Topics: Trends

Automation and Digitization are Changing Nearly Every Industry Including Travel Centers

Automation and Digitization are Changing Nearly Every Industry Including Travel Centers

Automation and digitization are changing nearly every industry, including trucking and highway-based businesses that serve drivers. The Ernst & Young report Embracing the Automation Revolution in Trucking, which was prepared for the NATSO Foundation, said a world in which automation becomes the norm in the trucking industry is already beginning to emerge. More

RVers are Hitting the Road, Travel Centers are Ready

RVers are Hitting the Road, Travel Centers are Ready

The recreational vehicle industry has been experiencing nearly 45 years of long-term growth but saw a spike in traffic due to the pandemic, creating an opportunity for travel centers to serve them. “RV customers are an untapped potential. Oftentimes, these customers are retirees with extra time and more disposable income. They purchase a large number of gallons and are an opportunity for additional general merchandise and food sales,” Darren Schulte, NATSO’s vice president, membership, said. More

Food Offerings Are a Key Differentiator for Travel Centers in 2024

Food Offerings Are a Key Differentiator for Travel Centers in 2024

Food offerings are a key differentiator that can make truck stops and travel centers standout from the competition and bring drivers inside. Jessica Williams, CEO of Food Forward Thinking, said professional drivers get tired of the same old thing, and she is seeing more and more locations add non-traditional quick-service and fast-casual franchises and licenses to help their businesses stand out. More

Professional Driver Demographics are Shifting

Professional Driver Demographics are Shifting

The NATSO Foundation identified eight key trends expected to shape the truck stop and travel center industry in 2024. A trend with a big impact on the travel center industry is the demographic of professional drivers.  Trucking companies are tapping into underrepresented pools of candidates to help attract new entrants to the industry. These include younger drivers, women and minorities. Truck driver demographics are important because they influence the products and services drivers need. More

Growth in Freight Tonnage Impacts the Travel Center Industry

Growth in Freight Tonnage Impacts the Travel Center Industry

One trend with a big impact on the travel center industry is the growth in freight tonnage.  The American Trucking Associations’ 2023-2034 Freight Forecast said total freight tonnage is rising and projected to grow 26.6% over the forecast period. “Look for an average annual increase of 2.0% per year from 2024 to 2034,” the report stated. More

A Look at Shortening Length of Hauls

A Look at Shortening Length of Hauls

The NATSO Foundation identified eight key trends expected to shape the truck stop and travel center industry in 2024. One trend with a big impact on the travel center industry is shorter lengths of haul.  More

2024 Trend: Travel Center Face Increased Competition

2024 Trend: Travel Center Face Increased Competition

Truck stop and travel center operators face competition from a wide range of industries, including traditional convenience stores that are now focusing on truck traffic, grocery stores and restaurants that are installing fuel pumps, and big-box stores that are adding quick-service food offerings. More

2024 Trend: Travel Center Need to Adapt to Elevated Customer Expectations

2024 Trend: Travel Center Need to Adapt to Elevated Customer Expectations

Shoppers have more choices than ever regarding what to buy and where to shop, but more and more consumers are looking for an experience. Truck stops and travel centers can set themselves apart by being a 24/7 source of freshly made food, unique offerings, creative displays and a seamless shopping experience. More

Eight Trends Shaping the Travel Center Industry in 2024: New NATSO Foundation Toolkit

Eight Trends Shaping the Travel Center Industry in 2024: New NATSO Foundation Toolkit

The NATSO Foundation identified eight key trends expected to shape the truck stop and travel center industry in 2024. Download a copy of the new toolkit from the NATSO Foundation to identify and adapt to emerging trends, whether in consumer behavior, drivers’ needs, or industry practices. More

Trucking Trends and Their Impact on Truckstops

Trucking Trends and Their Impact on Truckstops

Earlier in the year, Darren Schulte, vice president, membership at NATSO and Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation, presented on trucking trends on truckstops at M-PACT. Schulte and Toner brought their trends information to the podcast. More

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