NATSO Foundation

Identifying Truckstop Specific Considerations

Since truckstops and travel plazas are in the service business, the bulk of a location’s staff comes in direct contact with customers. If professional drivers or the traveling public fall ill while on the road, they likely will stop at a truckstop or travel plaza to seek assistance and purchase food, liquids or over-the-counter medications. Staff will have to be diligent about minimizing exposure while still providing service. In addition to the sections on minimizing risk and maintaining operations, the NATSO Foundation has drafted additional considerations based on government recommendations and conversations with members.

Caring for Customers

• Drivers who are feeling under the weather may wonder if they have the flu and how they should care for themselves. The NATSO Foundation has created a H1N1 Frequently Asked Question customer handout locations can print and distribute. Locations may also want to customize the information by including contact information for local health clinics.
• Having thermometers available either for purchase or for free could help customers rule out a fever. NexTemp single-use thermometers can take temperatures orally or under the arm. A box of 100 thermometers can be purchased online for about $20. The FeverScan Forehead Thermometer is a small strip that can be placed on the forehead. Prices range from $2-$3 per strip. The TraxIt Wearable Underarm Thermometer is a sticker that can be worn for up to two days. Prices average about 50 cents per sticker.
• Review inventories of disinfectants, hand sanitizers and bleach, which may see increased demand during a pandemic.
• Staff that will be in close contact with customers who are ill may want to wear surgical masks or N95 respirators, which provide more protection than surgical masks. Learn about masks here.

Convenience at the Pump

• As a precaution, locations may want to disinfect pump pay pads more frequently.
• Consider placing anti-bacterial hand gel at each pump, but ensure it can withstand cold temperatures.
• If locations face staffing issues, they could encourage customers to pay at the pump to minimize staff transactions.

ATMs

• Consult with your bank or ATM provider to ensure they have H1N1 contingency plans in place.
• Consider developing a back-up plan to ensure you can fill in-store ATMs if the banks or service providers are unable to service the location.