What You Missed in the Biz Brief This Week: June 18, 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 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. TA Reports Improved Fourth Quarter 
   TravelCenters of America reported a 3.9 percent increase in fourth quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent/restructuring costs (EBITDAR) compared with the same period of 2012. The company experienced a $2.6 million earnings improvement, driven primarily by a 1.2 cent increase in fuel margins. Gross fuel margins improved to 16.9 cents per gallon during the quarter. TA also reported capital expenditures totaling $164.2 million in 2013. At the end of 2013, TravelCenters' network included 247 locations. Click here to read more >

2. Cargo Theft Influences Carrier Stops 
   Nearly $100 million was lost in 2013 through cargo theft from trucks. As a result, carriers are focusing on ways to reduce the frequency of cargo theft incidents. Schneider National has been especially effective in their efforts, which have decreased cargo theft by 20 percent. One technology that Schneider has employed is called "geo-fencing," which alerts drivers if they are entering a truckstop or rest area that has a high incidence of cargo theft. The technology suggests alternate stops to avoid these areas. Click here to read more >

3. New Kansas Truckstop Development Considered 
   NWK Investments has proposed the construction of a travel center development in Hays, Kan., at exit 157 on Interstate 70. The developer has proposed a 90-room hotel and multiple food-service offerings in addition to the travel center facility. According to Jim Milensifer, vice president of operations for Chance Management, which is the property management arm of NWK, the development would be more of an “upscale property.” The Hays Commissioners are considering the proposal. Click here to read more >
   

4. “We want this to be a safe haven for truckers.”
   Kay Beard, developer of proposed truckstop in Fort Wayne, Ind. 
   Click here to read more >

5. Oregon Road Project Impacts Travel Center 
   A $72 million road project on the Fern Valley exit of Interstate 5 in Phoenix, Ore., is creating traffic disruptions for local motorists and a travel center's customers. The Petro Stopping Center is located at the interchange. Commercial traffic leaving the truckstop will be diverted to the next exit north and then be required to proceed south on I-5. The project will convert the the Fern Valley exit into Oregon's first diverging diamond interchange. Click here to read more >
   
   
6. Flying J Ohio Location Construction Begins 
   Pilot Flying J commenced construction on a new location on Highway 35 in Chillicothe, Ohio. The facility, which will include a Moe's Southwest Grill food, is slated to open in the fall. The center will bring 60 new jobs to the Ohio city. Click here to read more >

7. Love's to Build Eighth Florida Location 
   Love's Travel Stops said it plans to build a facility on I-95 in North Jacksonville, Fla. The 14-acre project will include a Subway sandwich shop and a Chester’s International fried chicken restaurant. It also will feature a Truck Tire Care center for tire care and roadside assistance. The travel stop, which is the eighth Florida Love's, is expected to open in mid-spring 2015. Click here to read more >

8. Love's Opens Two New Travel Stops 
   Love's Travel Stops has opened two new locations. A unit has been opened at the junction of U.S. Highways 400, 56 and 283 in Dodge City, Kan. This location will feature a Chester's International restaurant, three private showers and 31 truck parking spaces. Another travel stop, opened at exit 26 on I-70 in Grand junction, Colo., will offer a Carl's Jr. restaurant, seven private showers, 80 truck parking spaces and a Truck Tire Care center. Click here to read more >
   
   
9. Daimler Questions Class 8 Use of Natural Gas 
   Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, the head of Daimler North America global truck and bus business, spoke recently about his view of the future of natural gas use in the Class 8 market. During comments made at the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association breakfast at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Bernhard remarked, “My alternative fuel is diesel, and we will continue to perfect that technology.” Prior to that meeting, Martin Daum, president and CEO of Daimler North America, said natural gas seems a more viable option for local delivery applications. Daimler officials shared infrastructure weaknesses pointing out that there are still 200 times more diesel stations than natural gas stations. Click here to read more >
   
   
10. "It’s much safer to have these trucks on the road during nighttime hours.”
    Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, commenting on her efforts to suspend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's hours-of-service restart rule while the agency conducts a one-year study to examine the rule. 
    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.