Planning a Travel Center New Build: Use Design to Increase Energy Efficiency

Loss prevention is an ongoing challenge for business owners including those of truck stops and travel centers. From merchandise shrinkage and employee theft to fuel fraud and wet stock loss, threats come from all directions and operators have to be proactive both inside the store and out at the pumps. Strategic policies, technology, and the right oversight can help reduce losses while also contributing to a safety culture. A simple best practice is to keep merchandise visible in every stage of its life, and Jeremie Myhren, co-founder of ONRAMP, recommends operators design their stores for visibility. “Keep gondola heights low so there is cashier visibility. Design for the latest in NVR and DVR camera solutions,” he said. “Most customer theft is people opening packages on the sales floor and then shoving it in their clothing.”

NATSO joined with a coalition of trade associations representing thousands of businesses across Main Streets nationwide in urging leaders of key Congressional House and Senate banking committees to take swift […]

Keeping property and buildings well-maintained plays a crucial role in safety, efficiency, and the overall guest experience. With 24/7 operations, buildings are constantly in use, making preventive and responsive maintenance essential. Neglecting or delaying maintenance can lead to safety hazards, compliance issues, and expensive repairs down the road. Busy Bee has found success using a mobile-first approach through the Limble maintenance app. “If you go to a location and you see that someone has hit an important sign, or someone has knocked Formica off of one of your fountain areas or a mirror has been damaged in your restroom, you click on the Limble app, and share the location, who you are, what needs to be fixed, take photos of it, and say what priority it is,” Elizabeth Waring, president and CEO of Busy Bee, explained.

NATSO, the trade association representing America’s travel centers and truck stops, announced that registration is now open for NATSO Connect 2026, scheduled to take place February 24–26, 2026, at the Clyde Hotel and Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, NM. "The truck stop and travel center industry is a truly diverse and innovative community driven by a singular mission of advancing the industry's future success. Through partnership and collaboration, NATSO's members drive value and growth for all," said NATSO President and CEO Max McBrayer. "I am inspired by these unique perspectives, and I look forward to meeting with NATSO's truck stop, travel center, Chairman's Circle and supplier members during my inaugural NATSO Connect." 

Wreaths Across America places wreaths for veterans at the Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day. The NATSO Foundation aims to raise funds through wreath sponsorships to fill one trailer load of sponsored veterans’ wreaths (approximately 4,500). To support the NATSO Foundation in reaching its goal, travel centers can participate by soliciting Wreaths Across America sponsorships through December 2, 2025.

NATSO and more than 20 industry associations representing automotive care and after-market suppliers urged the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to include the provisions of H.R. 1566, the Right […]

As soon as we read about Nisqually Markets’ Ramen Go! Experience, we knew we had to have Sam Roark, director of retail operations for Nisqually Markets, on the podcast. Nisqually Markets has it all – innovative technology, experiential offerings, and good food. Listen in as Roark walks listeners through everything that makes Nisqually Markets so special.

Class 8 truck registrations are trending upward, creating more opportunities for truck and trailer washes. Clean trucks not only help fleets improve their image but also help minimize the risk of corrosion from road salts and grime buildup. There are also regulatory requirements mandating trailer washes depending on the type of trailer and the commodity being hauled. Fleets and drivers often plan stops based on the services available, which could help locations with truck washes boost business. Vicki Hendon, president of Danny’s Truck Wash, which is Arizona, said her truck wash makes the location a destination, and she has seen an increase in truck washes. “I am washing trucks in the West,” Hendon said. “When the weather is bad in the East we wash trucks in the West. Our truck wash season starts when the snow and bad weather starts early in other parts of the country.” Nick Wollenman, general manager of Deluxe Truck Stop, said a lot of the location’s existing customer base for exterior washes are local fleets and farmers, but starting in late 2024 and into this year, he has seen more non-local drivers come in for exterior washing. “To be honest most of them are filthy dirty and really need the wash,” he said.

This year, the NATSO Foundation is partnering with the nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) in the nationwide Truckloads of Remembrance initiative. Through this initiative, the NATSO Foundation has joined WAA in raising awareness and support for the sponsorship of veterans’ wreaths for placement by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery. To support the NATSO Foundation in reaching its goal, truck stops and travel centers can participate by soliciting wreath sponsorships now through December 2, 2025. Truck stops and travel centers should ask for donations using this NATSO Foundation link: www.natso.com/wreathsacrossamerica.

At All American Truckers Paradise, they’re setting a new bar for what a truck stop can be. Located on Interstate 35 in Gainesville, TX, the newly opened All American Truckers Paradise was designed with the trucker in mind. Dean Ash, CEO of All American Trucker’s Paradise, joined the NATSO Foundation’s podcast to discuss the plethora of unique amenities, including soul food, no-wait mobile fueling and truck washing services, and a very unique mail and package offering.

It is easier than ever for professional drivers to park their tractor-trailer then head off-property for food, which means competition for drivers’ dollars is increasing. Ideas to combat this trend include: Consider investing in appealing attractions around the travel center could make it a destination. To help increase variety for drivers, get creative with their food offerings by adding rotating food trucks or non-traditional QSR offerings. Offer solutions that get them fresh food quickly such as salad bars, fresh produce and more interesting grab-and-go. “There is a location outside of Las Vegas that offers a free shuttle to the Strip. That is why drivers stop there,” said Peter Rasmussen, CEO and founder, Convenience & Energy Advisors, who spent time with WaWa before launching his business. “In my WaWa days, we would build parcels with McDonalds and Starbucks. They’re competitors, but it makes that intersection a powerhouse.”

NATSO and the NATSO Foundation's leadership event, Fast Forward Focus, will be held Oct. 29 - 30, 2025 at the InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport. NATSO’s Fast Forward Focus is designed to help highway fuel retailers gain insight into how trends are likely to affect their operating environment. At Fast Forward Focus, it is always the interaction among outstanding peers around the room that turns expert information into actionable insights. We have a terrific lineup of speakers with insights to help travel centers grow their businesses and prepare for what’s ahead planned.