TA (Travel Centers of America) and Petro have been the biggest offenders for switching certain high traffic truck stops to reserve spots that at some locations exceed 50% of the lot.

At the beginning of the year, on January 07, 2019 TA-Petro revamped their UltraOne Loyalty program.

"Under the new structure, drivers will earn points based on their fuel purchase volume from the previous month, with January as the first qualifying month and February as the first earning month.

The more drivers fuel at TA, Petro and TA Express locations, the more points they can earn the next month. Points can be redeemed for showers, meals, reserved parking and more.

Additionally, the revamped program introduces UltraCredit rewards. For every 60 gallons or more of diesel, UltraOne members will earn an UltraCredit, so during lower monthly volume levels, members will receive a credit that can be redeemed for a shower. For higher volume months, drivers can redeem the credits for their choice of a shower, meal or reserved parking spot." - Overdrive.com

While this does give access to those who are loyal to the company group, it does strongly exclude drivers who are restricted by their companies fueling contracts or competitive pricing of other truck stop groups.

It is our analysis that this is too, little too late. TA/Petro should make a promise to the trucking world that they will not have any lot that has reserved spots that exceeds over 18% of the parking. 

The current industry is facing more and more charges from every angle. More truck specific tolling and taxes are rolling out across the states making TA/Petro's and Flying J/Pilot's responsibility to sustaining a healthy driving economic atmosphere.

I hope everyone will continue to press the industry and hopefully we can shape the future!