NEWSWATCH

1/12/2012
Shore Power Options Available at California Truck Stops

Pilot Flying J is now installing, shore power through the STEP program at travel centers at five California travel centers: Flying J Travel Plaza in Bakersfield; Pilot Travel Center in Dunnigan; Flying J Travel Plaza in Lebec; Flying J Travel Plaza in Lodi; and Pilot Travel Center in Weed. Each site will have between 24 and 48 parking spaces with electric power availability. Four of the sites will also offer three-phase 460 power to serve refrigerated loads.
Shore power is already available at Pilot Flying J’s Sacramento 49er Travel Plaza, through a project of Cascade Sierra Solutions and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
“Pilot Flying J is proud to be part of a program that reduces greenhouse emissions,” said Bill Mulligan, vice president of development for Pilot Flying J. “By offering Shorepower technology at these locations, we hope to provide additional convenience and cost savings for professional drivers. The convenience of our customers is always our top priority.”
Another truck stop, EZ Trip in Fresno, is also a participant in the STEP program and will be adding shore power.

1/09/2012
Chuck Bosselman, Chairman of Bosselman Companies Dies
Chuck Bosselman, 67, lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 7 in Grand Island, Neb., surrounded by his family. A true leader among leaders and visionary of the company, Bosselman was a second-generation business owner. His father, Fred, founded the first Bosselman's location in 1948. In 1967, Bosselman became general manager of the Grand Island Interstate 80 Bosselman Truck Stop. Bosselman was credited with shaping many of the practices truck drivers find standard today. The Bosselman Travel Centers were among the first to offer showers, movie theaters and fast-food restaurants within a truck stop.
Since then, he was instrumental in establishing the AmBest network of truck stops, authorized the Grandma Max's Restaurant concept, added several fast food franchises to the company, and in 2011, was a driving force in establishing the Uni-Maxx Truck Care Network, a full service truck repair shop network including the 35 Boss Truck Shops and the 38 Wingfoot Truck Care Centers (owned by Goodyear). This Uni-Maxx Network is now the nation’s second largest truck care network with over 70 locations coast to coast.
Bosselman was recently named the winner of the NATSO (National Association of Truck Stop Operators) Hall of Fame award and was to receive the honor at the NATSO Show 2012 in Las Vegas in February. The award recognizes individuals for their notable participation in their communities, industry and the association. Bosselman had volunteered for both the NATSO board of directors and the NATSO Foundation.
Chuck Bosselman’s children, Charlie Bosselman and Brandi Bosselman Lofing, will continue to lead the company as President and Attorney, respectively.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jan; son and daughter-in-law, Charlie and Laurie Bosselman; daughter and son-in-law, Brandi and Dustin Lofing all of Grand Island; his mother, Maxine of Grand Island; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Gene Graves of Grand Island and Mary and Scott Sahling of Worms; brother and sister-in-law, Fred A. and Deanna Bosselman of Doniphan; grandchildren, Carsten and Kinsey Bosselman and Spencer, Cooper, Parker and Katie Lofing; sisters-in-law and their spouses, Judy and Lyle Tibbs of Grand Island, Lana Lofgreen of Grand Island, Glenda Unzicker of Phoenix and Bob and Royanne Unzicker of Gering, NE; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chuck D. Bosselman Memorial Scholarship and sent to the Bosselman Corporate Headquarters at 3123 W Stolley Park Road Ste A, Grand Island, NE 68801.

12/21/ 2011
TA To Roll-Out Updated Laundry Equipment
TravelCenters of America said it has begun a program to replace nearly all of the 2,000 washers and dryers in the laundry rooms at company-owned TA and Petro locations.
The company says it plans to have all of the new machines in place by the end of March this year.
TA says that a payment station that will accept credit or debit cards as well as cash will be installed at 98% of these locations. The payment stations can notify drivers via text message when their wash and dry cycles are completed.

11/16/2001
Wingfoot Adds Two Truck Care Centers
Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems LLC has opened two new Wingfoot Truck Care Center locations. The new centers are located on Pilot Flying J properties in Joplin, Mo., I-44, Exit 11A and Greenwood, La., I-20, Exit 3.
Each new service center sells Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly truck tires, plus retreaded tires. The centers also provide trucking fleets with oil changes and other preventive maintenance services; light mechanical services, such as brake, electrical and heating/air conditioning repair; and 24/7 roadside assistance to get trucks back on the road quickly.

11/01/2011
Pilot Flying J to Purchase 7 Bosselman Travel Centers
In a press release Pilot Flying J and Bosselman Travel Centers, Inc. announced that Pilot Flying J will acquire seven Bosselman travel centers located in Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska. The transaction does not include the Bosselman Travel Center flagship location on I-80 just south of Grand Island, Neb., or any other of the Bosselman companies’ businesses.
The companies also announced Bosselman’s Boss Truck Shops would expand to 20 additional Pilot Flying J travel centers across the nation. In the statement, Bosselman officials said the company would place more emphasis on their truck repair shops and full-service restaurants.
The acquisition is set to close on January 5, 2012.

10/20/2011
Utah Truckstop Now Offering Shorepower
R Place Trucker’s Plaza, on I-80 in Wendover, Utah,  has installed 32 power hook-ups through the
Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), a federally funded program to install shore poer at 50 locations. The program, which is administered by Cascade Sierra Solutions, Eugene, Ore., in partnership with Shorepower Technologies, Portland, Ore., under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy.
As part of the STEP program, equipment-purchase incentives are being made available to about 5,000 vehicle owners who commit to using the hook-ups to reduce engine idling. Truck owners can apply online to Cascade Sierra Solutions for rebates up to 20 percent of the installed equipment price, or a maximum amount by category; up to 25 rebates per fleet are available.
Shorepower pedestals provide access to 120 VAC, 208 VAC or 240 VAC power sources, sold at a rate of $1 per hour, and to cable TV at most locations, with wireless Internet available for an additional charge. Access and payment can be handled with a card, smartphone, laptop or telephone activation system.
To see the network of Shorepower sites, visit www.plugintosavings.org.

10/18/2011
Goodyear’s Uni-Maxx Truck Care Network Adds Member
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. added a new member to its Uni-Maxx Truck Care on-highway service network: Ashland, Va.-based Highway Service Ventures/Patriot Farms Flying J.
Three Highway Service Ventures/Patriot Farms Flying J locations – one in Ruther Glen, Va., another in Elkton, Md., and a third in Florence, S.C. – are now part of the Uni-Maxx Truck Care network, which Goodyear unveiled this past summer.
All three locations are on Interstate 95, a major north-to-south corridor that runs from Maine to Florida. (Specifically, the Ruther Glen store is at exit 104, the Elkton store is at exit 109A, and the Florence store is at exit 169.)
Other network members include Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems LLC., a Goodyear subsidiary, and Boss Truck Shops Inc., a subsidiary of Bosselman Inc., which participate through their on-highway Wingfoot Truck Care Centers and Boss Shops locations, respectively.

The addition of the three Highway Service Ventures/Patriot Farms Flying J outlets gives the Uni-Maxx Truck Care network 75 locations, according to Clint Schrock, Goodyear’s director of on-highway operations.

10/13/2011
Love’s Truck Tire Care Joins Michelin Service Network
Love’s Truck Tire Care will now offer tire and retread service as part of the Michelin Commercial Service Network. Love's is also offering select Michelin Retread Technologies tread designs at its more than 100 U.S. tire care centers this month.
Love’s opened its first tire care center opened in 2008, and today more than 100 tire care centers deliver essential products and services to professional drivers.
Love’s tire care centers offer new and used tire sales and repair, plus 24-hour roadside assistance to keep professional drivers up and running. Love’s plans to add 50 truck tire care centers to its current locations in coming months.
The addition of Love’s Truck Tire Care brings the Michelin Commercial Service Network to more than 400 locations across the U.S.

8/01/2011

Incentives Offered for Truckstops to Add Electrified Parking Spaces

Baker Truck Corral at I-84, Exit 304, Baker City, Ore., will have 24 parking spaces equipped with Shorepower Technologies, Inc., pedestals as part of a federally-funded program to reduce truck idling, Shorepower announced July 29.
Through the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), up to 50 qualifying truckstops can receive a complete truckstop electrification system at no cost. Shorepower will handle everything from construction through grand opening.
The pedestals provide 120 VAC, 208 VAC or 240 VAC power sources and cable TV so drivers power HVAC systems and other creature comforts without idling the truck’s engine. Shorepower said the cost would be $1 per hour, with wireless internet service available at most for an additional charge.

07/29/2011
Valvoline Introduces Products for Heavy-Duty Diesel Equipment
Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc., has expanded its UltraMax product line with two new offerings formulated for superior performance and durability of heavy-duty equipment. This adds to the lineup of transmission fluids and high-performance hydraulic oils launched in March for off-highway equipment, the company said in a press release.
For the heavy-duty diesel market, new UltraMax Heavy Duty Engine Oil SAE 10W-40 is a full synthetic.

7/12/2011
Goodyear Announces On-Highway Truck Service Network

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has formed a new on-highway truck service network, UNI-MAXX TRUCK CARE. Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems LLC, a Goodyear subsidiary, and Boss Truck Shops Inc., a subsidiary of Bosselman Inc., are the network’s first two members, participating through their on-highway Wingfoot Truck Care Centers and Boss Shops locations.
The UNI-MAXX TRUCK CARE network operates 71 on-highway commercial truck maintenance facilities, with many of the shops located at Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plazas.
Network shops will provide various services, a nationwide warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance, Goodyear said.
Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems operates 37 on-highway Truck Care Centers.  The Bosselman Family of Companies, Grand Island, Neb., owns 34 Boss Shops, 8 travel centers and a variety of other businesses.

CAT Scale Introduces Free Android App
CAT Scale Company announced recently that a free CAT Scale Locator Android app is now available through The Android Marketplace. The CAT Scale app allows drivers to locate the CAT Scale nearest to their current location through the GPS on their phone.  Drivers can also use the search function to see CAT Scale locations in other areas either by city, state or zip code as well as get driving directions.
A link to the application can be found on the home page at www.catscale.com . CAT Scale released an app for iPhone users last December.

6/6/2011
Jeremy Heiderscheit Captures Best in Show at Shell Rotella SuperRigs

Jeremy Heiderscheit of Peosta, Iowa won Best in Show honors and $10,000 with his blue and white 2003 Peterbilt 379 at the 29th Shell Rotella SuperRigs held at the Kenly 95 Petro in Kenly, N.C. Best in Show honors also comes with an automatic place in the 2012 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. Heiderscheit also won for Best Chrome.
Cory Radke and Vinnie Diorio of Ridgefield, Wisconsin won $4,000 for first runner-up for Best of Show with their 2007 Peterbilt 279. Jerry Kissinger of Stoughton, Wisconsin took home $2,500 after being named second runner-up for Best of Show with his 1991 Mack Superliner.  He also won for Best Engine and Best Interior.
All category winners also received a case of Shell Rotella® T Triple Protection engine oil and a Kenly 95 Petro Prize Package. Photos and news from Shell Rotella SuperRigs are available at www.Rotella.com and www.Facebook.com/ShellRotella.

TA Releases New Version of Mobile App

TravelCenters of America released version 2.0 of its TruckSmart mobile application for Android and iPhone smartphone platforms. The applications allows drivers to access their UltraONE rewards program account without stopping at the driver kiosk.
Upgrades include better search and navigational capabilities. TruckSmart 2.0 also features upgraded search capabilities, and each location's amenities screen has a place to show special at-location promotions and events. Navigational enhancements also make it easier to find locations and amenities within the app. Users can search for TA locations by highway and a feature that tells drivers if there is a wait for a shower and if so, will alert the driver when a shower becomes available.
New app users can download TruckSmart 2.0 at http://www.tatravelcenters.com/trucksmart. TruckSmart 1.0 users will see an update notification on their smartphone app screen.

6/1/2011
Connecticut Closes Rest Areas
The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that it will be permanently closing the Willington Rest Areas on I-84 eastbound and westbound on July 1, 2011. This closure is part of a cost-savings plan in the new state budget that also includes the closures of the rest areas located on I-84 in Danbury and Southington, on I-95 in North Stonington, and on I-91 in Middletown and Wallingford during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012.
It is projected that the Willington closures will save $400,000 during fiscal year 2011-2012. Once completed, the closures are expected to save $1.3 million per year in staff and maintenance costs.

5/31/2011
Oak Grove 70 Petro Celebrates Truckers

The Oak Grove 70 Petro, located at I-70 Exit 28 in Oak Grove, Mo. will hold their 13th Annual Truckers Jamboree from June 10-11, rain or shine. The Oak Grove Truckers Jamboree is a yearly event Celebrating America’s Truckers that includes exhibits, antique trucks on display; BBQ cook-out, live music and more.
More information about Oak Grove 70 Petro and photos from last year’s event may be found online at http://www.oakgrove70.com.

03/18/2011

Marty Stuart to Headline at Walcott Truckers Jamboree

Iowa 80 Truckstop announced that Mobil Delvac will sponsor a concert featuring Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives at the 32nd Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 14.
In addition to the concert, this year’s event will feature over 200 exhibits; a Super Truck Beauty Contest, Antique Truck Display; Iowa pork chop cookout; Trucker Olympics; carnival games; live music; a fireworks display and plenty of family fun.
Shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the event grounds.
The Walcott Truckers Jamboree began in 1979 and now attracts 30,000 attendees a year.
The 32nd Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 14-15 at Iowa 80 Truckstop, I-80 Exit 284, Walcott, Iowa.
Online at www.iowa80truckstop.com.

02/17/2011

NATSN and PTP Rollout Fleet One Fuel Card

The North American Truck Stop Network and Professional Transportation Partners, LLC announced the rollout of Over the Road and Local fuel cards program for its members. Fleet One is the processor for this new program.
According to NATSN and PTP, this new fuel card program will offer fleets a choice of fuel brands, food and amenities at over 250 locations and service facilities.
The program features no transaction fees to trucking companies when fueling at any NATSN or PTP truckstop. A $2 fee is charged for purchases outside of the network.

02/09/2011
QuikQ Rolls Out Fuel Island Manager

QuikQ, a provider of a cardless direct fuel connection between truckstop point-of-sale and motor carrier enterprise systems, announced its new Fuel Island Manager software. Fuel Island Manager streamlines fueling for drivers by detecting and validating the position of a truck in the fueling lane and turning on dispensers without magnetic stripe cards and with little or no driver input. In addition, if the truck leaves the lane, the dispenser is sent a signal to stop fueling, virtually eliminating the possibility of fraud at the dispenser.
Originally designed to support QuikQ’s technologically advanced DFConnect™ solution, which provides a direct connection between motor carriers and a truck stop POS, Fuel Island Manager software and lane positioning RFID hardware authorizes fueling for a truck or reefer wirelessly. The solution has now been enhanced to provide support for other transactions at the fuel island, including sales for fuel card providers, allowing them to convert to cardless transactions at participating truck stops.
Find more information online at  www.quikq.com.

12/21/2010
Congress Passes Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation reauthorizing the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act for five more years, sending the measure to President Obama. The President was expected to sign the measure into law. The Senate passed the bill on Dec. 16.
DERA funds are used to help retrofit or replace older diesels with more newer technologies. Since the measure was first enacted in 2005, the federal government has spent about $500 million dollars through diesel engine retrofit and replacement programs.

12/8/2010
CAT Scale Introduces Free iPhone App
CAT Scale Company announced that a free CAT Scale Locator iPhone app is now available through iTunes. The CAT Scale app allows drivers to locate the CAT Scale nearest to their current location through the GPS on their phone. Drivers can also use the search function to see CAT Scale locations in other areas either by city, state or zip code as well as get driving directions. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and
iPad devices.
A link can be found on the home page at catscale.com. The company says it is also investigating creating apps for other mobile devices.

10/13/ 2010
Alternative Fuel Manufacturer Doubles Output
Advanced Refining Concepts, LLC, a privately held developer and manufacturer of alternative motor and industrial fuels has begun construction on Phase II of its Peru Heights refinery located in Storey County, Nev. The company says the expansion will double output to 200,000 gallons per day of the company’s GDiesel, an alternative fuel produced by combining natural gas, or other biogases, with a petroleum base. The company says its GDiesel product was recently designated an alternative fuel by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
The project is scheduled for completion in January 2011. The refinery sits on 10 company-owned acres at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, approximately nine miles east of Reno on I-80.

9/17/2010

TCH Transaction Fees to Rise for Independent Truckstops
The Pilot/Flying J merger could mean increased costs for independent truckstops and truck owner operators according to this article from TheTrucker.com and industry sources. Pilot, which now holds a 50% interest in the TCH fuel card business, has informed independent truckstop operators it will change transaction fees from its current flat fee to a percentage of the sale, a move that will significantly increase transaction costs to the truckstops.
The in-depth article on Therucker.com, written by Jack Humphreville, also notes that truckers are not pleased with how the merger is playing out as the street price of diesel at Flying J locations has risen from 6 cents to 8 cents a gallon.
Independent truckstop marketing groups have opposed the merger on anti-competition grounds and many sent letters to the Federal Trade Commission asking the agency to reject the merger.
Transaction fees are a key issue for truckstop operators and one group of independents is currently in litigation with Comdata, the industry’s leading fuel card issuer, over what they say are unfair transaction fees.

9/01/2010

IdleAire Re-Opens Some Sites
The new owner of IdleAire, Convoy Solutions, LLC, announced Aug. 25 that it was reopening nine sites, with plans to reopen more in the near future.
In a press release the company said three more sites would be re-opened within a month and 7 additional sites would be opened in the “near future.”
Under previous ownership, IdleAire had offered cab-off services such as HVAC, TV, and Internet access at over 100 locations but filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and ceased operations altogether in January of this year.

8/03/2010

Highway Service Ventures Joins Flying J Network, Announces New Restaurant Concept
Highway Service Ventures, Ashland, Va., announced that it is now operating its four travel centers on the East Coast under the Flying J brand.
HSV’s full-service travel plazas are located at Elkton, Md. (I-95 Exit 109A), Ruther Glen, Va. (I-95 Exit 104), Florence, S.C. (I-95 Exit 169) and Carnesville, Ga. (I-85 Exit 160). Earlier this year, HSV ended its 25-year franchise agreement with Petro Stopping Centers.
"We look forward to an exciting future as a member of the Pilot Flying J network," said Roger Cole, president of HSV. "We will now be part of a network of 550 interstate travel centers and travel plazas that are focused on superior customer service and enhanced offerings for professional drivers and interstate motorists." 
Cole said the facilities offer “a full range of services and amenities for drivers, including large fenced lots for up to 250 trucks, 12 high-speed fueling stations, free movie theaters, clean rest rooms, private showers, food offerings, truck wash, scales and inspection and repair facilities."
Cole also announced that the restaurants at all four locations will now operate under the Patriot Farms Restaurants brand. HSV has been in business since 1984 and has more than 500 employees at its four travel centers. The company is privately held.

7/30/2010

CAT Scales to Replace J-Scales at All Flying J Travel Plazas
As a result of the Pilot Flying J merger, CAT Scale will now be the truck scale of choice at all Flying J Travel Plaza locations.
CAT Scale is completely rebuilding each scale at 134 Flying J locations to meet and adding CAT Scales at six locations that currently do not have a scale.
CAT Scale expects the rebuild to take about 15 months with locations being completed and opened each month. New openings will be added to CAT Scale’s online scale locator, www.catscale.com, as they open and will also be posted on the CAT Scale Facebook page.

5/18/2010

IdleAire to Reopen at Some Locations
According to its website, IdleAire plans to reopen 23 of its locations. The company, which had offered cab-off services at over 100 locations, shut down operations in January.
The statement advised users to check back for more information on the dates the locations would be back in service. IdleAire said the following locations are targeted for reopening. Pilot Travel Center - Laredo, TX; Pilot Travel Center - Fort Worth, TX; Pilot Travel Center - East St. Louis, IL; Pilot Travel Center - Baytown, TX; Pilot Travel Center - West Memphis, AR; Pilot Travel Center - Hurricane Mills, TN; Pilot Travel Center - Newnan, GA; Pilot Travel Center - Madera, CA; Sapp Brothers - Salt Lake City, UT; All American Travel Plaza - Doswell, VA; All American Travel Plaza - Milton, PA; All American Travel Plaza - Breezewood, PA; Frystown Plaza - Meyerstown, PA; Bruces - Bakersfield, CA; JJ's Truck Stop - Benton, AR;Flying J Plaza - El Paso, TX; Conoco Travel Center - Baytown, TX; Travel Centers of America - Breezewood, PA (franchise operated); Travel Centers of America - Albert Lea, MN (franchise operated); Petro Stopping Center - Glade Spring, VA (franchise operated); Petro Stopping Center - Fargo, ND (franchise operated); Petro Stopping Center - Claysville, PA (franchise operated); Petro Stopping Center - Monee , IL (franchise operated).

5/12/2010

Shell Rotella SuperRigs Comes to Lexington, Va.
The 28th Shell Rotella SuperRigs will be held in the scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia from June 10-12 at the LEE HI Travel Plaza in Lexington. The show will feature a number of fun and entertaining events for drivers, their families and the entire community.
Some exciting events taking place include; Trucker’s Movie Night; featuring Smokey and the Bandit at one of the last Drive-in Movie theaters left in America on June 10.  As a show of support and interest in Shell Rotella SuperRigs, the local community is organizing a parade on Friday night which will showcase some of the contestant entrants, a special collection of antique trucks, as well as local community and civic organizations.  The parade will proceed through downtown Lexington and end at LEE HI Travel Plaza where a spectacular fireworks show will kick off the Big Rig light contest.

Tracy Lawrence to Perform at  Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 8
Iowa 80 Truckstop is pleased to announce that Tracy Lawrence will be performing at the 31st Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 8 at 7 p.m..  The concert is being sponsored by Mobil Delvac.
In addition to the concert, this year’s event will feature over 200 exhibits; a Super Truck Beauty Contest, Antique Truck Display; Iowa pork chop cookout; Trucker Olympics; carnival games; live music; a fireworks display and loads of fun for the whole family!  Admission and parking are FREE!  Shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the event grounds.
The Walcott Truckers Jamboree began in 1979 featuring a few exhibits, live music, food and a small display of antique trucks.  That first Jamboree only attracted a few hundred drivers, a far cry from the 30,000 it attracts today.  Even though the size of the Jamboree has changed over the years, you can bet that its focus hasn’t.  Celebrating America’s Truckers is definitely what the Jamboree is all about.  It is Iowa 80’s way of thanking drivers for hauling America’s freight.  
The 31st Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree, will be held July 8-9, 2010 at Iowa 80 Truckstop, I-80 Exit 284, Walcott, Iowa.

2/22/2010

Highway Service Ventures Now Operating as HSV Plazas
After more than 25 years under a national franchise, Highway Service Ventures announces that it is now operating its four truck stop locations on the East Coast under the HSV Plazas brand.
The four HSV Plazas are located at Elkton, Md. (I-95 Exit 109A), Ruther Glen, Va. (I-95 Exit 104), Florence, S.C. (I-95 Exit 169) and Carnesville, Ga. (I-85 Exit 160). The company had been a Petro franchisee.
The management team remains in place, and all facilities and services are unchanged, according to Roger Cole, president of HSV.
“Our four HSV Plazas are among the finest travel centers on the East Coast, featuring amenities such as large fenced lots with parking for up to 200-250 trucks, 12 high-speed fueling stations, spacious private showers, full-service award-winning restaurants, full truck repair facilities, weigh scales, truck wash, free movie theaters, Internet connections and much more,” said Cole.
“Importantly, our fleet pricing programs for fuel and shop purchases remain the same and we are continuing to offer the same high-quality ultra-low sulfur diesel at all our locations,” Cole added. “We are honoring all previous purchasing programs that were in place under the former brand, and we accept all major billing platforms.”
“Drivers who have visited our facilities know they can count on HSV Plazas for great service, delicious meals, good prices and a healthy dose of old-fashioned Southern hospitality,” Cole said.
Based in Ashland, Va., HSV has been in business since 1984 and has more than 500 employees at its four truck stop locations. The company is privately held.

1/30/2010

IdleAire Ceases Operation
IdleAire announced Jan. 29 that it had closed operations effective 12 noon eastern time Friday, January 29.
The announcement, posted on IdleAire’s web site claimed the service had “contributed to saving over 50 Million gallons of diesel fuel and prevented over 1.1 billion pounds of diesel idling emissions from entering the air.”
The company set up an email address, receipts@idleaire.com,  for drivers looking for receipts from prior visits, but was only taking requests until Feb. 4.
The service, which started primarily from government grants, has had a troubled history in the truckstop industry. In 2008 the company filed for bankruptcy and was taken  over by new ownership comprised of six investment companies.

NATSO, TCA Will Hold Joint Panel
NATSO, the trade association representing the truckstop and travel plaza industry, and the Truckload Carriers Association announced they will team up to offer a special, joint panel discussion on “The Future of Trucking” during their annual conferences in Las Vegas.
The panel, sponsored by Shell Lubricants, is slated for Feb. 27 and will include discussions by industry experts about issues facing trucking and truckstops. The panel will include Pat Quinn, US Xpress; Jim O’Neal, O&S Trucking; Kenny Vieth, ACT Research and Ernie Betancourt, QuikQ LLC.
NASTSO’s annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 3 at Caesars Palace while the TCA meeting will run from Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort.

12/05/09

Gurnee Fuel Stop Seeks to Expand
The owner of a truckstop in Gurnee, Ill., has asked local officials for approval to expand his facility, according to an article in the Daily Herald and another in the Waukegan News Sun.

The proposal would add 25 spaces for overnight truck parking, showers and a lounge to the Gurnee Fuel Stop located on Route 41. The proposal would increase the number of fuel pumps and also add a service facility.

Two Foreclosed Georgia Truckstops Purchased
Two shuttered truckstops and a convenience store located in Kingsland, Ga., were purchased for $17.3 million at a foreclosure auction. The lone bidder was an Alabama businessman who had already purchased the liens from the bank that had foreclosed the property on the property following their closure by the state in 2008.

The buyer was reported to planning on selling the former Cisco Travel Plazas which are located at Exits 1 and 6 on I-95 just north of the George-Florida state line.
According to this report from the Jacksonville.com web site, the facilities and their previous owners have been embroiled in controversy for some time.

11/03/09

Management Team Buys Iowa Stop
Kent Hanstein and Beth Dreckman, both managers at the Le Mars Truck Stop for the last few years, bought the facility from the former owner’s widow, according to an article in the Le Mars Daily Sentinel.
Known as the “Ice Cream Capitol of the World,” Le Mars is at the intersection of U.S. 75, State Rt. 3 and State Rt. 60 in the northeastern corner of the state about 25 miles of north of Sioux City.

N.C. Truckstop Adds Plug Ins
The Big Boys Truck Stop in Kenly, N.C., recently installed 24 electric outlets to supply electric power to trucks equipped with shore power systems.
The stop charges $1 per hour for using the outlets, according to an article in The Herald newspaper.
The family-owned truckstop worked with the University of North Carolina’s Solar Center on the project.

Denny's to Operate Flying J Restaurant

According to an online article from Tampa Bay Online, the restaurant at a Flying J near Dade City, Fla., just off I-75 will be converted from a Country Market to a Denny's beginning Nov. 30.

The article quoted a Flying J executive who said they company was looking to partner with other major restaurants at other Flying J locations.

10/13/09

Household Goods Mover Surveys Driver Preferences

Atlas Van Lines said in a press release last month that a survey of its drivers that a majority named Petro Stopping Centers the best chain truckstop, Subway the best restaurant and Super 8 motels the best night’s sleep.

According to the press release, nearly two-thirds of respondents said maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the biggest challenge of life on the road.
The survey indicated that CB radios are falling out of fashion while virtually all drivers have cell phones.
Also named as driver favorites were Shell Rotella motor oil, Bridgestone tires and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.

The survey included responses from 340 professional van operators representing 43 states. For complete survey results, visit www.atlasworldgroup.com/survey.

Report Says Minnesota Trucker’s Inn Sold to Kwik Trip

A news report in the Winona Daily News said convenience store chain Kwik Trip’s real estate company purchased the closed Truckers Inn along I-90 north of Nodine, Minn.

The report said former Trucker’s Inn employees were told that Kwik Trip would demolish the existing building and put in a gas station/convenience store.

9/15/09

Love’s Begins Construction on California Site

Love’s Travel Stop and Country Stores recently began construction on an 11-acre site on SR 58 in Tehachapi, Calif. The location will feature fast food and a 90-truck parking lot.

The route links traffic from I-40 and I-10 to California’s Central Valley and Northern California. An online story from the Tehachapi News provides more details.

Kenly 95 TA Truckstop Unveils 65-foot Lighthouse

As part of an ongoing construction and remodeling project, the Kenly 95 TA Truckstop in Kenly, N.C., recently unveiled a 65-foot-tall lighthouse. In a statement, the location’s general manager, Ernie Brame, said, “We hope the lighthouse at Kenly 95 serves as a welcoming beacon and signifies a place you know you can get great food in a relaxing atmosphere.”

The truckstop already opened a new chrome shop and relocated the gas islands and convenience store. The full-service restaurant is being remodeled and a new food court is being added along with a Moonstruck Java coffee station. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2010.

Kenly 95 TA Truckstop is part of the Iowa 80 Group.

PrePass Plus Coming To Ohio

Beginning October 1, 2009 the Ohio Turnpike will begin using the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system, joining the more than 20 other agencies in 13 northeast states that already participate.  As with other E-ZPass locations, those customers enrolled in PrePass Plus will then be able to use their transponders to pay tolls electronically in Ohio, in addition to bypassing more than a dozen PrePass-equipped weigh stations in the state.
For more information about PrePass Plus, go to www.PrePass.com/PrePassPlus.

Tariffs OK on Chinese Tires.
Several news outlets reported this week that the Obama administration approved a hike in tariffs on car and light truck tires imported from China. Heavy-duty tires are not included in the increase.

China is expected to challenge the move and possibly impose tariffs on U.S. imports into China.

9/02/09
BP Discovers “Giant” Oil Field in Gulf
BP announced giant oil discovery at its Tiber Prospect in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
The well, located in Keathley Canyon block 102, approximately 250 miles south east of Houston, is in 4,132 feet of water. The Tiber well was drilled to a total depth of approximately 35,055 feet making it one of the deepest wells ever drilled by the oil and gas industry. The well found oil in multiple Lower Tertiary reservoirs. Appraisal will be required to determine the size and commerciality of the discovery.
"Tiber represents BP's second material discovery in the emerging Lower Tertiary play in the Gulf of Mexico, following our earlier Kaskida discovery," said Andy Inglis, chief executive, Exploration and Production.
Tiber is operated by BP which holds a 62% working interest with co-owners Petrobras (20%) and ConocoPhillips (18%).
BP is the largest producer of oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico with net production of over 400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

For more, goto www.bp.com.

8/31/09

Bosselman Acquires 15 Flying J Shops
The Bosselman Boss Shops network is expanding after acquiring 15 J Care Service Centers from Flying J. The management changeover began September 1 and will be completed by the end of the year.
“We’re working to broaden our footprint across the country in the truck repair business,” said Chuck Bosselman, president of Bosselman, Inc. “This addition of more shops in our network will greatly benefit both existing and new customers. The trucking industry is constantly looking for repair facilities that they can trust to do their over-the-road work for them, and after 61 years in this industry, Boss Shops are targeting that need through quality service and competitive pricing.”
Adding these 15 facilities to the Bosselman operations brings a total of 25 Boss Shops in 18 states, making it one of the nation’s largest service center chains. As part of the Ambest and Pilot network, Boss Shop customers will gain additional value with coast-to-coast warranty coverage and industry-leading standards of service.
Current Boss Shops locations include: Grand Island, North Platte, and Big Springs, Nebraska; Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Altoona, Iowa; Jamestown, New Mexico; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Salina, Kansas; and Mortons Gap, Kentucky. New locations will include: Benton Harbor, Michigan; Black River Falls, Wisconsin; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Dallas and West Houston/Brookshire, Texas; Ehrenburg, Arizona; Fargo, North Dakota; Lebec (Frazier Park), California; Ft. Chiswell, Virginia; Jerome (Twin Falls), Idaho; Ogden, Utah; Gary, Indianapolis, Lake Station, and Hebron (Lowell), Indiana.
Services offered at Boss Shops include tires, quick lube oil changes, and brake, electrical, drive train, air conditioning and other repairs, as well as roadside service.
Boss Shops carry tire lines including Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, BF Goodrich, Goodyear, and DynaTrac.
Beginning in 2010, Boss Shops customers can enroll in the new Boss Shops Rewards program, a card-based program that rewards points based on purchases in any Boss Shop.
For more information on Boss Shops, go to www.bosstruckshops.com.

Iowa 80 Truckstop Launches New Web Site
The world’s largest truckstop has launched a new web site. The completely revamped iowa80truckstop.com site went live this week. “We are very excited about this new site,” says Heather DeBaillie, Marketing Manager. “Visitors will find it very easy to use and chocked full of helpful and interesting information about Iowa 80.”
Visitors can take a virtual tour of the truckstop, learn about Iowa 80’s 45-year history, register their rig for the 2010 Super Truck Beauty Contest, as well as learn more about the Walcott Truckers Jamboree and the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, just for starters.  
There is also a section tailored to Iowa 80’s employment opportunities complete with the ability to apply online. Drivers and trucking companies can explore Iowa 80’s amenities as well as get information on fleet wash and fuel programs. Trucking accessory shoppers can also register to be notified of upcoming specials or buy trucking accessories online. Iowa 80 Truckstop's new web site can also be accessed through the URL worldslargesttruckstop.com.
Iowa 80 Group, Iowa 80 Truckstop’s parent company, is currently working on updating the web sites for its three additional truckstops: Oak Grove 70 Petro, Oak Grove, Missouri; Joplin Petro, Joplin, Missouri; and Kenly 95 TA Truckstop, Kenly, North Carolina.

8/07/09

Federal Funds Granted for Truckstop Electrification
Cascade Sierra Solutions, Coburg, Ore., and New York-based ShorePower Technologies were awarded a $22.2 million federal grant to install electrification infrastructure at 50 truckstops, the companies reported Aug. 7.
According to a press release from Cascade Sierra Solutions, the grant will also allow CSS to provide rebates to truck owners purchasing idle reduction equipment upgrade. The rebates will cover about 25% of the cost for qualifying equipment.
ShorePower Technologies said that a truck using their system instead of idling for 8 hours per day while parked at a truckstop eliminates about 30 tons of carbon exhaust over the course of a year. Diesel trucks typically burn about a gallon of fuel an hour while idling.
A number of states have anti-idling rules on their books or are considering such restrictions. Electrified systems allow truckers to power their HVAC systems, microwaves or other creature comforts with the key off.
The equipment rebates will be available to truck owners throughout the U.S.  The program launch is expected by late this fall.
To find out more, check out www.CascadeSierraSolutions.org.

8/04/09

TA Reports Second Quarter Loss
TravelCenters of America LLC reported it lost just over $15 million in the second quarter this year, or 90 cents a share. For the same quarter last year, the company lost $9.7 million or 67 cents per share. TA operates 233 travel centers, including 67 Petro locations.

TA said fuel volumes were down 10.7% in the second quarter from the same period last year and down 13.6% for the first six months from 2008.

7/30/09

Flying J Sells Pipeline Business
Magellan Midstream Partners, Tulsa, received court approval to buy Flying J’s Longhorn Partners Pipeline July 27. The deal was set to close on July 29. Flying J, along with the pipeline business and its subsidiary Big West Oil LLC, filed for bankruptcy protection in December. Last month, Flying announced plans to merge its travel center business with Pilot Travel Centers.

The 700-mile Longhorn common carrier pipeline system transports refined petroleum products from Houston to El Paso, Texas. A terminal in El Paso, comprised of a 5-bay truck loading rack and over 900,000 barrels of storage, is included in the purchase.

According to a press release from Magellan, they paid $250 million for the pipeline plus the value of the oil currently in the line, which was estimated at about $100 million.

Magellan said it would connect the Longhorn line to its existing terminal in East Houston to supply Southwestern markets.

Commercialization Proposal Killed in Committee
An amendment to an appropriations bill that would have allowed Virginia to commercialize its rest areas was defeated in House of Representatives committee last month.

The measure was strongly opposed by NATO, the national truckstop association and several other highway business organizations.

The bill would have let the state sell fuel and food at rest areas on interstate right-of-ways, which is currently banned by federal law.

New California Truckstop Gets Tentative OK
The Dixon, CA city council voted July 28 to tentatively approve a Flying J Travel Center off of I-80 at Pedrick Rd.
According to the Vacaville Reporter, city leaders still want to iron out a few details before granting final approval at their Aug. 11 meeting.
The 23-acre site will include fuel islands for trucks and cars, a C-store, restaurant and truckers’ lounge.