In 1972, TravelCenters of America was just a small regional chain of six truckstops known as Truckstops of America. Today, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, TA has 151 locations.

“TA led the transformation of our business from small, mom-and-pop truckstops to a national network critical to America’s freight transportation system,” says TA Chairman, President and CEO Ed Kuhn.
“Just think of the changes we’ve seen since 1972,” Kuhn says. “The size of the trucking industry expanded greatly. And, the Interstate Highway System was completed. So there has been a dramatic need for larger and better equipped facilities to care for professional drivers.”
In the last 30 years, TA added new services to meet the changing needs of the industry, including automated fuel transaction systems, strategic alliances with suppliers such as Freightliner Trucks and Bridgestone Tires, ASE certified technicians. Driver amenities now include private marble showers, business centers, Internet connections, comfortable drivers lounges, a wider range of merchandise, more restaurant and menu options, and fast food alternatives.
Possible future plans for TA, Kuhn says, include expansion of the TA network; providing electrical connections, cab air conditioning and other amenities in truck parking lots; testing wireless high-speed local Internet access, also know as “Wi-Fi”, at some TA sites, for use in both parked cabs and in TA facilities; and enhancing truck maintenance and repair capabilities at TA facilities through more strategic alliances.