FOCUS GROUP: Make Your Truck Stop Better!

Lawrence · Nov 10, 2011

I really appreciate TA's plan to get feedback and to make their services better for people in the industry.

Here is your opportunity.

When: 5 - 8 pm, Thursday November 17, 2011
Where: Roberts Convention Centre
I-71 Exit 50
Wilmington, Ohio 45177

More Information - Click Here!

Monty · Nov 10, 2011

Hey there, Class 6 or above Owner Operator!

Pretty much slammed the door to me.

Bruno · Nov 16, 2011

Are you going to be there Lawrence?

TeamCaffee · Nov 16, 2011

I wish we could be there. TA/Petro has really made some great changes for the better. We were in Tonopah, AZ the other day and I noticed a sign that said they were adding outlets under the counters to keep our electronics charged. When I take my computer in I am always looking for a plug in and this new addition will sure make that search easier. TA/Petro does listen to driver feedback and implements what they can.

TheGoodPrice · Nov 16, 2011

I'm in Charlotte, I Doubt I will be there. I would love to go there.

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The Enemy · Nov 16, 2011

I guess they don't really care about the Van/Sprinter community.

ebsprintin · Nov 16, 2011

The Enemy said:
I guess they don't really care about the Van/Sprinter community.

TravelCenters of America Headquarters
24601 Center Ridge Rd.
Suite 200
Westlake, OH 44145-5639

This is the place to park when in the Cleveland area. Sort of an "occupy" kind of thing. Right now there are 25 vans within 25 miles of Westlake.

eb

Lawrence · Nov 16, 2011

Bruno said:
Are you going to be there Lawrence?

Dave, I will be there!

Lawrence · Nov 16, 2011

The Enemy said:
I guess they don't really care about the Van/Sprinter community.

I would say that based on their rewards program they do - but I planned on sharing this post with them.

ebsprintin · Nov 16, 2011

The Enemy's comments were the same that went through my mind when I first read this. I know what Lawrence went through to get us added to the program and the tweeking he went through after the program was initiated. But I still don't use the program, because it doesn't fit into how I operate. Then when I read about the focus group, I thought, oh--cool. Then I read further, oh--not cool. Sort of like a company setting up a feedback program and forgetting to put out a suggestion box.

But then again this is a "focus" group, so maybe trucks is what they want to focus on right now. When the time comes, they can find me at Walmart.

eb

Falligator · Nov 16, 2011

How about some outlets outside so we can plug in a heater or laptop in the front spaces?

Posted with my iPhone EO Forum App

cheri1122 · Nov 16, 2011

TeamCaffee said:
I wish we could be there. TA/Petro has really made some great changes for the better. We were in Tonopah, AZ the other day and I noticed a sign that said they were adding outlets under the counters to keep our electronics charged. When I take my computer in I am always looking for a plug in and this new addition will sure make that search easier. TA/Petro does listen to driver feedback and implements what they can.

I know they do [appreciate the walking trails & fitness rooms, though not the glass walls!] but I can't help but think in this case, they noticed the one table in the restaurant with an outlet would be occupied for hours.....[I used to do it, too, lol]
Because we are all becoming outlet junkies, looking for some power when we go out in public.

cheri1122 · Nov 16, 2011

ebsprintin said:
TravelCenters of America Headquarters
24601 Center Ridge Rd.
Suite 200
Westlake, OH 44145-5639

This is the place to park when in the Cleveland area. Sort of an "occupy" kind of thing. Right now there are 25 vans within 25 miles of Westlake.

eb

eb, just curious, Westlake being a pretty upscale burb, what kind of amenities do you find there?

Jason2 · Nov 16, 2011

why can't you leave computer in the truck when you go in to eat?

I know I am going to regret that but....

TeamCaffee · Nov 17, 2011

JAYSON said:
why can't you leave computer in the truck when you go in to eat? I know I am going to regret that but....

I do this when the weather is bitter cold and it is uncomfortable to sit in the cab of the truck while Bob sleeps. I go inside have a nice breakfast and work on the computer.

Cheri I wondered that also about how long people would sit at the counters but.... I usually do not see to many people sitting at the counters unless they are very brave and want to listed to truck stop counter talk ...

greg334 · Nov 17, 2011

Make truck stops better?

Seriously -

Hire people who actually understand that we provide them an income and they can appreciate our buying their products and services.

I had a fuel desk jockey the other day who was so rude to the customers, several of us yelled at the manager to fire her.

Turtle · Nov 17, 2011

Focus groups generally focus on a specific, um, you know, group, rather than focusing on, you know, a specific group plus everybody else. That's why they call it a focus group. Intead of billing it as a focus group for Class 6 and above, I suppose they could have billed it as "come one, come all" and then had all the van operator whining because "all they talked about was straight truck and big truck stuff like CSA and truck maintenance."

The TA UltraONE Expediter program will work for some people, not for others. The fact they have special parking spaces with a great big "E" painted in the middle of them for Expediter Van Parking should say something.