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.
11-19-2025Technology 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.
11-05-2025Staying 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.
05-28-2025For travel center and truck stop operators, net operating costs provide insight into their locations’ profitability, efficiency and success, which explains why operators are constantly looking to improve their net operating costs.
The NATSO Foundation created the 11 Ways to Improve Net Operating Costs Toolkit to help operators improve their net operating costs.
11-06-2024Commercial fuel buying is a complex process involving several pricing mechanisms, multiple fuel types, and various outside market factors that can affect supply and demand. At the same time, truck stop and travel center operators must closely monitor their budgets, fuel prices and inventory.
“One of the most important things to understand is how fuel is priced. There are several pricing mechanisms, including the spot market. In a traditional procurement perspective, that means I don’t necessarily have an agreed-to price,” Randy Grizzle, director of sales and marketing for TACenergy said. “I needed it today. I bought it today.” However, in commercial fueling, there are one of two indices that have spot in their name, which can create confusion, Grizzle said.
07-29-2024Buying fuel is a complicated process, and determining the best approach helps operators increase profitability while minimizing risks.
The NATSO Foundation has created this toolkit to give operators a broad understanding of available fuel types, including renewable fuel, and spot purchasing vs. index-based purchasing while also offering insights into choosing branded vs. unbranded fuel and building supplier relationships.
The toolkit was created in collaboration with TAC Energy.
06-03-2024Article created for the digital issue of the NATSO Foundation’s magazine There is a lot to consider when embarking on a new build, starting with the location. Selecting the best site for […]
04-08-2024Article created for the digital issue of Excerpt from Eight Trends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2024 Toolkit from the NATSO Foundation Understanding consumer expectations and preferences has become critical […]
03-08-2024The truck stop and travel center industry is unique, which means travel centers need unique guidance when planning a new build. The NATSO Foundation created this toolkit to help travel center […]
03-07-2024Article created for the digital issue of Excerpt from Eight Trends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2024 Toolkit from the NATSO Foundation Understanding consumer expectations and preferences has become critical […]
02-20-2024Article created for the digital issue of Excerpt from Eight Trends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2024 Toolkit from the NATSO Foundation Truck stop and travel center operators face competition […]
02-15-2024
