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06-20-2013 by NATSO Risk Management: NATSO Members are Talking. Are You Listening

When I meet with travel plaza owners to discuss the risk management culture at their businesses, I often notice a repeating pattern. They have good intentions of making employee and customer safety a priority, but their good intentions don’t always get acted upon. They cite sticking points such as:

I’m too busy.
I’m not sure how to do it.
We don’t really have any problems.

Although these reasons can indeed be legitimate, they are often excuses. And excuses, my father always taught me, are like armpits—everyone has them and they all stink.
06-20-2013
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06-20-2013 by NATSO Simmons Travel Center: Where the Drivers Always Come Back Happy

Take exit 8 off I-95 in emporia, Va., and you’ll find NATSO member Simmons Travel Center. In business since 1941, the location offers a haircut at their hair salon, a slice of pizza from Hunt Brothers Pizza and perhaps most importantly, a friendly smile to greet every customer. When you leave, you’ll want to come back or at least that is the goal at this family-owned location. “Our motto is bring them back happy,” shared General Manager Tony Moore.
06-20-2013
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06-19-2013 by NATSO Finding Success Using Warren Buffet’s Rules

Those of you who attended The NATSO Show may remember that during my speech I shared that there is one thing Warren Buffet and I have in common, and, unfortunately for me, it’s not wealth. It is the belief that investing in yourself provides a higher return than any other investment you can make.
06-19-2013
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06-18-2013 by Darren Schulte International Retailers Embrace New Ideas

Several international locations are experimenting with new ideas, such as paid restrooms and bulk windshield wash distribution where the customer filled his washing fluid at the pump as was charged accordingly.
06-18-2013
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06-14-2013 by bgaskins Non-Compliant Sales Counters Due to Height and Width Issues

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design section 904 covers the guidelines for sales and service counters.

904.4.1 Parallel Approach. A portion of the counter surface that is 36 inches long minimum and 36 inches high maximum above the finish floor shall be provided. A clear floor or ground surface complying with 305 shall be positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch minimum length of counter.

904.4.2 Forward Approach. A portion of the counter surface that is 30 inches long minimum and 36 inches high maximum shall be provided. Knee and toe space complying with 306 shall be provided under the counter. A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be positioned for a forward approach to the counter.

Most sales and service counters are designed for a parallel approach. Section 305 is referred to in both the parallel and forward approach. It states that the clear floor space in front of the sales and service counter should be a minimum of 30 by 48 inches.
06-14-2013
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06-06-2013 by NATSO Florida 595 Truck Stop Say Pardon Our Appearance

Florida 595 Truck Stop in Davie Florida says, “Pardon our appearance during our parking lot expansion project” and wants all trucking companies and drivers to know that during this construction period there is still plenty of parking available.
06-06-2013
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06-05-2013 by NATSO Truckstop Merchandise Purchases Up 10% Vs. 2012

The total merchandise purchases per week per travel plaza and truckstop excluding cigaretteswere up 10% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 according to the 1st Quarter 2013 McLane-NATSO Foundation Index. Total travel plaza and truckstop convenience purchases from McLane averaged $16,332 per week during the first quarter of 2013 versus $15,578 during the first quarter of 2012.
06-05-2013
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06-03-2013 by Amy Toner The NATSO Show Magazine: June Issue

The June issue of The NATSO Show magazine is out! For two and half days, the industry gathers to find knowledge, solutions and connections at The NATSO Show. Just like The NATSO Show, The NATSO Show Magazine is your source for solutions to improve your travel plaza business operations and for information on trends affecting the industry to help you make future-focused business decisions.

Each month The NATSO Show magazine brings you exclusive interviews, great ideas, location highlights and tips for how best to take advantage of The NATSO Show.
06-03-2013
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06-03-2013 by NATSO Final Rule Published on Employment Wellness Programs

Final rules on employee wellness programs allow employers to increase incentives and penalties to encourage workers to participate in employee wellness programs such as smoking cessation and gym memberships. The final rules implement provisions of the Affordable Care Act and include clarification on the reasonable design of health wellness programs and the reasonable alternatives they must offer to avoid prohibited discrimination.
06-03-2013
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05-28-2013 by NATSO A Day in the Life of Truckstop Operator Tony Moore

Tony Moore, manager of Simmons Travel Center in Emporia, Va., is either at work or on call 24 hours a day. Not only does his staff have his number, he leaves his cards throughout the location so customers know how to reach him day or night. His goal is to make customers feel welcome and he wants them to know he cares.
05-28-2013

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