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07-31-2025 by NATSO Foundation Travel Center See Increase in Technology at the Backcourt Pump

The backcourt at truck stops is evolving with new diesel fuel pump technologies designed to enhance fueling efficiency, reduce downtime and improve overall service.

Reducing friction at the pump and increasing fueling times benefits operators and drivers alike. Drivers can either back on the road or head inside to take advantage of other amenities and the truck stop has greater throughput.

Payment technology is one tool that can increase speed at the pump. Traditionally pumps at the backcourt have not accepted credit card payments, so drivers must walk inside, visit the fuel desk to authorize the transaction, go outside to pump fuel and go back inside to get a receipt. More and more drivers want to save time by completing transactions right at the fuel island.

“Think of ways to allow them to pay that doesn’t require them to go inside,” said Darren Schulte, NATSO’s vice president of membership. “If drivers have to go in to pay and your competition provides the option to pay for fuel without going inside, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage for the customer who wants to fuel and go.”
07-31-2025
07-23-2025 by Amy Toner Private Fleets are Gaining Market Share

Private fleet has surged, and drivers for private fleets often have different needs than long-haul drivers at for-hire, over-the-road fleets.

What does it means for travel centers? Speed and efficiency are always important to professional drivers, and private fleet drivers may be on even tighter and more predictable schedules, making clean restrooms, quick-service food, efficient fueling and short-term parking even more important for this group. Private fleets also tend to have shorter lengths of haul, which means their drivers are less likely to need overnight parking, showers or other amenities that truck stops have traditionally provided.

07-23-2025
07-16-2025 by Amy Toner Travel Center Industry Sees Growth Through Acquisitions

Building a truck stop from the ground up can take several years. The development process, due diligence, land acquisition, zoning and build out all take time. Not to mention that 10+ acres established areas can be tough to find. Acquiring existing sites can help businesses hit the ground running while also saving money.

Building a new location can be a two-year process versus buying an existing site, which typically takes three to six months. As a result, acquisitions are a good way to get operational and bring in revenue right away. Even if operators plan to make major renovations or upgrades, they can generate revenue while making improvements.

“The main benefit of growing through acquisitions is time,” said Kevin O’Hanlon, first vice president, investments, for Marcus Millichap, a real estate brokerage company. Marcus Millichap generously sponsored Fast Forward Focus, the NATSO Foundation’s fall leadership conference.

The second benefit is cost. The cost of a new build can easily exceed $20 million all in. O’Hanlon said a common misconception is that the cost of acquiring and improving a property cost more than developing a new location. “That is true in some cases, but if you buy at the right price that should never be the situation,” he explained. “Purchasing an existing truck stop could be less capital intensive at purchase.”

Operators
07-16-2025
07-09-2025 by Amy Toner Truck Washes Are Picking Up at Travel Centers

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.
07-09-2025
07-08-2025 by Amy Toner NATSO Foundation Partners with Wreaths Across America

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.
07-08-2025
06-23-2025 by Amy Toner The NATSO Foundation Seeks Applications for Newly Created Food and Beverage Steering Council

Food is a critical part of truck stops and travel centers’ offerings, and it continually helps locations stand out from the competition. The NATSO Foundation’s new Food and Beverage Steering Council is bringing together experts to share their insights and knowledge to help steer the industry in this important profit center.

“QSRs, beverage companies, wholesale supply chains—these companies all have a wealth of knowledge to guide travel center operators on their food offerings,” said Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation. “We’ve formed the NATSO Foundation Food and Beverage Steering Council to ensure travel centers remain relevant amidst evolving consumer food, buying, and travel habits.”
06-23-2025
06-19-2025 by NATSO Foundation Travel Center Product Mixes are Changing

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.”
06-19-2025
06-11-2025 by Amy Toner Travel Centers See Increased Competition to Feed Professional Drivers

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.”
06-11-2025
06-04-2025 by NATSO Foundation Travel Centers See Increased Focus on Forecourt Diesel

Shifts in freight patterns, an increase in light- and medium-duty commercial vehicles, and higher levels of RV traffic are driving an increase in forecourt diesel sales.

“I would strongly suggest our members to look at the big, big picture and how it is impacting them. New entrants to the market are ensuring they have diesel in all of their fueling lanes and have auto diesel up front.” said Darren Schulte, NATSO’s interim CEO and vice president of membership.
06-04-2025
05-28-2025 by Amy Toner NATSO Foundation Releases Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report

Staying ahead of industry trends—especially microtrends—enables travel centers to seize new opportunities, adapt to market dynamics and meet customer needs proactively.

The NATSO Foundation created the Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report to provide actionable insights to help operators maintain a competitive edge.

The report is available for download for $250.

The Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report was created with generous support from CAT Scale.
05-28-2025
05-12-2025 by Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman The NATSO Foundation Partners with Wreaths Across America’s Truckloads of Remembrance

With Military Appreciation Month underway, the NATSO Foundation is proud to announce its participation in the nationwide Truckloads of Remembrance in partnership with the nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA).

Wreath sponsorships are $17, and $5 from each sponsorship will support the NATSO Foundation. “The funds will help support our initiatives designed to keep travel center employees and their customers safe,” said Amy Toner, executive director, the NATSO Foundation. 

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. 
05-12-2025

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