Foodservice is now one of the most important differentiators for travel centers and truck stops, and the right food offerings can create a competitive advantage. The ideal mix of food service offerings often includes a combination of proprietary and branded programs, but what should travel centers consider when partnering with a QSR? “We’re a house of brands, so we want to have multiple offerings to appeal to everyone,” Chris Heinz, director of operations and finance at Heinz Inc. said.
President Directs Federal Action on Vehicle Repair
President Trump on June 29 signed a Presidential Memoranda directing federal action to protect Americans’ right to repair their own vehicles and expand access to aftermarket parts, without being accused […]
Four More Key Findings on Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers
The NATSO Foundation has released its 2026 Annual Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Survey Toolkit, giving truck stop and travel center operators new insights into the factors shaping where professional drivers choose to stop, their wants and needs, and what makes them return to a location.
The survey revealed that truck stops and travel centers are competing not only on location and fuel price, but also on the overall stopping experience. Operators focusing on efficiency, safety, cleanliness and value have incredible opportunities to attract customers, increase loyalty and convert customer traffic into sales.
Key findings include:
Loyalty programs influence drivers’ decisions on where to stop and can be a powerful tool to attract value-minded consumers. More than a one-third of drivers prefer to redeem loyalty program points for free showers, followed by in-store discounts and merchandise discounts…
The NATSO Foundation Seeks Vendors for 2027 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 2027 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. “The NATSO Foundation Food and Beverage Steering Council ensures travel centers remain relevant amidst evolving consumer food, buying, and travel habits.”
Five Key Findings on Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers
The NATSO Foundation has released its 2026 Annual Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Survey Toolkit, giving truck stop and travel center operators new insights into the factors shaping where professional drivers choose to stop, their wants and needs, and what makes them return to a location.
The survey revealed that truck stops and travel centers are competing not only on location and fuel price, but also on the overall stopping experience. Operators focusing on efficiency, safety, cleanliness and value have incredible opportunities to attract customers, increase loyalty and convert customer traffic into sales.
Key findings include:
Very few drivers plan their stops far in advance, making awareness and visibility critical to attracting customers. Most drivers—42%—said they plan their fuel stops the same day. The top factors drivers consider when choosing a truck stop are fuel prices, plenty of parking and easy access to the interstate…
NATSO Foundation Releases 2026 Professional Driver Buying Behavior Toolkit
The NATSO Foundation has released its 2026 Annual Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Survey Toolkit, giving truck stop and travel center operators new insights into the factors shaping where professional drivers choose to stop, their wants and needs, and what makes them return to a location.
The toolkit found that while fuel prices remain important, drivers increasingly evaluate travel centers based on the overall experience, including parking availability, cleanliness, safety, lighting, convenience and loyalty rewards.
“Drivers are making decisions based on the full experience, not just cost,” said Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation. “Operators that invest in safe, clean and efficient locations will be better positioned to attract drivers and ensure repeat visits.”
NATSO Welcomes T Lines as a Chairman’s Circle Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: June 9, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, VA — NATSO, representing America’s travel centers and truck stops, is pleased to welcome T Lines as a new Chairman’s Circle member. Through this […]
NATSO, SIGMA Urge Treasury Department to Finalize Rule for “Section 45Z” as Congress Intended
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: June 8, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, VA. — NATSO, representing the nation’s truck stops and travel centers, andSIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, praised President Trump and his Administration for […]
Call for Speakers: Share Your Expertise at NATSO Connect 2027
Speaker abstract submissions are now open for NATSO Connect 2027.
NATSO Welcomes EVgo as a Chairman’s Circle Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: June 2, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, VA — NATSO, representing America’s travel centers and truck stops, today announced that EVgo has joined NATSO as a Chairman’s Circle member. EVgo […]
Technology Can Help Prevent Fuel Loss and Theft
For operators, every gallon counts, and technology can help them prevent accidental losses as well as outright theft. It can also increase efficiency for operators by accurately tracking and communicating information on tank levels.
“If I were an operator, I would be looking for things driven around efficiency—staff efficiency, maintenance efficiency, delivery efficiency, driver efficiency—anything that makes the staff’s work easier and eliminates the spreadsheets so they can focus on things that are more customer-centric,” said Tony Caputo, director of business development for Warren Rogers.