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Mindy Long

Mindy Long is a journalist and editor specializing in the logistics, transportation and fueling industries. She has been writing professionally for more than 25 years and launched her freelance business in 2008. Prior to going freelance, she served as editor of Stop Watch, a staff reporter at Transport Topics, and a Washington correspondent for WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vermont. Her work appears in a variety of media outlets. 

RaceTrac Celebrates Professional Drivers Throughout September

Posted on by Mindy Long

RaceTrac is focused on connecting with professional drivers as it grows its travel center program, and the company recently announced its plans to celebrate drivers throughout September in honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs Sept. 15-21.

“It’s been a special focus for us since we’ve launched this travel center program. Historically, we talk about it as Truck Driver Appreciation Week for RaceTrac,” Nick LaFalce, RaceTrac’s marketing manager said. “We like to expand that and call it truck driver appreciation month.”

OEMs Invest in Alternative Fueling Solutions, Including Diesel Engines

Posted on by Mindy Long

Equipment manufacturers are rolling out low and zero-emission solutions that will help reduce carbon emissions and are investing in several technologies to meet future regulatory and customer requirements.

“We believe three technologies are needed to reach net zero: Battery electric, fuel cell electric and the combustion engine running on renewable fuels,” said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks. While speaking during ACT Expo, Alm said Volvo Trucks will only produce zero-emission trucks beginning in 2040.

Travel Center Technology Improving

Posted on by Mindy Long

The technology used in the truck stop and travel center industry is accelerating exponentially, leaving operators to sift through the wide range of options to determine which solutions will drive profitability.

“We like to have our drivers come inside and experience the amenities, but a hugely important factor is getting in and out quickly,” said Craig Jensen, director of information technology for Sapp Bros.

Travel Center Construction Due Diligence

Posted on by Mindy Long

Article created for the digital issue of the NATSO Foundation’s magazine. Due diligence is the groundwork to every successful travel center construction project and investing 12-24 months to complete the necessary research […]

Fighting Fraud at the Fuel Pump

Posted on by Mindy Long

Fraud at the fuel pump is a concern for truck stop and travel plaza operators and their customers, but technology is helping mitigate risk, keep payments secure and prevent theft.
Gather eight ways to help fight fraud at the pump.

Do More with Less on Your Travel Center Signs

Posted on by Mindy Long

Signage is powerful, but if signs include too much information, they become more noise that customers have to sift through. The most effective signs streamline information and make it easy for customers to connect with the messaging. Travel center signs should be clutter free. “It is decluttered, more focused messaging. That applies to price signs and digital signs,” said Cameron Cordova, vice president of sales at PMW Electronic Price Signs. “You don’t want to do too much. We’re a micro-consumption type of society. You don’t want to create something people have to stand there and read.”

How to Attract and Retain Travel Center Employees

Posted on by Mindy Long

Truck stop and travel center operators who cast a wide net when recruiting will increase the likelihood of finding quality candidates with the right skills and attract a diverse group of employees.

For Coffee Cup Fuel Stops locations, attracting a diverse range of candidates is important because they, like many travel centers, are in unpopulated areas.

“We cast a wide net and use all kinds of mechanisms for recruiting,” Ericka Schapekahm, director of human resources for Coffee Cup Fuel Stops said.

“We have floats in every parade. We do volunteer work. In Vermillion, the manager runs the Toast Master Group,” Schapekahm said. “It is fun, but it is intentional.”

Get More Exposure with Trucker Apps

Posted on by Mindy Long

More and more truck drivers are using apps to decide where to stop, and truck stop and travel plaza operators can use the apps to help drive business to their locations. During NATSO Connect, Stop Watch sat down with Chris Oliver, chief marketing officer for Trucker Path, to learn more about the Trucker Path app and the free features operators can use to promote their businesses.

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