Of the 28 categories in the survey, Petro was rated No. 1 in 15 areas, while TA was rated highest in six. Joint branded programs like UltraOne and RoadSquad were ranked first in two categories.
Drivers have participated in a similar survey every year since 2007. The 2010 survey, with 697 drivers responding, was expanded to include [image-nocss] several new categories.
The categories the brands were rated highest were:
Employees: Best employees (Petro), 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
Fueling: Easiest to maneuver fueling lanes (Petro), 2010 (new category). Quickest fueling time (Petro), 2010 (new category).
Restrooms & Parking: Cleanest restrooms (Petro), 2010. Best truck parking (Petro), 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Safest parking (Petro), 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Food: Best restaurant food (Petro), 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Best overall food options (TA), 2010 (new category). Best buffets (Petro), 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Best breakfast (Petro), 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Healthiest menu (Petro), 2010 (new category). Best restaurant coffee (Petro), 2008, 2009, 2010. Truck Maintenance & Repair: Best roadside assistance program (RoadSquad), 2009, 2010. Best maintenance shops (TA), 2010. Best new tire replacements (TA), 2009, 2010. Best used tire replacements (TA); 2009, 2010. Most competent technicians (TA), 2010 (new category). Friendliest writeup staff (TA), 2010 (new category).
Travel Store: Best travel store (Petro), 2008, 2009, 2010. Best trucker merchandise (Petro), 2010 (new category).
Other: Best rewards program (UltraOne), 2010. Most complete truckstop experience (Petro), 2009, 2010. Best truckstop experience (Petro), 2009, 2010.
The combined score of the TA and Petro brands for amenities, rewards and services more than double the combined scores of all other brands in 21 of 28 categories, the company said.
These latest Overdrive driver survey results also reflect the overwhelming positive driver response to many new TA and Petro initiatives including new showers, the introduction of the UltraOne rewards program, remodeled restaurants, new better-for-you restaurant menus, significant employee service training and other enhancements completed or in progress throughout 2010, said the company.
TravelCenters of America, headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, is a leading travel center business in 41 states and Canada operating under the TravelCenters of America and Petro brands. With convenient locations on interstate exits, TA and Petro offers their customers diesel and gasoline fueling services, full and quick-service restaurants, heavy truck maintenance services, 24-hour convenience stores, electronic communication (WiFi) and other services, all within large, high-traffic facilities.
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