What You Missed in the Biz Brief This Week: April 9, 2014

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

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

1. Walmart Sues Visa 
   The world's largest retailer has filed a lawsuit against credit card company Visa for allegedly conspiring with banks to fix transaction fees. The lawsuit is seeking $5 billion in damages. If found guilty of violating antitrust laws, Visa could be forced to pay triple the requested amount. Walmart's complaint stated, "Visa's monopoly power has enabled it to dictate price and inhibit competition. There is no competition because merchants are prevented from realizing the price-reducing benefits that would result if issuers competed."  Click here to read more >

2. Travel Plaza Opening Near JFK Airport 
   A new travel plaza situated on the JF Expressway is scheduled to open April 3. The facility will feature fast food offerings Wendy's, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Max's New York Style Pizza. The JFK Travel Plaza will be capable of fueling vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas and electric batteries. The location is owned and operated by Airport Plazas, LLC. Click here to read more >

3. What Are Drivers Listening To? 
   Freight management company Go By Truck has released the results of its informal Facebook survey identifying professional driver listening trends. The Howard Stern Show was the most listened to program with America's Truckers Network registering a close second. Other programs frequently listened to include Bubba the Love Sponge, Coast to Coast AM, Dave Nemo, Glen Beck and Opie and Anthony. Click here to read more >

4. Proposed Union Elections Rule Would Create Employer Challenges 
   Fuel retailers confronting unionization efforts could face significant challenges under an elections rule proposed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that would accelerate the timeframe allowed for union elections. Click here to read more >

5. TA Names Driver Award Recipients 
   TravelCenters of America announced eight 2014 recipients of its Citizen Driver Awards at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. TA describes Citizen Drivers as "hardworking professional truck drivers moving loads to keep our economy going. Citizen Drivers not only have an exemplary career in trucking, they are great examples of the kind of people who honor the great profession of truck driving. By demonstrating their good citizenship, safety, community involvement, and leadership, they are shining examples of all of the hard working men and women in this industry with whom there is pride in being associated." Click here to read more >

6. Va. Travel Plaza Victim of Pump and Run 
   Simmons Travel Plaza was the victim of a "pump and run" incident that cost the operator $1,500. A light colored Freightliner Cascadia, with no trailer, pumped 414 gallons and pulled away from the fuel islands and left the property. The tractor did not have a vehicle number or license plate. In 2011, Virginia imposed strict penalties for "drive-offs," including loss of driver's license. Simmons Travel Plaza is located in southern Virginia on I-95. Click here to read more >

7. Gasoline Sales Trend Continues Decrease 
   Doug Short, vice president of research at Advisor Perspectives, offers an interesting analysis of gasoline sales trends. The nation's current 12-month moving average for gasoline sales is 8.2 percent below where it stood in August 2005. Additionally, Short's analysis indicates that the latest per-capita daily average of gasoline sales is 21.1 percent below the 1989 high. While fuel efficiency is a factor in the decrease, Short also lists the aging population, working from home, social media and increased urban population growth as trend drivers. Click here to read more >

8. “My alternative fuel is diesel. I don’t see any replacement of diesel in the near future, not even in the long run.”

   Daimler Truck and Bus Division head Wolfgang Bernhard. 
   Click here to read more >

9. Free Coffee at McDonald's 
   In a bid to shore up its breakfast segment, McDonald's announced that it will provide a free small coffee with any breakfast order. The promotion will run from March 31 through April 13 at participating locations. The move is an attempt to protect its breakfast sales volume on the heels of new breakfast product roll outs by several competitors including Taco Bell and Starbucks. Click here to read more >

10. How to Assure Your Competitive Advantage 
    Your company's sustainable competitive advantage will come only from one group of assets: your team. How do you go about attracting a great team of today's available talent? Hugh Welsh, president and general counsel of DSM North America, offers five suggestions. Seek intelligence, integrity and initiative, don't be fooled by appearances, understand what drives today's talent, provide real responsibilities and offer a genuine sense of community. Attracting great talent from the "Google Generation" requires different approaches. Click here to read more >

     

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