NATSO Tells Department of Transportation Expanding Commercial Services at Rest Areas Hurts Business

Added on: July 11, 2019

Abstract:

Expanding commercial services at rest areas, including vending, threatens consumers, small business and localities by undercutting the highway-based businesses that currently operate near the interstate exit interchanges, NATSO, the national association representing truckstops and travel plazas, said in comments filed with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). NATSO’s comments were filed in response to FHWA’s solicitation for public input regarding expanding the types of goods and services that may be offered at highway rest areas located on the right-of-way. The Department specifically requested input as to what constitutes a “vending machine,” noting that technological advancements in this area have been significant in recent years.