Although TravelCenters of America reported a 1Q loss, results were better than those of a year ago. TA had a net loss of $14.2 million for the first quarter of 2012 that reflected an improvement of $2.4 million as compared to the net loss in previous year's quarter.


TA's results also reflected improvement in EBITDAR, which increased by $5.2 million, or 11.6%, in the 2012 first quarter compared to the 2011 first quarter.

TA's fuel sales volume increased by 11.8 million gallons, or 2.4%, in the 2012 first quarter compared to the 2011 first quarter. During the first quarter of 2012, TA experienced a 0.5% decrease in same site fuel sales volume, compared with the first quarter of 2011. TA says it believes this decrease is a result, in part, of capital projects in 2012 to replace fuel dispensers and install diesel exhaust fluid dispensers that required TA to take certain diesel dispensers out of service during the period.

Nonfuel revenues for the 2012 first quarter increased $22.8 million, or 8%, above the 2011 first quarter. Total gross margin increased $13.8 million, or 6.1% in the 2012 first quarter above the 2011 first quarter.

At March 31, 2012, TA's business included 238 sites, 168 of which were operated under the "TravelCenters of America" or "TA" brand names and 70 of which were operated under the "Petro Stopping Centers" or "Petro" brand name.

For more information, go to www.tatravelcenters.com.