But not all retailers have made the leap. Rutter’s executive Chris Hartman, president of M&G Realty Inc., a subsidiary of Rutter’s, said his sites have not added EV charging stations. “We don’t currently have any chargers but continue to evaluate our strategy relating to EVs,” he said. Other alternative fuels are offered at the York, Pennsylvania-based company’s 90 sites, including many with ethanol fuels (E15 and E85 or Flex Fuel and Ethanol Free), biodiesel, off-road diesel and kerosene, he told CSP. “Customers are looking to make fewer stops, so our ability to offer many fuel types and in-store options has helped us mitigate some of the headwinds,” Hartman said.

Hartman said gasoline volume also is changing, with the efficiency of vehicles and more EVs decreasing the total gallons required in all markets. Diesel is a brighter spot. “Diesel still is growing as commercial trucking is still the primary way of transporting many items,” he said.

Rutter’s is not alone in noting the success of diesel fuels. Several major convenience retailers have been adding or expanding truck stops. “Diesel fuel is the only fuel that makes sense for trucks,” said Santos, whose career included managing fuel for Wickland Oil and Flyers Oil, as well as many years at OPIS. “There’s been a lot of conversation about electric trucks, but it's just not feasible yet. The batteries alone would take away their load capacity.” Santos said smaller, more efficient batteries will eventually happen but not in the near future. 

While compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LPG) truck engines are feasible alternatives, the unintended consequence for these fuels is a lack of fueling sites, Santos said. “My point is that diesel, whether it's renewable or fossil, it's not going to go away anytime soon. I think that's part of the reason why (investor) Warren Buffett took a 100% stake in Pilot. Truck stops aren't going away.”

As reported earlier this year by CSP, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has plans to start construction on 20 new stores this year and begin updating 50 existing locations. The company has a capital budget of about $1 billion for these new stores and remodels, including other projects, Love’s President Shane Wharton said. 

By 2035, Love’s said more than half of its 655 locations in 42 states will be newly constructed or remodeled. Love’s will also add 83 RV hookups to 17 locations in 2025, surpassing the 100-location mark.

“We’re committed to continuing to enhance the customer experience for all,” Wharton said. “With our continued focus on the evolving needs of customers, we’re confident we’ll provide an even better experience across our network in 2025.”

Other major chains that also offer full trucking amenities, including fuels and showers, are RaceTrac, Sheetz, Quik Trip and Kwik Trip. The largest operator of travel centers in North America is Pilot, with more than 750 locations across 44 states and six Canadian provinces.

Family-owned RaceTrac, the 18th largest privately held company in the United States, recently added a travel center in Punta Gorda, Florida. The large-format travel center offers professional drivers, commuters and interstate travelers a fast-food-style drive-thru as well as a high-flow diesel canopy and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) options at the pump. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, RaceTrac has more than 800 retail locations representing the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands in 13 states.