Proposed bill could cut the number of truck stops

A recently proposed Amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 might jeopardize thousands of jobs at businesses that line the nation's highways, including truck stops.

The amendment would allow the sale of refreshments at highway rest stops, which would then be in competition with private businesses.

"This highway bill was intended to create jobs, but if this amendment is allowed to pass it will pull the rug out from under the nation’s interstate-based fast food franchisees, convenience stores, gas stations and truck stops," said Lisa Mullings, president and CEO of the National Association  of Truck Stop Operators. "Commercializing Interstate rest areas would put exit-based businesses at a considerable disadvantage, likely forcing many out of business."

If this legislation passes, trucker health could be compromised by transforming truck stops across the nation into places for commercial activities, reducing the places where truckers can get necessary resources while on the road.

The Partnership to Save Highway Communities has also spoken out against the proposed amendment, reported Convenience Store News.

The partnership is aiming to make sure the nation's highways rights-of-way remain free of commercial development, and also ensure that the many business owners along U.S. highways will keep their jobs, said the source. The group pointed to a Virginia Tech study that showed commercialization of rest stops could result in a 35 percent decrease in truck service sales at Interstate truck stops.

Proposed bill could cut the number of truck stops

Friday, February 17th, 2012