TA settles credit card dispute with Flying J affiliate
TA said the company expects that TCH payment cards will be accepted at all TA locations, including locations branded “TravelCenters of America”, “TA” and “Petro Stopping Centers”, pending court approval.
The Trucker News Services
5/1/2008
WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America LLC said Thursday the truck stop chain has agreed to settle a civil antitrust suit brought by competitor Flying J Inc. concerning credit card systems. At the same time, TA reported that it will enter an agreement to process payment card purchases using the TCH electronic platform, as provided by Flying J affiliate TCH LLC. Additionally, TA will pay $5 million to Flying J and its affiliates as part of the settlement.
The suit dates back to February 2006 when Flying J alleged that TA had conspired with others to refuse to process payment card transactions using the TCH system.
TA said it had expensed approximately $8 million in legal fees and other costs related to the litigation. As a result of the settlement, TA and the plaintiffs intend to dismiss the pending litigation against TA and to exchange releases.
TA said the company expects that TCH payment cards will be accepted at all TA locations, including locations branded “TravelCenters of America”, “TA” and “Petro Stopping Centers”, pending court approval.
The arrangements to process TCH payment card transactions at TA locations are being undertaken on a non-exclusive basis. TA currently anticipates that TA locations will continue to accept payment cards using electronic platforms other than TCH as they have historically, according to the company.
TravelCenters of America’s nationwide business includes travel centers located in 41 U.S. states and in Canada.