NATSO Creates New Tool for Truckstops and Travel Centers Improve Operations and Reduce Risk With an Operational Checklist

Signage is an important tool to bring in highway traffic, but locations only have a few seconds to grab drivers’ attention. “Signage studies show that it takes about five seconds due to cognitive load to look at a sign and determine what that sign says,” said Curtis Dukes, director of digital solutions and integration for Sunshine Electronic Display Corp. “At 70 miles an hour, you only have three seconds.” That’s why signage needs to be clear and concise. “Drivers scan. They don’t study a sign,” Dukes added. “Complexity will hurt you.” During NATSO Connect 2026, Dukes told attendees that drivers are scanning signs for brand recognition, price advantage or a compelling amenity and recommended operators simplify their messaging so it can be understood at speed in real-world conditions.

The House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 on March 5 to advance H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — also known as the farm bill — to […]

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Deb Fischer (R-NE.) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving highway safety with respect to vehicle roadside crashes and work zones. The “Preventing Roadside and Work […]

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on Feb. 10, 2026, held a markup of legislation to advance and strengthen motor vehicle safety, including H.R. 1566, […]

The partial government shutdown ended February 3, 2026, after President Trump signed five of the remaining FY2026 appropriations bills plus a two-week extension of Homeland Security funding. This means that […]

For truck stops, upgrading or updating their point-of-sale (POS) systems is the first step toward tapping into new opportunities around multiple payment methods, loyalty programs and diverse ordering options. As consumers’ needs and preferences changes, POS platforms are going beyond processing transactions and becoming the foundation for customer engagement, operational efficiency and long-term growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving from a buzzword into a practical business tool that can deliver real, measurable benefits. AI-driven systems can help with everything from reducing downtime and improving pricing decisions to personalizing the customer experience. “When used well, AI takes data operators already have and turns it into action. It can keep pumps running, detect fraud and help customers feel recognized,” said Jeremie Myhren, cofounder and CIO of Onramp. “For independents looking to compete in an increasingly digital landscape, AI is not the future, it’s the next practical step.” (Myhren, along with members of the NATSO Foundation's 2026 Technology Steering Council, will present on AI during the Technology Forum at NATSO Connect. The Travel Center Technology Forum is designed to facilitate interactive discussions among truck stops and travel center operators regarding their top technology priorities. Learn more about NATSO Connect here.)

Traditionally, professional drivers haven’t had as many options to pay at the pump, but that is changing as new payment platforms gain traction across the trucking industry. These new platforms are not only increasing efficiency for drivers but also reshaping how truck stops and travel centers compete and forcing them to rethink how they attract and retain fueling customers.

Several members of the NATSO Foundation’s 2025 Technology Steering Council shared their insights into what technology is disrupting the industry and moderators table discussions during last month's Fast Forward Focus. 

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 222-209 late November 12 to advance a short-term continuing resolution that included full-year appropriations bills for Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch appropriations, […]

Visa and Mastercard proposed a new settlement in the decades-long antitrust battle between the card networks and merchants regarding interchange fees.  This marks the card networks’ third proposed settlement, the […]

Technology is transforming the way truck stops and travel centers operate. From mobile payment systems to app-based promotions and advanced customer engagement tools, operators are rethinking how they serve drivers. New solutions are creating more innovative, convenient and engaging experiences for drivers, helping operators boost loyalty and grow revenue. The NATSO Foundation and members of the NATSO Foundation 2025 Technology Steering Council have created a Technology Roadmap to help travel center operators stay current on the technology landscape. Purchase a copy to gather their insights into how operators can use technology to their advantage and the most impactful tools travel centers should deploy today.