As NATSO has previously reported, the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting public input regarding expanding the types of goods and services that may be offered at highway rest areas located on the Interstate right-of-way. This is a potentially critical development for the truckstop and travel plaza industry.
The request for public comment is a clear indication that some state and potentially federal officials are considering an effort to expand the types of services that are permissible at highway rest areas. It represents the opening stage of that effort.
Specifically, DOT is requesting input as to what constitutes a "vending machine," noting that technological advancements in this area have been significant in recent years.
This is not a new rule, and is not even a proposed rule. It is critical, however, that DOT hear directly from the truckstop industry on the negative impacts of expanding the vending machine definition.
NATSO will submit detailed comments on behalf of the entire industry, but it is critical that FHWA receive personal testimony from members on the consequences of rest area commercialization. Comments are due to FHWA by Dec. 27, 2016.
NATSO members are urged to log in for more information on how to submit a letter to FHWA.