Travel Center Backcourt Experiences Exceed Expectations

Even as diesel demand is forecasted to grow, an unprecedented expansion of diesel lanes by c-store retailers is intensifying competition across the country. For travel centers, the landscape is no longer defined by location alone — it’s about economics, investment strategy, and creating a differentiated experience for professional drivers. Register to join Peter Rasmussen, CEO and founder of Convenience and Energy Advisors and the NATSO Foundation for a webinar on Dec 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST (1:00pm CST, 12:00pm MST and 11am PST.) Rasmussen will uncover the underlying drivers of this expansion and outlines the operational, financial, and strategic decisions every travel center should be considering today.

NATSO on Dec. 4 joined organizations representing oil refiners, ethanol producers, fuel marketers and convenience store retailers in asking President Trump to support long-term legislative policies that would help ensure […]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) to revise the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027 to […]

Fuel islands are vital to the operations of truck stops and travel centers, but they also pose a variety of safety risks. There are obvious dangers associated with flammable fuels as well as more routine threats of slips, trips, and falls. By focusing on employee training, regular maintenance, and safety technologies, operators can significantly reduce risks and provide a safer environment for both drivers and staff. “As part of our onboarding, we train on the use and locations of all fire extinguishers. We take new team members to each fire extinguisher, have them pick it up from the holder, to make sure they can do it, and explain where to direct the nozzle,” said Damon Borden, operations manager for Broadway Group.

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.”

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.

NATSO testified before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) July 8 that fuel retailers view the proposed 2026 and 2027 renewable volume obligations (RVOS) as a positive signal for biofuel investments […]

Congressman Bost (R-IL) and Congressman Mike Collins (R-GA), along with 31 House lawmakers, on June 10, 2025, requested that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implement a preemptive and […]

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.”

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.

Truck stop leaders speaking at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo said that they are investing in zero-carbon fuels for trucking fleets and rolling out solutions as the markets allow. They also see a future where locations will need to offer multiple fuels and energy sources to meet fleets’ needs. “There's no one size fits all solution,” said Debi Boffa, CEO of TravelCenters of America and a member of NATSO’s board of directors. “We're looking for different opportunities to learn and test these technologies as it gets played out.” She said that offering choice is important because different fleets have different needs. “We're constantly looking at what's going on in the market, what is the best price opportunity for our customers, where we want to invest first and where we want to invest later,” she explained.

The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill led by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) was introduced in the […]