Research published in the first issue of The NATSO Foundation's Journal of Transportation Research looked into why both truck drivers and motorists stop where they do, as well as fleet fuel purchasing decisions.

University of Maryland researchers surveyed truck drivers and found that cleanliness and availability of restrooms was the most important driver service, followed by the cleanliness of the restaurant, the quality of the food, and the price of fuel. Least important services cited were tire repairs, 24-hour repair services, road service, certified scales and certified mechanics.
On the other hand, for the traveling public, gas price is the most important factor considered, according to research at the University of Illinois. After price, travelers prefer locations with a variety of facilities, clean bathrooms, and bright lighting.
Fleet managers, likewise, are looking for the best available fuel price, according to the University of Maryland. Sixty-one percent of the total fuel purchased by for-hire fleets is bought at truckstops. In addition to price, fleet managers cited clean and improved facilities, cordial personnel with appropriate education, and highway access location as important factors.