Dive Brief:
- Ambest, a member-owned network of truck stops and service centers, relaunched its app on Tuesday with several new features aimed at professional drivers, the company announced.
- The refreshed app, developed with digital tech company Rovertown, uses geolocation, advanced search and store- and state-level messaging to tailor the app experience.
- Ambest’s app update highlights the latest way the travel stop and convenience store industries are boosting the tools available to professional drivers. Other companies like Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores and Phillips 66 have augmented payment options for those customers.
Dive Insight:
Ambest’s updated app allows drivers to filter results for specific amenities, such as showers or paid parking, and then drill down to more detailed information like how many paid parking spots a site has. Members of the 30-year-old Ambucks rewards program can check their points balance and track their transactions.
The new app also allows for greater customization of the user experience based on location. This can include things like lotto results or QSR offers. Stores can also rearrange the order in which amenities are listed on the app based on what’s important to that location.
"When professional drivers search for their next stop, it's important that they are able to notice what makes ours so unique," said Doug Yawberry, president of Ambest member Weigel's, in the announcement. "We're delighted that the new AMBEST app does exactly that."
The companies also added a racing game to the app, which will eventually award merchandise to top players. Additional features will be added in the coming months.
"Our partnership has delivered a truly unique app experience that sets a new standard for the professional driver community,” said Chuck Ryan, president and CEO of Ambest, in a statement.
Ambest is a member-owned network of truck stops and service centers. In addition to independent retailers, the network also includes sites from brands like Circle K, Weigel’s, Casey’s, Onvo and Pump & Pantry.
