With DEF sales on the rise, operators are responding in numerous ways.
Operators Use Displays to Direct Traffic and Create Atmosphere

Operators are getting creative and turning to modular displays that can direct traffic within their stores and highlight their products.
Small Businesses Remain Concerned Over Health Care Law

Expert explore costs of the recently upheld the health care law.
A Day in the Life of a Truckstop Operator: Tristen Griffith

Emails, phone calls, employees, guests, vendors, spreadsheets and financials are always a continuous work in progress.
Truckstops Prepare for Driver Appreciation Week

The trucking industry, truckstops and travel plazas and communities nationwide will join together Sept. 16 to 22 to honor America’s truckers during national Driver Appreciation Week.
Converse with Your Customers Via Social Media

NATSO's Facebook page is another tool for connecting with travel plaza and truckstops. NATSO's twitter feed is a great resource for the latest industry news.
Increasing Female Customers can Boost Sales for Truckstop Operators and Their Suppliers

By promoting offerings that appeal to women, truckstop operators and their suppliers can boost overall sales among that demographic.
Future of Natural Gas for Truckstops

Motor carriers nationwide are beginning to run natural gas vehicles in small quantities, and many say the fuel
The Average Truckstops Offers Food, Fuel and More

In The Trucker’s Friend, de Vos lists 6,000 locations professional drivers can stop. “About 3,500 are just a convenience store with a pump. They are places that truckers fuel sometimes, but they don’t have any showers or parking,” he said.
Travel Channel Provides Unique Look at Life Within a Truckstop

Industry suppliers who would like to get an around-the-clock inside look at life within a truckstop can tune in and watch Truckstop USA on the Travel Channel. The reality show features NATSO member Midway Truck Stop, which is located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo. The location boasts more than a dozen different businesses on 200 acres and is an oasis for highway travelers and locals alike.
Rumble Rules: Idling Regulations

Throughout the country, local and state governments are continuing to adjust their idling laws, and in an effort to create greater uniformity for drivers, several states are embracing statewide regulations versus individual county or city regulations.
Truckstop Point-of-Sale Systems Complexities

For truckstop operators, building a powerful point-of-sale (POS) and back-office system is a lot like assembling a puzzle.
Teach Your Kids the Truckstop Business

Children who go to work at their parents’ S Corporation or C Corporation will be subject to FICA and income taxes, but will be taxed at a lower bracket than their parents.
Boost Truckstop Sales by Attracting Women

Women are an important part of the nation’s consumers.
Guide Customers on the Road to Purchase

A thoughtful approach to merchandise display and marketing will increase sales.
Boost Truckstop Restaurant Sales with Catering

Boost restaurant sales with catering.
Brewing Up Success

Everybody wants a good cup of coffee.
Skim Scam, A High-Tech Method of Theft and Fraud

A high-tech method of theft and fraud emerges.
Advance Planning Minimizes Truckstop Losses from Natural Disasters

Advance planning minimizes losses from natural disasters.
Travel Centers Add Healthy and Time-Saving Options

Travel centers add healthy and time-saving options.
Grant Opportunities Available for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

For truckstops and travel plazas, installing electric vehicle charging stations can help tap into a new and increasing customer base.
Be Prepared for Increased Demand of DEF

Be prepared for increased demand of DEF.
Be Smart About Extending House Credit

Be smart about extending house credit.
Friendly Service at Stamart Travel Centers

Friendly, familiar faces draw in drivers at all three Stamart Travel Center locations in North Dakota.
A Treasure Trove of Wisdom in The Human Library

This year at The NATSO Show, NATSO is creating its own interactive one-on-one learning library that will be filled with experts in their fields.
Shop Repair In a CSA 2010 World

In a CSA 2010 World
Commercial Buildings Can Go Green and Save Big

The lights are always on at businesses that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Five More Ways to Connect with Operators Before and During The NATSO Show

During the show, there are dozens of events industry suppliers can attend.
Four Places to Network at The NATSO Show

Dedicated show floor hours are the heart of any tradeshow, but the opportunities to connect with attendees extend well beyond the show floor at The NATSO Show 2012.
Three Things Your Customers Want From You for Christmas

Adults and children alike draft up wish lists at Christmas, and those in the truckstop industry are no different.
Lower Temperatures Can Equal Higher Sales

As the temperatures drop outside, sales inside shops at the nation’s truckstops and travel plazas can climb.
New Federal Regulations Create Opportunities for Shops

New government regulations in effect are changing the way the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) calculates fleets’ safety scores.
Upgrades at Travel Plazas Mean Business Opportunities for Their Suppliers

Whether it is installing new equipment to meet government mandates or adding a fresh coat of paint to increase curb appeal, truckstops and travel plazas are always reinvesting in their businesses.
NATSO Customizes Supplier Experiences at The NATSO Show

Each year truckstop and travel plaza leaders and industry suppliers invest time and money to come together under one roof at The NATSO Show.
Offering Increased Sandwich Variety Could Boost Sales

Diners are looking for more variety in sandwiches, according to foodservice consultant Technomic, and offering more options could boost sales for truckstop and travel plaza operators and industry suppliers while also increasing customer satisfaction.
Three Things Your Customers Want From Suppliers

Operators know their suppliers have the expertise that could help take their sales to the next level, so Highway Business Matters talked with truckstop owners and managers to learn three things they'd like to see from their vendors.
Snack-Size Portions Can Result in Full-Size Profits

Alerting truckstop managers to this new trend could boost restaurant sales and increase profits for locations and their suppliers alike.
How Do Gulf Area Truckstops View the Spill?

As the impact of the Gulf oil spill continues to hold the nation's interest, Highway Business Matters recently talked to truckstop and travel plaza managers in the region to understand their views on the situation.
Truckstop Restaurants Dish Out Opportunities to Suppliers

Professional drivers, the traveling public and locals alike all frequent the restaurants at the nation's truckstops and travel plazas.
CSA 2010 May Increase Drivers’ Needs at Truckstops and Travel Plazas

Motor carriers, the primary customer base of truckstops and travel plazas nationwide, are preparing for the new safety protocol Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010).
Motor Carriers, Professional Drivers Face New Safety Protocols

In business it is a given that you need to know your customer, but taking it a step further and getting to know your customer’s customer proves you are committed to truly meeting all parties’ needs.
Convenience Foods Are Hot

A tight economy has everyone looking for a bargain and professional drivers and the traveling public is no different. Low price points and convenience are driving sales of hot foods within the convenience and trucker stores at several truckstops and travel plazas.
Truck Stop Operators Divulge How To Earn and Close a Sale at a Trade Show

Trade shows are one of the few times when a company’s key prospects and current customers are gathered together under one roof, and smart exhibitors know that opportunities to connect with show attendees are not limited to the show floor.
Operators Describe What Helps Them Buy At Trade Shows

Trade shows are an investment of both time and money. Knowing how to get the most out of any show can help exhibitors see the return on investment they were hoping for when they filled out their registration form.
Operators Seek Pre-Trade Show Outreach, Information

When it comes to connecting with customers before a trade show, personal contact is the key.
Discover Top-Selling Truckstop Products

Industry suppliers looking to introduce a product or target a new customer can get on the inside track by hearing directly from truckstop owners and operators who shared their top-selling items with NATSO.
Generate Buzz Among Truckstops and Travel Plazas

Enthusiastic customers can often do more for a supplier than even the splashiest ad. When you factor in that they target the exact market you’re seeking and they come at a much lower cost, encouraging customers to talk is a no-brainer.
Fuel Retailers Finding it Difficult to Turn a Profit

Decreased fuel consumption, the high price of fuel and high credit card fees are taking their toll on fuel station owners nationwide.
Serve Customers as a Category Leader

Truckstop and travel plaza operators are always looking to improve their offerings and better serve their customers, and industry suppliers are in the ideal position to share data and provide the category leadership that can help operators take their business to the next level.
Dissect Data to Better Understand Your Customers’ Customers

By understanding your customers’ customers, industry suppliers can better understand the products that will resonate with buyers and boost profits for truckstop and travel plaza owners and suppliers alike.
Where Operators Find News

News is everywhere, but when it comes to keeping up with the latest on the truckstop and transportation industries, NATSO members said there are a few key places they look for information.
Give Gifts That Get Noticed

Those looking to send gifts want to ensure they send something that will stand out and be appreciated.
Keep in Touch with Prospective Customers

Industry suppliers working to keeping in touch with prospective customers can walk a fine line between persistent and overly aggressive.
Operators Rely on Managers for Purchasing Decisions

Truckstops and travel plazas incorporate several profit centers into one business.
Four Things that Make Truckstops Unique

Stopping at a truckstop or travel plaza can mean different things to different people. Whether it is for a quick stop to fill the tank or a leisurely sit-down meal in the restaurant, drivers rely on travel plazas to meet their needs while out on the road. Here are four things that make truckstops stand out.
A Day in the Life of a Truckstop Operator

While no two days are ever exactly the same for truckstop and travel plaza operators, Highway Business Matters sat down with Dirk Binnema, owner of Planeview Travel Plaza in Osh Kosh, Wisc., to get a sneak peak into his day.
Four Things Drivers Want in a Truckstop

For the drivers traveling down America’s highways, the nation’s truckstops and travel plazas offer a place to refuel their bodies and their vehicles.
Restaurant Industry Study Finds Online Daily Restaurant Deals Driving Consumer Behavior

Online daily deals are attracting new and infrequent customers to participating restaurants, according to the Online Daily Deals Report by Chicago-based food industry research firm Technomic.
Truckstop Operators, Vendors Aid in Relief Efforts

The deadly tornados that ravaged parts of the country earlier this year have devastated communities where NATSO members live and work, and truckstop operators and their industry suppliers have rallied to boost relief efforts.
Survey Shows Growing Consumer Concern over Fuel and Food Prices

In its most recent consumer sentiment and behavior survey, food industry research firm Technomic, Inc., found that 84 percent of consumers believe that grocery prices have risen in the past three months and 62 percent believe restaurant prices have risen.
Operators Look to Save on Rising Food Costs

Truckstop and travel plaza operators nationwide are working to reduce food waste as food prices continue to rise.
Fleet Safety Regulations Boost Shop Repair Opportunities

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) has changed the way the federal government calculates carrier safety scores.
Truckstops Expected to Increase Reliance on Bus, R.V. and Four-Wheel Traffic

As competition within the travel plaza industry increases and the average length of haul decreases, truckstop and travel plazas will likely work harder to attract buses, recreational vehicles and passenger vehicles.
Healthier Breakfast Items the Order of the Day

Today’s consumers are looking for ease and convenience in addition to healthy offerings when it comes to breakfast according to the latest research from the research firm Mintel.
Five Places to Network at The NATSO Show

Dedicated show floor hours are the heart of any tradeshow, but the opportunities to connect with attendees extend well beyond the show floor. At The NATSO Show, vendors are welcome to attend the educational sessions and networking events that abound.
Take Advantage of Five Key Ways to Get Involved at The NATSO Show

NATSO is urging vendors to add to attendees’ enthusiasm by presenting new and innovative products and ideas.
A Day in the Life of a NATSO Truckstop Member

As the general manager for Silver's Travel Center and Casino, Frog City Travel Plaza and Henderson Travel Plaza in Louisiana, Hicks starts his days early and is on the go until he walks out the door in the evening.
Target Responds to Growing Consumer Interest in Fresh Foods

Target will have remodeled 90 general merchandise stores by the end of June so they can feature a full selection of affordable fresh foods, the company said.
Messages from the Hill

Every day your elected officials are making decisions that affect the way you live and work. Don’t let them make those decisions without your input.
Lessons from Around the Globe

“The biggest takeaway was that, uniquely, we all have similar problems and similar answers,” said Dan Alsaker, Broadway Truck Stops, who participated in the tour.
Sales of Snacks are on the Rise

48 percent of consumers polled said they’re now snacking at least twice a day, compared to 25 percent in 2010.
Honoring 'The Boss'

Chuck Bosselman inducted into NATSO Hall of Fame.
Get Social

“It is a way to communicate back and forth with our customers and to get feedback on what is right or wrong,” said, Bob Reichelderfer, food service manager at Johnson’s Corner in Loveland, Colo.
Connect with Customers After the Show

“If we spent a bit of time genuinely interested in a service or product, for the vendor to reach out and touch base afterwards is usually appreciated by me and if I'm not interested, I'll just let them know that,” said Walt Muralt president of Muralt’s Travel Plaza in Missoula, Mont.
We’ll See You at the Show

Take a look at our quick tips to help you make the most of your time at the show.
Shop Operators Share Insights, Opportunities

Offering variety can also increase the amount and types of products customers buy. "You have so many facets of customers coming through and they want different things," Gay said. "You can't just carry one brand of something."
Four Things Tank Truck Drivers Need on the Road

"When a tanker driver needs to rest, there are only certain areas they can park their equipment. This is to protect the public," said Danny Hansen, Sinclair's trucking manager.
Four Things Travel Store Managers Want

Truckstop operators know drivers are going to stop for food and fuel, but additional sales within the location's travel store can help boost profits while meeting drivers' other needs.
The Bus Stops Here, One Vehicle Brings Many

For Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa, word-of-mouth marketing has been key. “Bus drivers talk to each other and they talk about the fact that we can accommodate large groups and we have a portico they can unload their bus under. Plus when buses drive by our location on another trip, they can see we have bus parking and other buses are stopped,” Heather DeBaillie, marketing manager for Iowa 80 Group, said.
Helping the Next Generation, The 2011 Bill Moon Scholarship Recipients

Truckstop and travel plaza employees and their families can apply now for the 2012 Bill Moon Scholarship. Applications are available at http://www.natso.com/natsofoundation/billmoonscholarship. The deadline is April 13, 2012.
Easy Payments Cardless Fueling Coming Soon to a Station Near You

Jenny Love Meyer, director of communications for Love’s, said RFID creates a competitive advantage for the chain. “We know that the drivers and the fuel managers prefer not to deal with cards. The possibility of eliminating cards is a big convenience for the customers and it reduces the chance for fuel thefts to occur,” Meyer said.

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