"Professional drivers are the backbone of our economy and keep our communities supplied, often with little recognition for the important work they do," said Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot. "Driver Appreciation Month is our opportunity to celebrate their dedication, thank them for the miles they travel, and honor the millions of drivers who deliver the products and essentials people rely on every day."

Honoring Professional Drivers Through Road Warrior

Pilot’s annual Road Warrior contest shares the stories of the professional drivers who go the extra mile every day, celebrating their commitment to safety and the impact they make on and off the road. Drivers can be nominated through the Road Warrior entry form from September 1 through September 18, 2026. Eligible nominees should demonstrate outstanding professionalism, safety and service.

This year’s Road Warrior winner will be announced in October 2026 and will receive a customized Kenworth truck transformed by the Diesel Brothers, along with a $50,000 cash prize. The Kenworth W990 truck embodies everything expected from ‘the driver's truck,’ with a 52" flat top sleeper equipped with a Diamond VIT interior, powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine that delivers 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque via a PACCAR TX-18 transmission. The custom build journey and Road Warrior highlights will be shared through exclusive content on Pilot and Kenworth social media channels.

"Professional drivers do much more than deliver freight. They connect communities, support businesses and help power everyday life," said Rusty Kirby, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. "We're honored to recognize one exceptional driver and celebrate the hardworking people who make this industry possible."

Last year's Road Warrior contest honored Stacy Batiste of Lafayette, Louisiana. A Marine Corps veteran, Batiste was selected from thousands of nominations after logging more than 5.1 million accident-free miles during his 33-year career and mentoring fellow drivers. To learn more about the Road Warrior contest, visit pilotcompany.com/road-warrior.

Celebrating Driver Appreciation Month

Beginning August 31, 2026, professional drivers can enjoy three free drinks and a snack each week throughout September for Driver Appreciation Month.** The weekly offers feature top-selling brands and can be redeemed through the Pilot app at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers.

Pilot will also host events at select travel centers across the U.S. to surprise and delight drivers with swag, giveaways and free samples. And across North America, Pilot’s team members will show their appreciation for pros with ‘thanks for the drive’ celebrations at participating stores.

*Contest runs 9/1/26-9/18/26. Nominators and nominees must be 18 years old and a resident of the United States to enter and to win. See full terms and conditions at https://pilotcompany.com/file/road-warrior-contest-official-rules.

**Offer valid from 08/26/2026 12:01 AM EST through 10/6/2026 11:59 PM EST. Each week during the promotion period, restarting each Monday, members may redeem the offer for up to three (3) different free drinks each week (see the Pilot app each week for eligible drink options). Each eligible drink may only be redeemed once during the applicable week. To receive offer, must (1) be a professional driver using a professional driver myRewards account, (2) save offer in the Pilot app, and (3) present myRewards card, barcode in the Pilot app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Valid only at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 branded, owned and/or operated locations. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations. Not valid in Canada. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted. Purchase required. Invalid on prior purchases. Cannot be sold, bartered, or combined with other offers. No cash value, rain checks, or substitutions allowed. Offer may be modified or terminated at any time. Subject to myRewards terms and conditions (pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions). Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Data rates may apply. ©2026 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

This year, Pilot is hiring approximately 10,000 new team members across our network of more than 900 travel centers to support the busy season. Behind every stop for fuel, food or rest is a team dedicated to making the most of your miles. That’s where our journey makers come in.

Fueling Life’s Journeys

At Pilot, we’re in the business of fueling life’s journeys. Each day, we serve 1.2 million road travelers and support more than 30,000 team members nationwide. Our purpose is simple but powerful: show people they matter at every turn.

Whether it’s a traveler stopping for fuel and a Pilot pizza meal deal or a team member building a long-term career, we’re committed to be by your side for the whole ride.

Opportunities Across North America

We’re seeking driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming team members for a wide range of roles across our travel centers, on-site restaurants and tanker fleets. Opportunities range from hourly positions, leadership roles, facility maintenance technicians and fuel tanker drivers.

A Workplace Where You Belong

Success is a shared journey at Pilot. That’s why we invest in creating an environment where people feel seen, appreciated and know they belong. That includes offering our team members benefits and perks like:

• Competitive compensation: weekly pay and 401(k) retirement savings

• Daily perks: gas discounts, a $12 meal and beverage credit each shift for travel center team members and drivers, and rewards and recognition programs

• Health and wellness: low-cost, comprehensive health and well-being plans, access to 24/7 on-demand healthcare (U.S. team members) and paid time off

• Growth, education and support: professional development, tuition assistance and Pilot Cares hardship assistance program

Join the Journey

No matter where you’re coming from or where you’re headed, Pilot is ready to help you pave your path forward. Ready to get started? Visit careers.pilotcompany.com to explore opportunities and apply today. See you out here!

Pilot is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and fair employment practices. Pilot strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against team members, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, age, physical or mental disability, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Across Pilot, many team members have personal ties to the military community. They recently shared powerful stories that reflect the many ways military service touches our lives. Here are just a few of them.

Answering the Call at Home and Abroad 

Cory Spradlin, a Pilot truck driver based in Toledo, Ohio, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1998 and attended basic training. He deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in 2000, then served during one of the most traumatic periods in U.S history. On September 12, 2001, he deployed to provide security at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and to Ground Zero in New York City, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2007-08, Cory volunteered as a team leader for combat service in Afghanistan. Cory’s service during times of both conflict and peace exemplifies the selflessness of our military community.

Commitment Across Generations

For some Pilot team members, military service is a family tradition.

Colleen Oliver, cashier at Pilot #593, Tucson, Arizona, grew up as a “military brat.” That allowed her to experience an extraordinary childhood, living in Turkey and Japan and visiting many other countries. In 1972, when less than two percent of all armed forces personnel were women, she followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Air Force. Colleen’s son also served in the military, underscoring how military service often becomes a lasting family legacy.

Lessons Learned Through Service 

For most, serving in the military teaches lifelong lessons.

Jason Brantley, a senior security engineer at our sales and support center in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran with over 20 years of service, including combat service during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Jason says his military experience shaped how he shows up today, from teamwork and accountability to servant leadership. He’s proud that Pilot reflects the same values he lived by while in uniform: showing up for others, continuous improvement and taking pride in meaningful work.

Serving Together as a Family 

For Shana Klein, shift supervisor at Pilot #44, Boonville, Missouri, serving in the U.S. Army is an honor she shares with her late husband, Fred Speak. Shana, who served for ten years, and her husband, who served for twenty, both later became Army recruiters. Because their service overlapped while they raised their four children, military life became a true family effort. There were times when both parents were in the field or working long hours, and they relied on their community for support along the way. At the same time, military life brought unique opportunities to create lasting memories from the family’s extensive travel and adventures together.

Together, these stories show that while military service takes many forms, the values it instills, like leadership, resilience, and commitment, closely reflect those that shape our team and our culture. We’re proud to work alongside individuals who bring these values to life every day.

At Pilot, the respect and appreciation we have for the military community extends to every day of the year. Once authenticated through ID.me in the Pilot app, verified service members can save year-round with a 10% discount on food and beverages* when using the Pilot app.

Pilot is grateful to our team members and to all Americans who commit to military service. Read this news release to learn more about how Pilot honors service members during Military Appreciation Month and beyond.

*Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for terms and conditions.

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Miles of Good Foundation is donating $125,000 to Hire Heroes USA to help advance its mission of providing personalized employment assistance for service members and their spouses to help them transition to the civilian workforce.

"Pilot’s long-standing support as an employer partner since 2018 has played a meaningful role in helping veterans and military spouses build successful civilian careers,” said Ross Dickman, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “With the additional contribution from Miles of Good Foundation, we will be able to connect thousands of service members with personalized career support that leads to meaningful employment opportunities.  Partnerships like this are critical to our mission and help create lasting pathways to economic stability for those who have served.” 

Since Miles of Good Foundation was launched in 2026, the foundation has contributed a total of nearly $400,000, adding to the more than $4.4 million Pilot has given since 2020, to assist military members, veterans and their families through education, career development and community programs.

“Those who serve our country bring an extraordinary sense of purpose, leadership and commitment to every stage of life,” said Meg Counts, president of Miles of Good Foundation and director of corporate giving and events at Pilot. “By supporting Hire Heroes USA and other trusted nonprofit partners, Miles of Good Foundation is proud to help military members, veterans and their families build strong futures beyond service while showing them how much their sacrifices truly matter.”

Pilot is also celebrating Military Appreciation Month with exclusive weekly offers in May for free food and drinks for eligible service members and their families at participating travel centers* when using the Pilot app. Once authenticated through ID.me in the Pilot app, verified service members will get access to the Military Appreciation Month weekly deals* and can continue to save year-round with a 10% discount on food and beverages** when using the Pilot app.

As a proud employer of veterans, Pilot also encourages former and transitioning service members and military spouses to explore career opportunities by visiting Careers.PilotCompany.com.

For more information about Military Appreciation Month offers at Pilot, visit PilotCompany.com.  

*See offers in the Pilot app for terms and conditions. 

**Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for terms and conditions.

Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s mission because stroke is more than a statistic. People all over the country, including some of our team members, have been affected by stroke. With the team members we spoke to, there was one common thread: the importance of recognizing signs early, seeking care quickly and prioritizing recovery. Read three Pilot team members’ stories as a reminder of why Stroke Month matters and learn to spot the signs of a stroke.

Acting Quickly Changed Everything

Joanna Lujan, travel center general manager of Pilot #1143, Odessa, Texas, has seen her sister Rosemary Tarango experience two strokes, each reinforcing the importance of quick action.

The first occurred while the sisters were shopping and Rosemary suddenly didn’t feel well. Joanna listened as Rosemary described tunnel vision and lightheadedness, and then she began to slur her words. Recognizing the warning signs, Joanna immediately called 911. Doctors confirmed that swift medical intervention helped Rosemary prevent paralysis.

A few months later, Rosemary experienced another stroke, this time at church. She became shaky and once again began to slur her words. Emergency services were called, and she was rushed to the hospital. With Joanna and other family supporting her, Rosemary continues her healing journey from the second stroke, working each day toward recovery.

Hope in the Face of a New Normal

For Magaly Carranza, driver supervisor, San Diego lubricants department, November 29, 2024, was a life-changing day. Her mother, Maribel Carranza, suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in her brain that doctors determined couldn’t be surgically removed, leading to a three-week hospital stay and the start of a long recovery journey.

After returning home, Maribel has had challenges with speech and the ability to eat. Her recovery is a daily commitment requiring many hours of dedicated care and assessment each week.

For Magaly, balancing her career with caregiving responsibilities—for her mom as well as her young daughter—has been a lesson in resilience and the importance of a strong support system. She says that her mother’s strength is an inspiration to her as the family navigates this new chapter together.

A Wake-Up Call Saved His Life

In 2023, Gary Proulx, assistant deli general manager at Pilot #1490, Mason, Tennessee, was cooking dinner for his wife of 38 years, Barbara, when he passed out. Barbara called 911, and emergency responders soon arrived, ultimately enlisting help from the fire department to get him safely to the hospital.

There, doctors discovered a 90% blockage in Gary’s right carotid artery. Even more alarming, Gary had already experienced a series of strokes leading up to this episode, without realizing it.

Gary underwent surgery to remove and repair the blockage. After three months off work to heal, he has made a complete recovery and experienced no lasting effects. Gary’s takeaway is simple and powerful: prioritize health so you can keep living a full life. Get regular check-ups and commit to healthy lifestyle choices before a crisis arises.

Know the Signs: Act FAST to Spot Stroke

Quick action can save a life. One of the easiest ways to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is by remembering the acronym BE FAST.

B: Balance Loss. Does the person appear unsteady?

E: Eye (vision) Changes. Ask the person if their vision is blurred or temporarily lost.

F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?

A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?

S: Speech. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding words. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T: Time to call 911. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away. Every minute matters.

Recognizing the FAST signs and acting quickly can make a life-changing difference, just as it did in the stories shared here.

Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Stroke Month. By sharing stories and education, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of stroke. Together, we can make a difference.

Sharing Smiles with Kids

In Texas, team members volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, whose mission is to provide a home away from home for families traveling so their child can receive medical treatment. The team hosted a “Lego Challenge” activity for the children staying there, creating time for play, creativity and joy during a challenging time.

Lending a Helping Hand

In Orange, California, team members spent time at The Hub OC, a resource center that each day supports more than 200 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Team members pitched in by packing meals, painting, cleaning and organizing supplies, helping advance The Hub’s mission to serve people with dignity and love.

Supporting Educators

In Tennessee, team members pitched in at Knox County Schools’ Teacher Supply Depot, where teachers and other school personnel can shop free of charge for new classroom materials donated by local businesses and organizations. Pilot team members sorted and packaged school supplies and wrote notes of thanks and encouragement for local education professionals.

Caring for Natural Resources

Another group of our Tennessee team members spent the day at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, whose mission is to provide immersive programs that connect people to nature and to one another. Pilot volunteers helped remove harmful invasive plant species, supporting efforts to restore and protect the ecosystem at the Tremont facility.

Pilot is privileged to invest our time and resources to strengthen the communities around us. We’re looking forward to holding another Volunteer Day in October 2026. Visit the Miles of Good™ webpage to learn more about how Pilot is making a positive impact in the places in which we live and work.

From April 30-May 21, 2026, guests can help make positive change and join the fight against stroke by rounding up their purchases during checkout at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Center locations nationwide.*

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly are vital. Throughout the month, Pilot and the Heart Association are promoting the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs:

• B – Balance Loss: Does the person appear unsteady?
• E – Eye (vision) Changes: Is vision blurred or temporarily lost?
• F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
• A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
• S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred?
• T – Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.**

In addition to the round-up campaign, Pilot is prioritizing the health of its team members by providing access to the Heart Association’s stroke prevention education, resources and screenings to be more aware of the signs of stroke. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting the local American Heart Association office.

As a longstanding supporter of the Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, Pilot is dedicated to advancing heart and stroke health in the communities it serves through its Miles of Good program. This marks the second year Pilot has extended that commitment to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month.

For more information about Pilot’s American Stroke Month initiatives and to find a participating travel center, visit pilotcompany.com.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States from 4/30/26-5/21/26 will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Campaign. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2026 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

Tesla Megachargers 

Heavy-duty electric vehicles, like electric semi-trucks, can only be an alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles if there is a dependable infrastructure of charging stations along the routes they use every day.

That's where the innovative collaboration between Pilot and Tesla comes in. Together, we will create a charging network along major freight corridors, helping make heavy-duty EVs a viable option. By building reliable, high-powered Tesla Megachargers along the nation's busiest highways and routes with expected EV demand, the collaboration accelerates the path toward widespread EV trucking adoption.

Strategic Charging Along Major Freight Corridors 

The first Tesla Megacharger sites are expected to open in summer 2026. The initial locations will be at select Pilot travel center locations along I-5, I-10 and several other key corridors across California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, where the need for heavy-duty charging is highest.

By placing chargers where fleets already operate, the collaboration ensures that charging fits seamlessly into existing routes and driver schedules.

High-power Charging Built for Heavy-duty Trucks

Pilot travel centers equipped with Tesla Megachargers will host four to eight high-power charging stalls powered by Tesla's V4 cabinet technology. These chargers deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of power per stall. This level of power is essential for long-haul electric trucking.

According to Tesla, one of their electric Semi trucks can regain most of its typical 500-mile range in about 30 minutes. That matches the length of a normal mandated rest break for professional drivers. That means fleets can charge while drivers rest, without sacrificing valuable time on the road.

Supporting Tesla Today and More EV Trucks Tomorrow 

While the initial network is designed for the Tesla Semi truck, both Tesla and Pilot have signaled an exciting future where other heavy-duty truck EV manufacturers can plug in, too. These sites will help support a broader shift toward decarbonization in the transportation industry.

Pilot is Shaping the Future of Energy 

This collaboration also aligns with Pilot's long-term vision to expand its energy offerings for fleets and travelers. Across North America, Pilot is expanding access to electrification solutions and lower-carbon fueling alternatives including renewable diesel and biodiesel.

As demand for lower-carbon and alternative fuels grows, Pilot is meeting customers wherever they are on their energy journey, whether they're already running electric or just beginning to explore alternative fuel solutions. It's all part of our effort to help shape the future of energy.

Recognizing International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day, recognized globally each March 8, offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the impact women make in every part of society, including the workplace. At Pilot, we’re proud to have women serving in roles across the organization, including behind the wheel as professional truck drivers.

One such team member is driver Courtney Tejeda, a December 2025 recipient of Pilot’s Virtue Award. This honor recognizes individuals who exemplify the everyday qualities that define Pilot: being driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming. Courtney says she was “honored and humbled” to receive the recognition, noting she felt she received the award for simply doing her job. But her commitment to excellence and her passion for her work make her a standout example of the vital contributions women bring to Pilot.

A Career in Trucking

Formerly working in catering, Courtney decided nearly a decade ago that she needed a change. She enrolled in trucking school, where she was one of just two or three women in a class of 40 drivers-in-training. She discovered not only that she enjoyed the work but also that she was good at it. After graduating, she became an over-the-road, long-haul driver, traveling across the country and visiting every one of the lower 48 states except Maine (a goal she plans to check off one day)!

Courtney joined Pilot six years ago and has spent the last three years serving as a lead driver. In this role, she ensures the 24 drivers on her team have everything they need to succeed. Her daily responsibilities span scheduling, overseeing truck maintenance and inspections, procuring supplies and transporting fuel herself. She credits strengths like organization, patience and the ability to pivot quickly as essential to her success.

Building Relationships, Shaping Perceptions

Being an effective leader is about more than getting tasks done— for Courtney it's about trust, connection and a culture of safety. Courtney prioritizes building strong relationships and sets the tone for her team by leading with authenticity. “I would say relationships are everything,” she says. “In our business, you never know who you are going to meet. Being driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming means showing up every day choosing to be my best self, doing what I say I’ll do and demonstrating accountability for safety.”

As one of the few women in her training classes and sometimes the only woman on a job site, Courtney quickly became aware of her unique role as a woman in trucking. Knowing she is often seen as a representative for all women drivers, Courtney pushes herself to be the best she can be, not just for her own success but because her actions may inspire other women to find a place in the trucking industry.

A Strong Community

Courtney credits her husband and best friend as her greatest source of encouragement. She adds that the strong sense of community she feels at Pilot is an important source of support in her life.

Today, she is encouraged to see more women on the road and more women joining the trucking community. A recent example was the Women in Trucking conference she attended on behalf of Pilot. “It’s beautiful!” she says of the growing visibility of female drivers.  “We belong here too.”

Women in Trucking

When asked what she would tell a woman considering a career in trucking, Courtney doesn’t hesitate: “Do it!” she says. What she once thought would simply be a job has become a source of empowerment. “I’ve found trucking empowering,” she says. “I learn something new every day and will never stop learning. You can really build a great career out here.”

Pilot is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can build a meaningful career. For those interested in making their next career stop with Pilot, visit our careers page to explore opportunities in trucking and more.

This International Women’s Day, we honor Courtney and all the women across Pilot who show people they matter at every turn. Their talent, dedication and visibility continue to pave the way for others, reminding us that when everyone feels they belong, we all go further together.

Pilot #1327, Chicopee, MA

Whether you’re hauling freight across New England or heading home after a long day, Pilot’s new Chicopee location, conveniently located off I-90 at 357 Burnett Rd., is designed to provide what you need. This is Pilot’s second travel center to open in Massachusetts.

The Chicopee location is full of convenient amenities including:

• 25 dedicated truck parking spaces
• 7 diesel lanes
• Clean, roomy restrooms and private showers
• A hot and cold deli with hearty, quick options including Pilot’s craveable pizza and crispy chicken tenders
• Fully stocked coolers with a wide selection of beverages
• Four self-checkouts to help you move fast
• Mobile fueling and exclusive perks on the Pilot app

“Our team is excited to welcome drivers to the new Pilot in Chicopee,” says Brandon Ohler, region manager. “Whether it’s for a quick break or a longer stay, we’re proud to be here for the people who keep New England moving.”

Find everything you need for the road at the new Chicopee Pilot!

Pilot #1446, Ponce de Leon, FL 

Our newest location in the Florida Panhandle is built to help fuel your journey.

Located at 2923 Hwy. 81, just off I-10 at exit 96, this Ponce de Leon stop has plenty of amenities including: 

• 87 dedicated truck parking spaces
• 8 diesel lanes
• Clean, roomy restrooms and private showers
• Public laundry facilities for long‑haul convenience
• A hot and cold deli with grab‑and‑go meals
• Fully stocked coolers with beverages for every taste
• Four self-checkouts for faster service
• Mobile fueling and Pilot app deals and rewards

“Pilot’s new Ponce de Leon location was designed with our guests in mind,” says Mark Hasse, region manager. “We’re proud to offer a clean, comfortable place to rest, refuel and recharge. Our team looks forward to serving the Panhandle community and everyone passing through for years to come.”

From quick bites to a fresh shower, the new Ponce de Leon Pilot has your back wherever the road leads.

Giving Back from Day One

We believe in working shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities we serve. Through Pilot’s giving program, Miles of Good, we have championed education by donating to hundreds of public schools across North America.

To celebrate the new store grand openings, Pilot is donating $20,000 to each community to support education. Chicopee Public Schools, serving students in Chicopee, MA, and the Holmes District School Board, serving Ponce de Leon, FL students, each received a $20,000 check to help fund programs and opportunities that fuel students’ futures.

This funding helps ensure students have what they need to inspire curiosity, strengthen learning and create opportunities to help them thrive. By funding public schools, Pilot is proud to support the next generation.

In It with You

These two new store openings are part of our commitment to give you more quality amenities, more convenience and more reasons to take a comfortable break from the road. Whether you’re a professional driver supporting America’s supply chain or a family heading out on an adventure, Pilot is here to be your trusty wingman.

See you out here!

In 2026, Pilot’s goal is to raise $1 million to directly fuel the mission of saving lives. Now in its ninth campaign year with the Heart Association, Pilot and its guests have raised a total of nearly $10 million.

Guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers and take part in simple, meaningful actions that collectively make a life-saving difference:

• Paper Hearts and Round Up: Guests at U.S. locations can add a $1, $3 or $5 paper heart or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign. Guests at Canadian locations can round up their in-store purchases, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Heart & Stroke in Canada*
• Donate in the App: For the first time, guests can now donate $1, $3 or $5 directly through the Pilot app when placing a mobile order, making it easier to support heart health with just a click
• Free Coffee Offer: To thank guests for their contributions, Pilot app users who join the "Heart Month Challenge" and purchase a paper heart in-store will receive an offer for a free coffee on their next visit**

Alongside the company’s fundraising efforts, Pilot is committed to helping its team members take meaningful steps toward better heart health. During Heart Month, the company’s team members will have access to hands-only CPR training, blood pressure resources and heart health education developed by the Heart Association to support prevention, awareness and lifesaving action. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting their local Heart Association office.

Pilot’s support of the Heart Association is fueled by the company’s Miles of Good giving program. Additional details about Pilot’s Heart Month campaign are available at PilotCompany.com/heart-month. Information about heart health programs and resources can be found at heart.org and heartandstroke.ca.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full amount of each heart purchase and the round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores from 1/30/26-2/22/26 will be donated to the American Heart Association in the US and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Certain purchases are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited.

**Valid from 1/30/26-2/22/26. Available only at participating locations. Limited to one free small Pilot hot coffee. myRewards account required. Not valid in Canada. Additional terms apply – see store for details.

Brian – The Checkup That Changed Everything

Brian had put off his annual physical for three years. When he finally went, it was mostly to check a box. That appointment saved his life.

"My new primary care physician's attention to detail radically changed my life when he detected an audible heart murmur," Brian says. 

At 37, Brian learned his heart was missing a chord that helps the valve pump blood efficiently. After surgery and recovery, he’s healthy now, but he often wonders what would have happened if he had waited another year.

Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half. Brian’s story is proof that regular checkups can catch what you can’t see or feel.

Olga and Adelina – Keeping Tiny Hearts Beating

Olga’s daughter, Adelina, was born healthy. But during a routine checkup at four days old, doctors discovered her aortic valve hadn’t developed properly. Their quick action and a lifesaving procedure changed everything. Today, thanks to that intervention and years of careful monitoring, Adelina is a thriving 11-year-old. “This is true with any heart disease, but with aortic stenosis in particular, timing is critical,” Olga shares. “This condition can be silent for years, and feeling ‘fine’ doesn’t mean it isn’t progressing. Monitoring is powerful, and the right timing for medical intervention is everything.”

One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Advances in pediatric cardiac care, funded by organizations like the American Heart Association, are helping more children like Adelina survive and thrive.

Donnie – The Test That Could Save Your Life

Donnie did everything right – daily workouts, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Yet, at just 48, he suffered a widow maker heart attack while at the gym.

“I thought I was doing everything to stay healthy,” Donnie shares. “I had no idea I needed to get checked.” 

Despite his commitment to fitness, doctors discovered a 100% blockage. Two years of recovery taught him an important lesson. “Getting a coronary artery calcium score, a quick, painless scan that takes less than 10 minutes, can save your life or someone you love.”

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on fitness level. Even healthy people need to know their numbers and schedule regular screenings.

David – A Second Chance at Life

David was at work at Pilot Travel Center #722 in Knoxville, Tennessee when chest pain hit. A co-worker found him on the floor of the store.

"I was told I died on the way to the hospital," David recalls. "I had a widow maker heart attack."

Widow maker heart attacks have just a 12% survival rate outside a hospital, but thankfully paramedics were able to save David's life.

After his cardiac event, David quit smoking after 40 years. His story is proof that it's never too late to make changes that protect your heart.

A Child's Fight and a Donor's Gift

Hannah's son Bennett was born with only half a heart, a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At just 6 days old, he underwent his first open-heart surgery.

Shortly after, doctors discovered Bennett had suffered a stroke and brain bleed. By 6 months old, he had endured two more surgeries. The first 10 months of his life were spent in the hospital.

When Bennett turned 2, his family returned to the hospital hoping to complete the second stage of his three-stage surgery. Instead, he needed emergency surgery, his fifth before his third birthday.

"We focused on enjoying our time with him, as we were told he couldn't withstand any more surgeries," Hannah says.

Thankfully, Bennett grew stronger over the next couple of years. Hospital visits became less frequent, but at age 11, doctors delivered devastating news: Bennett needed a heart transplant. Several months later, thanks to an organ donor family’s selfless decision, Bennett received his gift of life.

 Today, Bennett is preparing to celebrate his 13th birthday on February 7.

"He has more energy than I could have ever imagined, and his eyes are full of life and light," Hannah says. "There have been a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter," Hannah shares. "I'm forever grateful to our donor family for making a selfless decision during such a hard time in their lives. I'm thankful for our doctors and nurses who love Bennett so very much and I'm thankful for my Pilot family who have been very supportive along the way."

Bennett's story shows what's possible when research, medicine and human generosity come together.

Julius – Trusting Your Instincts

Julius felt a "pop" in his head while exercising. Not pain, exactly. Just something that didn't feel right.

He could have brushed it off, but thankfully, he didn't.

"I felt an unusual popping sensation in my head. I trusted my instincts and got help right away. That decision saved my life."

The diagnosis was a ruptured brain aneurysm, a severe form of stroke. Julius spent weeks relearning to speak and walk. Today, he's fully recovered. He credits his survival to acting fast and getting emergency care immediately.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke symptoms aren't always obvious. Acting quickly on any warning sign, even subtle ones, dramatically improves survival and recovery rates. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get help.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

If you watched someone collapse, would you know what to do?

You can. And it only takes two steps.

This February, Pilot is supporting the American Heart Association through its stores in the U.S. and the Heart & Stroke Foundation through its stores in Canada to promote heart health and empower team members and guests with lifesaving skills. As part of this relationship, we're sharing essential information about Hands-Only CPR.

What to Do When Someone Collapses

When a teen or adult suddenly collapses from a cardiac emergency, stay calm. You have the tools to make a difference. All you need is a phone and your hands.

• Step 1: Call 911

• Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

Check if the person is breathing or responsive. If not, start chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and don't stop until emergency responders arrive.

Is it really that simple? It is!

Learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 Seconds

Learning Hands-Only CPR is easy. Watch this 90-second demonstration video from the American Heart Association. That's all it takes to turn from a bystander into a lifesaver.

For Pilot team members: Throughout February, you have access to free Hands-Only CPR training, blood pressure checks, and heart health resources. Check your internal communications for details on how to access these lifesaving tools.

Why This Matters

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year.¹ Heart disease and stroke remain two of the nation's biggest health threats, impacting approximately 1.5 million Americans annually² including our team members, their loved ones, and the guests Pilot serves.

Yet bystanders only intervene less than half the time³, often due to uncertainty or lack of training. The reality is stark: nine out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die because they don't receive immediate CPR.⁴

But here's the good news: CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.⁵

Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, anywhere—at the gym, in the grocery store, during a child's soccer game, or at a travel center. That's why the American Heart Association is working to educate at least one person in every household in Hands-Only CPR to build a Nation of Lifesavers.

Join the Fight Against Heart Disease and Stroke

This February, Pilot is taking action to combat the nation's #1 and #4 killers. From January 30 - February 22, you can support the fight at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Centers by:

• Buying a paper heart ($1, $3, or $5)

• Rounding up your purchase at checkout

• Donating when you place a mobile order in the app

Your generosity funds heart health education and resources. Together, we can change the outcome for the 1.5 million Americans affected by heart attacks and strokes each year. Learn more at pilotcompany.com/heart-month.

References

1. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93-e621. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Million Hearts. Risks for Heart Disease and Stroke. Available at: https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/about-million-hearts/science-facts/risks.html

3. CARES. 2023 Annual Report. Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival. Available at: https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2024/2023%20Annual%20Report_WEB.pdf

4. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93-e621. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

5. Blewer AL, McGovern SK, Schmicker RH, et al. Association of Bystander and First-Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina HeartRescue Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(4):e007968. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.117.007968

After reviewing thousands of deserving entries, Pilot, the nation’s largest travel center operator and third largest tanker fleet operator in the U.S., announced today their 2025 Road Warrior champion, Stacy Batiste of Lafayette, Louisiana. Batiste was selected for his tireless dedication and commitment to professional driving, receiving the largest prize in contest history – a custom Kenworth truck built by the Diesel Brothers and a $50,000 cash prize. Pilot’s Road Warrior contest is a way for the company to say thanks to the drivers who go the extra mile and keep North America moving. A bonus second-place winner, Bobby Peeker of Woodruff, South Carolina, is also being awarded a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 donation on his behalf to a charity supporting veterans’ causes of his choice.  

“We received thousands of entries celebrating the efforts of drivers who go the extra mile each and every day. Stacy’s and Bobby’s hard work, dedication to the profession, commitment to safety and service stood out. We are honored to welcome them to the Road Warrior winner’s circle,” said Jordan Spradling, senior vice president of transportation and midstream assets at Pilot Company. “They both are prime examples of the positive impact professional drivers have on and off the road.”

Batiste has dedicated the past 33 years to being on the road, logging more than 5.1 million accident-free miles and considers trucking to be his calling. Batiste has been recognized throughout his career for his commitment to road safety. A Marine Corps veteran, Batiste is motivated by the pride of knowing his efforts keep communities and families supplied with the goods they need. In addition to his time behind the wheel, he routinely goes the extra mile to mentor younger drivers and serves as a pillar in his local community. 

On October 21, Pilot surprised Batiste with his prize while he was working and on the road. Batiste had stopped at a Flying J in Baytown, Texas, when Pilot and the Diesel Brothers handed over the keys to the custom Kenworth truck and presented the $50,000 check. His family hid in the travel center to be a part of the surprise. They say Batiste’s first job as a professional driver was hauling sugar cane in South Louisiana, and now, as an owner-operator, this truck will further his passion for safe driving and making a difference in his community. 

With the amount of heart-warming stories that were submitted through this year’s Road Warrior nomination process, Pilot selected an additional deserving winner. Bobby Peeker, also a Marine Corps veteran, will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 donation made by Pilot on his behalf to a charity of his choice that supports veterans’ causes.  

Peeker boasts more than 1 million accident-free miles and supports the military community following his service in the Marine Corps, regularly volunteering his time and resources to aid his fellow servicemen and servicewomen. He also participates in truck shows that support the Special Olympics. His family instilled his passion for the profession, which was only strengthened by the role his grandfather played to help remove rubble from the 9/11 attacks with his truck. 

For over 10 years, Pilot has celebrated professional drivers and recognized them as Road Warriors for their dedication to going the extra mile. To learn more about the Road Warrior contest, including the more than 30 drivers who have been showcased, please visit: https://pilotcompany.com/road-warrior.   

As part of the company’s Miles of Good initiative, Pilot is continuing its long-standing support of the Call of Duty Endowment with its annual round-up** campaign and contributing $250,000 toward the organization’s mission of placing veterans into high-quality careers after their service. From November 8 through December 1, guests can round-up** their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3 or $5 at any participating Pilot location. The Call of Duty Endowment will receive 100% of funds donated during this campaign. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have given more than $5.2 million to the Call of Duty Endowment, helping over 8,000 veterans transition to civilian careers.

“Our company is rooted in showing people they matter at every turn and it is our privilege to honor the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s veterans,” said Brad Anderson, president of retail at Pilot. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help veterans find fulfilling careers in partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment and are honored to give thanks for their service by treating them and their families this Veterans Day.” 

On Veterans Day, November 11, Pilot is offering veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the Pilot app their choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink*. This limited-time offer can be claimed at participating Pilot locations through the Pilot app.* Pilot also offers year-round military savings for verified ID.me veterans, military members and their families with 10% discount on food and beverages when using the Pilot app***.

Pilot is a proud employer of veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to join its team by visiting jobs.pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Call of Duty Endowment, visit callofdutyendowment.org.

*Offer is available 11/11/2025 from 12:01 AM ET to 11:59 PM ET. Must authenticate in the Pilot app via ID.me™ to receive offer and then must save offer in app and present myRewards card, barcode in app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Offer may be redeemed in-store for one (1) hot sandwich AND one (1) hot coffee (any size), iced coffee (any size), OR fountain beverage (any size); excludes ICEE® beverages and bottled or packaged beverages. Valid only at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 branded, owned and/or operated locations. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations or restaurants. Not valid in Canada. Single use only. Void where prohibited or restricted. Invalid on prior purchases. Cannot be sold, bartered, or combined with other offers. No cash value, rain checks, or substitutions allowed. Offer may be modified or terminated at any time. Subject to myRewards terms and conditions (https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions). Other terms may apply. Data rates may apply. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**100% of the Call of Duty Endowment donations and round-up contributions Pilot collects from 11/08/25 at 12:01 AM (local time) through 12/1/25 at 11:59 PM (local time) will go to support the Call of Duty Endowment. Donations and round-up contributions only accepted at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs and purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for donations and round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

***Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for more details.

“At every turn, professional drivers bring their grit and dedication to deliver the goods that keep our economy moving,” said Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “We owe professional drivers our gratitude for their hard work. Driver Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us to say ‘thanks for the drive’ and show drivers how much they matter by recognizing and rewarding them for going the extra mile.”

Pilot's annual Road Warrior contest shines a spotlight on the incredible stories of professional drivers who go the distance with excellent safety records and service to the community. This year, the Diesel Brothers are joining Pilot to create the ultimate big rig – a fully customized Kenworth. Fans can watch this truck come to life by following @SparksMotorsCo on YouTube, as they overhaul the rig for Pilot’s Road Warrior winner. Nominate a deserving driver for the chance to win the 2025 Road Warrior grand prize of a custom Kenworth truck and $50,000 by completing the entry form between September 2 through September 19, 2025. The grand prize winner will be announced in October 2025.

To show appreciation for all professional drivers, Pilot is offering exclusive deals** just for them in the Pilot app at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including:

• Three free drinks every week, featuring top-selling brands from the cooler
• Extra deals and exclusive discounts on popular snacks and craveable signature Pilot food items
• A 10% discount on food and beverages for military and veteran professional drivers authenticated through ID.me

For more information about Driver Appreciation Month, visit pilotcompany.com/driver-appreciation-month. For more information about the 2025 Road Warrior contest, including terms and conditions, visit https://pilotcompany.com/road-warrior.

*See pilotcompany.com/road-warrior for contest rules for terms and conditions. Void where prohibited by law. 

**Offer available to professional drivers using the Pilot app until 9/30/25. See https://pilotcompany.com/driver-appreciation-month for terms and conditions.

“People are our top priority at Pilot, and one of the ways we demonstrate this is by caring for the well-being of our team members, guests and communities,” said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Council. “Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and raising awareness and providing lifesaving education is critical to helping people take action and save lives.”

This initiative is part of Miles of Good, Pilot’s recently launched giving program dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. It also marks a milestone in Pilot’s eight-year support of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, as the company expands its efforts to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month. In addition to fundraising, Pilot is providing its team members with virtual CPR training and access to stroke prevention resources throughout May.

“Pilot’s support of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in heart and brain health,” said Kayla Smith, executive director of the Knoxville American Heart Association. “This will help fund more critical research and enable us to reach more communities with lifesaving initiatives. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for everyone.”

According to the American Heart Association, recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can be the difference between life and death. Throughout American Stroke Month, Pilot is helping promote the warning signs of stroke using the FAST acronym:

-       Face drooping

-       Arm weakness

-       Speech difficulty

-       Time to call 911**

For more information about Pilot’s American Stroke Month initiatives and to find a participating travel center, visit pilotflyingj.com/stroke-month.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States from 5/09/25-5/31/25 will be donated to the American Heart Association. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

As part of Pilot’s purpose of showing people they matter at every turn, and through its recently launched Miles of Good initiative, the company is donating $100,000 to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of military members and first responders who have fallen or become disabled while serving their country or communities. This donation adds to the more than $2.7 million Pilot has given to support military and veteran-focused organizations since 2020.

"With contributions to organizations like Folds of Honor, we salute military service members’ legacies by helping provide educational scholarships,” said Meg Counts, director of corporate giving and events. “As a company grounded in serving others, we are honored to give our support to military members and their families who do so much to uplift and protect our communities.”

Throughout Military Appreciation Month in May, veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will unlock three free offers* each week that can be redeemed at participating Pilot locations. Deals include free Pilot coffee and fountain drinks, freshly prepared Pilot foods like pizza and breakfast sandwiches, and popular brand name cooler drinks.

Beyond these special offers, verified ID.me veterans, military members and their families can save year-round at Pilot with a 10% discount on food and beverages when using the myRewards Plus app.**

As a proud employer of veterans, Pilot encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to join its team by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com. For more information about Pilot’s Miles of Good giving program, visit pilotflyingj.com.

*To receive offer, guest must authenticate their military status through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app, save the offer in the app, and present myRewards card, barcode in the app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Valid in the U.S. only. See offer details and full terms and conditions in the app.

** Visit https://pilotflyingj.com/terms-and-conditions for more details.

“At Pilot, people matter — and giving is another way we can show them that’s true,” said Pilot CEO Adam Wright. “Through our renewed focus on safety, education and veterans, the Miles of Good program reflects our deep commitment to building safer environments, fostering opportunities for growth and honoring those who have served — making a positive and lasting impact in what matters most to us — people.”

Miles of Good is guided by its mission to spread positivity, build meaningful connections and create lasting impacts in the communities it serves, focusing on three key pillars:

·       Safety: Prioritizing the safety of team members, guests and surrounding communities by supporting initiatives dedicated to well-being and protection.  

·       Education: Championing access to quality education, including STEM programs, scholarships and resources to help students succeed. 

·       Veterans: Honoring military service and supporting veterans’ transition to civilian life, providing career opportunities, and recognizing their ongoing contributions to society. 

To support these pillars, Pilot’s philanthropic efforts include monetary donations, in-kind contributions and community partnerships. Last year, Pilot donated more than $5.5 million to several meaningful causes and is committed to growing this number in the years ahead. Beyond charitable contributions, Pilot encourages a spirit of volunteerism among its nearly 30,000 team members, demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts in the lives of others. 

“What makes Miles of Good special is how it empowers our team members to come together and make a meaningful difference,” said Meg Counts, Pilot’s director of corporate giving and events. “This isn’t just a corporate initiative, but a movement fueled by people who are passionate about giving, volunteering their time and strengthening our communities. We’re creating real impact because it comes from the heart and reflects who we are at our core.”  

Furthering its people-first culture, the company launched Pilot Cares, a team member assistance fund. This program offers financial support to team members facing unexpected hardships, such as medical emergencies or natural disaster recovery, ensuring they have the resources needed to get back on their feet.

Through Miles of Good, Pilot and its communities are paving the way for a brighter, safer and more connected future. Guests can learn more about Pilot’s giving efforts at pilotflyingj.com/miles-of-good.

"At Pilot, safety goes beyond being road-ready—it’s about protecting what matters most: our team members, guests and communities," said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why ™ Council. "Standing together in the fight against heart disease and stroke—the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in our country—is a meaningful way to bring our purpose to life and show people they matter at every turn.”

From Feb. 1–16, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate and celebrate their commitment to heart health and safety. Ways to contribute include:

• Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers with 100 percent of proceeds supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign in the U.S. and the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. Additionally, guests who purchase a paper heart at U.S. locations can enjoy a free any-size hot coffee through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app as a token of appreciation for supporting the cause.*
• Pin pad roundup or donation**: Guests can round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar or donate an amount of their choice via the pin pad during checkout. At participating U.S. locations, 100 percent of donations support the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign, while donations at Canadian locations benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

"We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to promote heart health and safety. Every paper heart purchased and extra dollar donated fuels groundbreaking research and lifesaving initiatives,” said Ingoldt. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our guests and team members, whose support enables these organizations to make a profound difference.”   

Along with its fundraising efforts, Pilot is providing its team members with essential tools to prioritize their heart health. Team members will have access to free CPR training, blood pressure screenings and valuable heart health resources provided by the American Heart Association. These community resources offer heart health advice, wellness tips and programs to connect individuals with lifesaving tools. To explore local programs, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

For details about Pilot’s American Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month, or use the myRewards Plus app* to find nearby locations. To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and for information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, visit heartandstroke.ca.

*Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

**Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

"It’s an honor for Pilot to continue to celebrate and honor the incredible heroes across our country - the truck drivers who safely put millions of miles on our highways to keep us going and our servicemembers, first responders and their families who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Wendy Hamilton, chief of staff at Pilot. “Giving back to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the communities we serve, especially through education, is a small way to show our gratitude and support their future. We look forward to seeing more truck drivers out here and are thankful for the work done through Folds of Honor and their scholarship programs.”

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 62,000 academic scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. The $50,000 donation from Pilot will provide Folds of Honor with resources to further support the education of the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders across the country.

"Folds of Honor is grateful for the support of Pilot,” said Folds of Honor CEO and founder, Lt Col Dan Rooney. "This contribution will enable us to heighten our impact and further our mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s service members and first responders and educate their legacy. Pilot, its team members and the individuals it serves are true patriots that understand the importance of education and are doing something about it.”

Pilot proudly employs veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. For more information about Pilot’s commitment to giving back and its family of travel center brands, visit pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Folds of Honor, visit foldsofhonor.org.

From November 9 through November 30, 2024, guests can choose to round up their in-store purchase to the nearest dollar at any participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel center.** All proceeds will be directly donated to Call of Duty Endowment. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have raised over $4 million for Call of Duty Endowment, resulting in more than 7,000 successful veteran career placements. 

"We are deeply grateful to our nation's veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service and consider it a privilege to express our thanks with a complimentary meal at our stores on Veterans Day,” said Brad Anderson, chief operating officer at Pilot. "With our guests’ generous support, Pilot will continue making a lasting difference for service members and their families. We take pride in and appreciate our many veteran team members and are thankful to be able to give back in such a meaningful way by helping other veterans find rewarding careers.”

On Veterans Day, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will be eligible for a free meal credit up to $12.* The Veterans Day offer can be claimed on November 11 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app and redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, fountain beverages and Pilot coffee.*

With successful ID.me verification, service members will also enjoy exclusive deals and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers when checking out with myRewards Plus. Learn more about Pilot’s military discount at pilotflyingj.com/rewards. For more great deals and to quickly find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers, download the myRewards Plus app.*

Pilot proudly employs veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. For more information on Call of Duty Endowment, visit callofdutyendowment.org.

*Must use myRewards Plus app after verified through ID.me to redeem. Data rates may apply. Certain food and beverage exclusions apply. Good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards for more details. Meal Offer Period is 11/11/24 only.

**Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

Liz Leon, a professional driver for over 19 years and this year's grand prize winner, transports containers in and out of Southern California ports for 4Gen Logistics. Liz started her career with Toys R Us, where she fell in love with the road and found her passion for driving. Driving an average of 100,000 miles a year, Liz is accident-free and has been recognized by the California Trucking Association for her phenomenal driving.

On October 22, Pilot team members flew to Rialto, California, to surprise Liz before she began her shift at 4Gen Logistics. Colleagues and family members, including her husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, joined to celebrate the 2024 Road Warrior winner and present a check for $25,000 upon her arrival.

“Congratulations to this year’s Road Warrior, Liz Leon, who stood out among the many deserving drivers we read about during the contest,” said Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “We appreciate all the nominations and stories of drivers like Liz, Herschel, Joe, and Roy, who show up day in and day out, put in countless hours and miles and embody everything we value at Pilot.“

New to this year’s Road Warrior contest, Pilot chose four winners from each week’s nominations to win $1,000 and to be in the running for the $25,000 grand prize. In addition to Liz, this year’s weekly winners include:

• Herschel Evans: A professional driver from Bremen, Georgia, with over 38 years of experience and 3.5 million safe driving miles, he has helped countless families through his charity work, including Atlanta Ride for Kids, Convoy of Care and Safety Drive for a Cure.
• Joe Mondor: A professional driver from Grand Forks, North Dakota, Joe has logged over 4.5 million safe driving miles over his 33 years in the trucking industry. Joe has been recognized as a true professional, a safety leader and a mentor for his peers.
• Roy Prentice: A professional driver from Reno, Nevada, Roy has accrued more than 3 million safe driving miles and has been a professional driver for more than 30 years. He is known for his passion for helping others in his community and his fellow drivers out on the road.

To learn more about Pilot's Road Warrior contest and past winners, visit https://pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation.

UT has partnered with Pilot to accept donations at the Pilot PSS Warehouse from Tuesday, October 15, through Thursday, October 17. The drop-off times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The donated supplies will be sent to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center. The address is 4200 Middlebrook Farm Lane, Building #5, Knoxville, TN 37921.

UT Staff, students, and student-athletes can sign up for shifts through the Division of Student Life's Jones Center.

The following items are in critical need of donation:

• Tents
• Sleeping Bags
• New Blankets
• Hot Hands
• Medical Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Personal Hygiene Items (Deodorant, Shampoo, Condi\oner, Body Wash)
• Hand Soap
• Band-Aids
• Tylenol and Ibuprofen (Unopened and in date)
• Wet Wipes
• Multifunctional Scraper or Flathead Shovel

Pilot is also mobilizing its extensive network of travel centers to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene through an in-store round-up campaign* for the American Red Cross. From October 4 to October 18, 2024, guests can visit any U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel center location to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane. One hundred percent of funds raised will support Red Cross response efforts in impacted communities across the Southeast.

Tennessee Athletics and local bottler Coca-Cola Consolidated will begin the donation drive on Friday, October 11, delivering hundreds of cases of water to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center.

Late last week, Tennessee Athletics announced that fans can now purchase t-shirts, hats, and stickers featuring the "Mountain Strong" helmet decal that the Tennessee football team will wear to honor those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The "Mountain Strong" merchandise is available at the Vol Shop and Alumni Hall.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted during this difficult time," said Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. "We sincerely hope these initiatives will bring much-needed support and awareness to the affected communities."

The proceeds from all of the merchandise sales will go to charity.

*At participating locations. Pilot will donate 100% of round-up contributions to American Red Cross. Certain purchases not eligible for round-up. Void where prohibited.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” said Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.”

Since Hurricane Helene, Pilot has worked to restore operations as safely and quickly as possible to serve the communities and emergency responders. Currently, all Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including those in highly impacted areas, are open and operational. The latest operational updates for stores in impacted areas can be found at pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

*At participating locations. Pilot will donate 100% of round-up contributions to American Red Cross. Certain purchases not eligible for round-up. Void where prohibited.

As the heartbeat of the trucking industry, truck parking is crucial yet often gets sidelined in conversation. Truck drivers face a daily struggle—navigating long hours, tight schedules, unpredictable weather, and finding safe places to park their big rigs. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about safety and compliance.

Why Truck Parking Matters

Safe parking areas aren’t just resting spots; they’re lifelines for drivers. They offer the necessary downtime to recharge and ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Did you know that driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents? Proper parking options help combat this risk and keep everyone safer.

Join the Pilot Family

That’s where we come in! At Pilot, we boast the largest network of travel centers across North America, featuring nearly 900 locations prioritizing truck parking. We provide drivers with a safe haven to stop, rest, and reset, whether they’re on long hauls or quick deliveries.

Finding Your Spot

Finding a space at Pilot is a breeze! Our website and mobile app keep you informed of real-time parking availability, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible. No more driving in circles!

Cost Considerations

When it comes to costs, we keep it simple. In the US, overnight truck parking costs range between $10 to $25, while in Canada, it’s about $15 to $30. And with savings for professional drivers and fleet members, we make sure you can rest easy without breaking the bank.

At Pilot, we’re committed to making a difference in the truck parking landscape. So next time you hit the road, remember: safe travels start with a good parking plan. Check out our extensive network for affordable, convenient truck parking options. Happy trucking!

“It truly is an honor to work shoulder to shoulder with professional drivers who keep North America moving, day in and day out,” said Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “At Pilot, we are committed to doing our part to support, serve, and show professional drivers they matter, and we look forward to seeing them out here on the road.”

Pilot's Driver Appreciation campaign reflects the brand’s new creative direction, focusing on the people and moments that make the middle of nowhere feel like somewhere. Featuring real professional drivers in its campaign, Pilot celebrates the hardworking people behind the wheel of a big rig with a ‘Here’s to You’ cheers and an inviting call to ‘See You Out Here.’ Throughout September, Pilot will hero professional drivers in its commercials, billboards, store signage and digital content.

To further recognize professional drivers and share their stories, Pilot is kicking off its annual Road Warrior contest with a $25,000* grand prize. The Road Warrior contest recognizes the individuals who weather the storms, long hours, and tight schedules, day in and day out to keep North America moving. For this year’s contest, surprise personalities will invite people to nominate the professional drivers in their lives by visiting Pilot’s Facebook page and giving them a shout-out on each week’s Road Warrior recognition post. Every week during the contest, one deserving driver will be selected based on the details of their nomination to win a $1,000 prize.* At the end of the month, one of the four weekly Road Warrior winners will be named the grand prize recipient and will be awarded an additional $25,000.* Winners will be announced in October.*

Additionally, as a token of Pilot’s appreciation, professional drivers will be able to enjoy exclusive savings all September through use of the myRewards Plus app** at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including:

• Three free drinks every week, including Pilot coffee, fountain drinks and top-selling beverage brands from the cooler
• Exclusive discounts on popular snack items
• Military and Veteran professional drivers will receive extra discounts on snacks in addition to the 10% military discount on food and beverage (after authentication through ID.me)

Download the myRewards Plus app** to find the nearest participating travel center and take advantage of these offers.

For more information about Driver Appreciation Month and the 2024 Road Warrior contest, visit pilotflyingj.com/driverappreciation.  

*See contest rules for terms and conditions. Void where prohibited by law.

**Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply. While supplies last.

This February, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate to the campaign and celebrate their reasons to lead healthier lives.* Ways to contribute include:

• Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers to benefit the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign in the United States and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.*
• Pin pad roundup or donation*: Guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin pad during checkout to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in participating Canada locations with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.*

“Together, we have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of people, both within our local communities and across the globe,” said Diana Morgan, director of well-being and benefits at Pilot Travel Centers LLC. “Rounding-up your purchase or buying a paper heart enables the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to discover breakthroughs and develop initiatives that will save and improve lives.”

As part of the Heart Month campaign, Pilot Travel Centers LLC is supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign to advocate for the importance of CPR and to offer its 30,000 team members the opportunity to participate in virtual, hands-only CPR training. In addition to CPR classes, the American Heart Association provides heart health advice and wellness tips among other programming to help connect people with life-saving resources in their area. To find local programs, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

For more information about the company's Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month and to easily find nearby locations, use the myRewards Plus app.** Visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign to learn more about American Heart Association’s Life is Why^™ campaign and heartandstroke.cafor more information about the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

*Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

**Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

It is important to know lifesaving measures, like CPR, and how to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Hear from the American Heart Association below to learn two steps to save a life and some ways to protect your own heart’s health.

*100% of proceeds will go toward the American Heart Association. Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

In the United States, hundreds of thousands of adults and tens of thousands of children experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting every year. If someone needed CPR, would you know what to do? Would you be ready to save a life?

Thankfully, Hands-Only CPR is a simple, two-step process that can save lives. Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac event as conventional CPR for cardiac arrests at home, at work or in public. If you see an adult or teen collapse, follow these two steps to perform Hands-Only CPR and save a life:

1. Call 9-1-1.

If you see someone collapse, don’t wait. When a heart stops, seconds matter. Approach them and try to see if they’re responsive by yelling and tapping or shaking them gently but firmly. If they’re unresponsive, don’t waste time  checking for a pulse. Call 9-1-1 and begin the next step.

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a pace of 100-120 beats per minute.

You can use any number of well-known songs to keep chest compressions on rhythm. Check out the American Heart Association’s ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist on Spotify, where every tune is the perfect tempo for CPR.

To learn more about Hands-Only CPR and other lifesaving measures, join the Nation of Lifesavers™ today!

And remember to take care of yourself and protect your own heart’s health. There are easy steps you can take to lessen the risk of experiencing a cardiac event. Visit a doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and check out the tips below:

• Eat a diverse diet of nutrient-dense and whole foods
• Prioritize being active for at least 2.5 hours a week
• Sit less and move more
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Aim for an average of 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Reduce stress
• Limit alcohol intake

For more information, visit heart.org.

Driver Appreciation Month lasts all September long with special perks in the myRewards Plus app just for professional drivers, including:

– Three free drinks each week, redeemable Monday-Sunday*

• Drivers can choose between a free Pilot fountain drink, coffee, and top-selling beverage brands they love

– Discounts on various freshly prepared food items each week throughout the month of September using the myRewards Plus app, this includes a 50% off pizza, burgers, salads and more*

– One bonus point automatically applied to Canadian professional drivers when fueling with their myRewards® card at participating Shell Flying J travel centers throughout September*

– The ability to earn even more points (up to 5 points per gallon) when fueling after activating PushForPoints in the myRewards Plus app beginning in October*

Join us in person during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week as we host a community celebration for professional drivers which will include prize giveaways, refreshments, outdoor games, music and more. Come celebrate with us on:

– September 13, 2023, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Pilot Travel Center on 3300 AR-391, North Little Rock, AR 72117

To take advantage of these offers visit any of our more than 750 participating U.S. Pilot or Flying J travel centers or one of our owned and operated One9 Fuel Network locations. Download the myRewards Plus app* to find the nearest participating travel center and start earning more today.

Check back all month long as we continue to celebrate professional drivers! For more information about Driver Appreciation Month rewards and promotions, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

*Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply. While supplies last.

In Knoxville, the group spent the day at MUSE Knoxville, a local children’s museum that offers interactive, educational experiences in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The interns acted as guides for “MUSE Pop”, a weekly summer program featuring themed exhibits. This week’s topic was Smoky Mountain Exploration. Stationed at various booths, the interns helped museum visitors examine animal artifacts, build model habitats, and learn about the wildlife native to East Tennessee. They also helped in the gift shop by restocking and counting inventory.

“While volunteering at MUSE Knoxville, I was inspired by their purpose of increasing children’s educational literacy in various subjects through educational recreation. It inspired me to help be a ‘Way Maker’ on new educational technology for others in our community’s future.” –Alice Grace Beavers, Program Intern, Food and Beverage Innovation

Down in Houston, the cohort helped at Houston Food Bank, which serves 18 counties in the area. The interns sorted donations from community partners and helped repack them for local distribution.

After a day of serving, the interns took time to reflect on their experiences and how they could be better muses in their communities and workplaces. Here’s what a couple of them had to share:

“Volunteering at Houston Food Bank made me realize how much work it takes to feed people that desperately need it. This experience gave me the opportunity to reflect and appreciate what I have in life. I plan to continue to drive others in my community and workplace to also contribute to helping others. This will not only bring us closer together but show us the importance of being a part of something bigger than ourselves.”–Diego Longoria, Program Intern, Settlements

Make sure to vote for the Pilot Company Internship Program to be named as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs.

Following its July 2022 launch, commercial fleets leveraging the network have reported significant business efficiencies and savings as a result of its real-time, data-driven insights. Watsontown Trucking Company, which owns and operates a fleet of more than 475 tractors, 1,200 van trailers, 90 open-top vans, 75 flatbed trailers, and 5 Volvo VNR Electric Trucks, has begun to leverage the network and has achieved benefits that include the following:

• 867 annual labor hours saved on pre-trip and safety lane inspections.
• An emergency roadside incident rate reduction of 10%, eliminating nearly 1,300 annual breakdown hours.
• Operational and maintenance savings totaling an estimated $126,000.

“We are excited to see the ongoing success of this partnership with Pilot Company,” said Josh Holland, Vice President, Dealer Development and Mobility Solutions Deployment (Commercial), Bridgestone Americas. “Through our expanded Bridgestone Fleet Care service network at Pilot and Flying J travel centers, fleets across the United States are beginning to experience the benefits of a connected network of tire-monitoring services that are supported by our Bridgestone Commercial Dealer Network (BCDN).”

Each router installed in the fuel canopies of select Pilot and Flying J travel centers is linked to Bridgestone Fleet Care’s tire monitoring service and transmits real-time tire data in two minutes or less from trucks and buses to fleet managers. Bridgestone Fleet Care’s technology combines durable hardware with a software application to allow fleet operators to proactively address specific tire issues and mitigate unplanned maintenance, helping to reduce downtime and improve driver safety. Fleets using this solution have access to critical data such as tire inflation pressure and temperature, enabling them to continually monitor the health of each tire throughout its lifecycle.

“In one year, we’ve surpassed our initial goal and are now able to offer this technology at over 300 of our travel centers, helping maximize coverage throughout the country to Fleet Care customers,” said David Hughes, Senior Vice President of Sales at Pilot Company. “Fleet Care allows for new fleet and business efficiencies and helps keep the roads and highways safe for both professional drivers and passenger vehicles.”

The use of the Bridgestone advanced tire monitoring system at Pilot and Flying J travel centers enables both companies to expand their service offerings and support the growing need for evolving technology solutions that make it easier and faster to maintain vehicles. This program adds to Pilot Company’s bundle of fleet solutions, which provide trucking companies with financial, maintenance and fuel packages.

The tire monitoring and service network in collaboration with Pilot Company aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, consisting of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” that Bridgestone has committed to creating together with employees, society, partners and customers to help realize a more sustainable society. It specifically aligns with “Efficiency,” “Extension,” and “Ease.”

For more information on Bridgestone commercial solutions, visit bridgsetoneamericas.com. For more information on Pilot Company’s nationwide network of travel centers, visit pilotflyingj.com.

"From our Pilot family to all the military families across the country, thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice,” said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant at Pilot Company and Air Force veteran. “This Military Appreciation Month, we want to show our gratitude by treating service members to free snacks and drinks during their travels and by joining Hire Heroes USA to connect veterans with resources and opportunities to pursue their career ambitions after leaving the service.”

Hire Heroes USA is a leading veteran employment nonprofit that has helped thousands of military members, veterans and military spouses successfully transfer their skills into the civilian workforce. The $100,000 donation from Pilot Company will provide Hire Heroes USA with the resources needed to guide more military members through the transition process, including placing more veterans into careers at Pilot.

"It is thanks to long-time partners like Pilot Company that our veterans and military spouses are empowered to secure well-fitting and well-paying jobs,” shared Andrew Sandoe, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “We at Hire Heroes USA are thankful for Pilot Company's belief in our organization and commitment to our nation's veterans."

Pilot Company is extending its thanks during Military Appreciation Month with exclusive offers* throughout May for veterans and their families, in addition to its year-round 10% discount** on food and beverages. To redeem these special deals, download the myRewards Plus app***, authenticate through ID.me, and visit any of the more than 650 participating owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers in the U.S. Military veterans in Canada can also validate their military status through ID.me and utilize the year-round 10% military discount** when checking out at participating Canadian Flying J travel centers.

Pilot Company proudly employs veterans across its organization and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply. Recently Pilot launched its summer hiring campaign to bring on 10,000 team members as they prepare for the busy travel season. Interested candidates can apply at jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring.

For more information about Pilot Company’s commitment to giving back and its family of travel center brands, visit pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Hire Heroes USA, visit hireheroesusa.org.

*Military Appreciation Month offers are available to U.S. military service members and their immediate family verified with ID.me in the myRewards Plus app for redemption at participating U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

**Year-round military discount applies to U.S. and Canadian service members and their immediate family verified with ID.me. Discount is available to be redeemed at participating U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers with the myRewards Plus app and at participating Canadian Flying J travel centers at the point of purchase. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

***Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. When it comes to healthy eating, we think of the word balance. Balance encourages people to adapt broad eating habits instead of focusing on single foods — and it’s not one size fits all. Learn some tips and tricks while eating at home or out that you can implement all year long!

Ten Ways to Improve Your Heart Health

1. Balance calories with physical activity.
2. Reach for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
3. Choose whole grains.
4. Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood.
5. Use liquid non-tropical plant oils.
6. Choose minimally processed foods.
7. Subtract added sugars
8. Cut down on salt.
9. Limit alcohol.
10. Do all this wherever you eat!

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. It’s not as hard as you may think!  Remember, it’s the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Take the simple steps above and add them as a part of your life for long-term benefits to your health and your heart.

For access to free recipes, nutrition tips and resources visit www.heart.org/eatsmart.

Around 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. However, that statistic changes with CPR. If a bystander immediately performs CPR, it often means the difference between life and death. This February, the American Heart Association is spotlighting the importance of knowing Hands-Only CPR through their ‘Be the Beat’ campaign. This campaign focuses on the importance of CPR.

Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in public. Through hands-only CPR, it takes only two steps to save a life.

Call 9-1-1 if you see a teen or adult collapse. Push hard and fast in the center of the best to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute.

People feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. All songs in the Association’s ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist are between 100 – 120 beats per minute, the same rate at which rescuers should perform compressions when administering CPR. The beat of any of several songs including “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira” or “Walk the Line,” by Johnny Cash can “Be the Beat” to save a life.

We’re challenging every household to have someone who knows CPR to Be the Beat for their family, friends and community.

Our hands can do so many things, the most important of which may be saving someone’s life. The power is in YOUR hands.

For more information on CPR, please visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr.

This is the sixth year Pilot Company has supported the American Heart Association's Life is Why^TM cause marketing campaign – inspiring guests to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives by donating at participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers throughout the month of February. This year, the company is also advocating heart health and safety among its 30,000 team members, providing virtual, hands-only CPR training, resources to find nearby CPR classes, virtual cooking classes, and other health and wellness tips.

"For the past six years, we've been honored to help support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association through paper hearts and round-up purchases," said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant of Pilot Company. "We're excited that this year's campaign also focuses on the importance of CPR. By rounding up your purchases at Pilot and Flying J stores during Heart Month, you are helping the American Heart Association and the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation save lives."

Participating Flying J travel centers in Canada will be extending their support of Heart Month Campaign throughout the entire month of February this year, with donations benefiting the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart & Stroke).

Pilot Company's fundraising initiatives include:

• Paper Hearts: $1, $3, and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers all February to benefit American Heart Association in the U.S. and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.
• Pin-Pad Round Up or Donation*: During the month of February, guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin-pad during checkout to the American Heart Association at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart & Stroke in participating Canada. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.

For more information about the company's American Heart Month Campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month, find a participating nearby travel center location to participate, or download the myRewards Plus^TM app.**

To learn more about American Heart Association's Life is Why^™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and to learn more about Heart & Stroke, visit heartandstroke.ca.

*Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.**Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply.

In addition to our round-up campaign, we are also spreading heart-health awareness to our team members through hands-only CPR training videos, on-site CPR training here at our headquarters in Knoxville, virtual cooking classes, and more!

To kick off this year’s Heart Month, check out these 8 key tips from AHA for a healthier, more balanced you:

Life’s Essential 8™ is a science-based recipe for a longer, healthier life. Created by the American Heart Association, Life’s Essential 8 identifies the most important factors for cardiovascular health – 4 health behaviors and 4 health factors. It truly simplifies cardiovascular health so people can better understand and manage it.

Many know that the mind, heart, and body are connected. Factors that affect one can affect the other two – the impact can be positive OR negative. Improving Life’s Essential 8 isn’t just good for your heart, it’s also good for your overall health and well-being.

So, let’s dive right in and see what changes we can make now for a longer life.

Life’s Essential 8

1. Eat Better

Little by little, make smarter choices like reducing highly processed foods and limiting sugary beverages. Small steps lead to big results!

2. Be More Active

Smart small, even if it’s 15 minutes a day! Yard work, dancing, walking your dog and cleaning your house all count as movement.

3. Quit Tobacco

On average, smokers due more than 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. After just one year of quitting, your risk for heart disease goes down by HALF. Having a buddy system can help with the common struggles of quitting.

4. Get Health Sleep

Most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, including weekends. Consistency is key! Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, weekends included.

5. Manage Weight

Maintaining a healthy body mass index is a healthy gauge. Optimal BMI is 25.

6. Control Cholesterol

HDL = good.

LDL = bad.

HDL helps keep LDL from sticking to artery walls and reduces plaque build-up. Healthy cholesterol levels can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. Manage Blood Sugar

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use as energy. The first step to managing your blood sugar is to understand what makes blood sugar levels rise.

8. Manage Blood Pressure

Keeping your blood pressure within acceptable ranges can keep you healthier longer. Levels less than 120/80 mm Hg are optimal. High blood pressure is defined as 130-139 mm Hg systolic pressure (the top number in a reading) or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic pressure (bottom number).

Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

Not sure where to start? Remember, it’s all connected – mind, body, and heart. You can start a positive chain reaction. Something as simple as moving your body can spark a positive shift. You don’t have to make BIG life changes to see the benefits. Just add a little more activity to your day and take things one step at a time. You’ve got this!

To learn more about Life’s Essential 8, click here. And to see how you can participate in this year’s round-up campaign supporting the American Heart Association and the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, visit https://pilotflyingj.com/heart-month.

Over the last four years, Pilot Company’s partnership with the Endowment has helped place more than 6,000 veterans into meaningful careers after the military. Guests can join the cause to help veterans find high-quality careers by rounding up their in-store purchase to the nearest whole dollar at any of the company’s owned and operated Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers from October 31 - November 13, 2022.** Pilot Company will donate 100% of the roundup proceeds** directly to the Call of Duty Endowment and will match the donations raised up to $100,000.

“Service members and their families give their all for our country and have incredible talents to offer in the civilian workforce upon leaving the military,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “The Call of Duty Endowment has helped more than 100,000 veterans and their family members find career opportunities that leverage their skills, and we are honored to join them in this endeavor. We are proud to employ veterans across our organization and to further our mission to Fuel Life’s Journeys by giving back and saying, ‘Thank you’ to everyone who’s served.”

From November 11 - 13, 2022, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free meal credit, valued up to $12. ** The Veterans Day offer can be redeemed through the myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a wide variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, name-brand snacks, fountain drinks, Pilot coffee, and meals at participating on-site restaurants. This year, the $12 Veterans Day meal credit will be a rolling balance, allowing guests to use any remaining balance the next time they stop over Veterans Day weekend during the offer period.

Pilot Company partners with ID.me, an easy-to-use instant verification solution, to make it simple and efficient for service members to quickly verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus app. After verification, Pilot Company offers exclusive deals throughout the year and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* when using myRewards Plus at checkout. For more information on Pilot Company’s military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about. To easily find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and for more great deals, download the myRewards Plus app.* More information on the Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

*Must use myRewards Plus app to redeem.  Data rates may apply. Certain food exclusions apply.  Other terms and conditions apply. (see pilotflyingj.com/rewards)

**Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

The program focuses on promoting career opportunities for women in the trucking industry, celebrating inspirational women, and raising awareness for WIT’s mission.

An essential feature of the program is WITney, the association’s one-of-a-kind educational trailer. The expo trailer accompanies the Driver Ambassador out on the road, attending schools and industry events. Not only is WITney a traveling billboard for the nonprofit, but hosts an array of educational and interactive components, such as interactive kiosks and a state-of-the-art driver simulator.

“Pilot Company’s fuel sponsorship will have a major influence on the expansion of this program,” said Ellen Voie, WIT President and CEO. “The additional resources allow WITney to travel to more locations and events, such as public schools and Girl Scout events. This sponsorship will positively impact diversity in the trucking industry.”

“We are honored to support Women In Trucking and the WITney educational trailer,” said Whitney Johnson, Pilot Company Chief Experience Officer. “Through education and celebration of the amazing achievements of women in our industry, we can inspire future generations and encourage more women to get into trucking.”

$15,000 grand prize winner and 2022 Road Warrior: David Sweetman

David is an Army veteran with over 50 years and FIVE MILLION MILES, accident-free, behind the wheel. Currently, he lives in Wilmington, Delaware and leases out his truck making power-only moves for Bennett Truck Transport. Over his career, he has been involved in many organizations, from winning awards and trophies as a competitor to paving the way for better treatment and fair judging at truck shows as a founding member of the National Association of Show Trucks (NAST).

Throughout tough times David has continued going above and beyond to help as our country faced challenges. During Covid lockdowns, he spent time hauling, moving and setting up generators for emergency hospitals and setting up food banks to aid those out of work. After several natural disasters in parts of the southern United States, he helped move more generators, portable showers for first responders and mobile water treatment units for FEMA.

David has also contributed to our industry through his writing storytelling and has been a contributing writer for various trucking publications over the last 25 years. As a writer and trucker, he took his skills to the classroom as one of the original Trucker Buddy professional trucker volunteers, working to help educate young students across America. Through reading, writing and mentorship, Sweetman and others help encourage future generations of professional drivers through tales of the road and showcasing how essential trucking is to the economy and our way of life.

In partnership with Bennett Family of Companies in McDonough, Georgia, we convinced David to come in and help record a safety video during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Once mic’d and on stage, we surprised David with a video announcing him as this year’s Road Warrior grand prize winner. In addition to his $15,000 check, we had an extra special gift of $15,000 to Trucker Buddy in recognition of his volunteerism and commitment to giving back.

Watch the video HERE!

$10,000 second-place winner: Jeffrey Thomas

Jeffrey is a Marine Veteran and independent owner-operator out of Belews Creek, North Carolina. He has been a professional driver for over 35 years; from dry vans, step-decks and reefer trailers, he’s driven them and covered millions of miles during that time. He then became a driver trainer and training captain. He has trained and retrained more than 100 professional drivers while developing new safety standards and policies that have spread across the industry.

$5,000 third-place winner #1: Greg Hepner

Professional drivers keep our country moving; sometimes, this takes them overseas as they support those deployed overseas. As an overseas support contractor and professional driver, Greg has covered 17 foreign countries, 38 states and three million miles over his 30 years behind the wheel. Since returning to his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, he joined Tidewater Transit Company. He has continued his service driving an anhydrous ammonia tanker for medical use and hauled it non-stop as the country battled Covid.

$5,000 third place winner #2: Ron Rigdon

After more than 20 years over the road, Army veteran Ron Rigdon took his skills and shifted gears to hauling race cars. Coast to coast, Ron drives a 53’ race car hauler for Parella Motorsports and contributes as a tire and fuel specialist while at the track. He has received safe driving awards for covering a million miles accident-free and has more than 30 years of experience on North America’s roads. Ron also dedicates his time to helping others and started Santa’s Toy Run, a fundraiser and toy drive devoted to helping children in need, which delivers toys and funds to places like foster homes and domestic violence shelters. Over the last 16 years, Santa’s Toy Run has helped provide Christmas gifts to more than 6,500 children.

Congratulations, David, Jeffrey, Greg and Ron, on winning this year’s Road Warrior contest. It was truly an honor to read your stories and hear about the great things you do for our industry, our country and the communities we serve. Thank you to all the professional drivers out there for your hard work, dedication and sacrifice; we are grateful for you all!

To learn more about Pilot Flying J’s 2022 Road Warrior contest and winners, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

After reviewing thousands of deserving nominations, this year’s $15,000 grand prize winner is David Sweetman of Wilmington, Delaware and the $10,000 second-place winner is Jeffrey Thomas of Belews Creek, North Carolina. Inspired by the incredible stories received this year, Pilot Flying J for the first time in contest history determined it was a tie for third place, selecting Greg Hepner of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Ron Rigdon of Tignal, Georgia, to win $5,000 each.

“It is an honor to be able to give back to professional drivers and hear their incredible stories through our annual Road Warrior contest,” said Jason Nordin, Chief Operator for Pilot Flying J. “We appreciate all the professional drivers out there who, like our winners, represent the heart, determination, and resiliency of trucking. Congratulations, David, Jeffrey, Greg, and Ron on being this year’s winners – we thank you for the millions of safe miles, for being incredible stewards of our industry, and for your dedication to serving our country in many ways.”

Grand prize winner, Sweetman, is an Army Veteran with over 50 years and five million miles behind the wheel. He leases out his truck to Bennett Truck Transport as a power-only hauler for concerts, stage events and equipment moves. He has also been a contributing writer and editor for various trucking publications for over 20 years. During the covid lockdown, Sweetman carried on, helping set up food banks, hauling generators for emergency hospitals and helping move generators, showers, and water treatment units for FEMA after several natural disasters across the southern United States.

“David is a great person with a tremendous set of core values while always being safety conscious. It is rare to find drivers with not only his qualities but who have driven over a million miles safely while out on the road. We are very blessed at Bennett to have David,” said Tom Woodall, President of Bennett DriveAway.

Sweetman is also one of the original Trucker Buddy professional trucker volunteers, working with classrooms to help educate young students across America. Through reading, writing and mentorship, Sweetman and others help encourage future generations of professional drivers through tales of the road and showcasing how essential trucking is to the economy and our way of life.

“One of the great things about the project is that it gives us, the people traveling the country, a chance to share not only what we do but it teaches school children, who’ve maybe never left their hometown, where produce in the supermarket comes from, it comes from trucks,” said Sweetman.

To recognize his contributions and further the great work of Trucker Buddy, Pilot Company surprised Sweetman during his award ceremony at the Bennett Family of Companies with a $15,000 donation on his behalf to the organization. To watch this special moment and Sweetman’s reaction, visit https://fb.watch/fXWEq9S1cj/.

“David, a founding driver of Trucker Buddy when Gary King started the program, has been showing students a positive image of the trucking industry for over 30 years,” said Randy Schwartzenburg, Assistant Treasurer and former Executive Director of Trucker Buddy. “We appreciate companies like Bennett and Pilot for working with us to encourage young students to excel in school and to bring education from the road to the classroom through the lens of a truck driver.”

Pilot Flying J’s second place Road Warrior winner, Jeffrey Thomas, is the independent owner operator of Joly American Enterprises, LLC, Marine veteran and driver trainer with over 35 years of experience. Third place winner, Greg Hepner, has spent 30 years and more than three million incident free miles behind the wheel covering 38 states, 17 foreign countries and three war zones and currently drives for Tidewater Transit Company. The other third place winner, Ron Rigdon, is an Army veteran, father and grandfather who currently operates a 53’ race car hauler across the country for Parella Motorsports Holdings. Rigdon also started and operates Santa’s Toy Run, a toy drive and fundraiser dedicated to providing toys and funds to children in need.

To learn more about Pilot Flying J’s 2022 Road Warrior contest and winners, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

It takes an incredible team of dedicated drivers and logistics experts to make sure our travel centers are supplied with all the types of fuels that professional drivers and guests need to continue their journeys. Just like many of their fellow haulers, Pilot’s drivers keep on trucking through it all – doing what it takes to help in tough situations, such as prepping and recovery efforts for severe events like hurricanes.

We immensely appreciate our Pilot drivers for their hard work and dedication to keeping us all fueled. In honor of Driver Appreciation Month, we caught up with a few of our own drivers to learn more about them and share any advice for the road. Read their stories below.

Philippe Chagnon

Philippe Chagnon, out of Montreal, Canada, has been driving for 30 years and recently joined the Pilot team. Philippe’s father was in the United Nations, so he and his family traveled a lot when he was a child and a young adult. He said, “traveling has always been in my blood,” so he naturally took to being a driver.

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

Philippe enjoys working at Pilot due to the good work conditions and flexibility, and he appreciates that his days aren’t all the same and that he is home at night. He likes the responsibility of having a mission, accomplishing the job, and doing it well.  Philippe says he is proud of what he does and how he helps people in their daily lives.

What advice do you have for other drivers?

“Don’t rush, be thoughtful, and take it easy – you should always take time for safety, as that makes for an overall better day,” says Philippe.

To other drivers, Philippe says, “Thank you for your professionalism. I appreciate safe and courteous drivers who accommodate others. Thanks for being out there.”

Chris Newton

Chris Newton, based out of Louisville, Kentucky, has been a Pilot driver for nearly 10 years. He decided to get his CDL and joined the industry after a few years of agricultural work.

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

Chris says he enjoys working at Pilot because he can plan his day out and it makes it feel like a 9 to 5 job. He also appreciates the Pilot team that supports him every day and he likes knowing exactly what he needs to do to get the job done.

Chris says, “Helping the country move and playing a part in that is rewarding.”
 
His advice to other drivers?

“Slow down and enjoy the job, being in a hurry is what makes drivers frustrated, so you just need to slow down and enjoy it.”

Celesta Dickerson

Celesta Dickerson, out of Lubbock, Texas, recently joined the Pilot team with 25 years of experience hauling hazmat. She was inspired to be a driver because her father was an excellent driver, hauling doubles and triples in the Northwest for 42 years. She said that she is the oldest of five girls, and two of them are drivers because of their admiration for their father.

What does she love about being a Pilot driver?

Celesta says that she enjoys hauling fuel for the Pilot Flying J brand – she loves our travel centers because they are always nice, clean, and have everything drivers could need.  She really appreciates her team members and likes the teamwork, complimenting that her “dispatchers are the best” as they are supportive and helpful with any questions or problems. Celesta says, “I can’t imagine doing what they do. They are what drive us to have successful deliveries.”

Celesta says that this job allows her to support herself, her lifestyle, and her dreams. She lost her husband a few years ago and never thought she would end up in Texas. Now she has a ranch called Branding Iron with chickens, ducks, and goats. She is the proud mother of four children and three stepchildren, and she has 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Since her children are all grown, Celesta loves taking care of her animals and appreciates that her job supports her dreams.

Her advice to other drivers?

“Always keep your belt clean and keep your mind about you.” Celesta shared that her father always told her to focus on those two things and to also be courteous and aware while on the road. “Respect what you’re hauling because it’s dangerous,” she says, adding that she prays every morning before getting on the road – for those around her and that she returns safely.

To her fellow drivers, she says, “thank you for giving support and encouragement, being there for each other, and doing a great job in a difficult industry.”

Rick Moorehead

Rick Moorehead operates as a lead driver out of Columbus, Ohio and has been with Pilot for almost 20 years. He says, “it’s been my favorite job I’ve ever had in my lifetime besides serving in the military.”

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

“Number one is that it gives me the freedom to have a family life since I have a set schedule and know when I am working. Number two, I feel like I am accomplishing something here and I always strive to leave places better than when I started.”

Rick says, “Everybody I have in place on my team does a great job, and I have met so many great people here over the years that it would be impossible for me to talk about every single one of them.”

His advice to other drivers?

“Treat people like you want to be treated, and make sure you are happy where you are, because if you aren’t happy, nothing will work out.” Rick says that he always thinks of this motto: “It’s not important what you do when people are watching, it’s important what you do when they aren’t watching.”

To his fellow drivers, he says, “After all the years I have spent driving trucks, I really have run into a lot of great people in my career that are truck drivers – and I have a lot of fond of memories.”

Marty Dodge

Marty Dodge is the lead driver for the North Augusta/South Carolina area, and he has been driving for 37 years, with the last 16 years being at Pilot. He says that being a driver always impressed him, and it is something he has wanted to do since he was a little kid.

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

Marty enjoys working at Pilot because of the steady work, great people, and the solid foundation. He really enjoys his co-workers because he can always call them for help – from his region manager to the maintenance team to the dispatch crew.

His advice to other drivers?

Marty’s advice for other drivers is to stay focused. He says, “This is a very dangerous job, and you have to stay focused even if you’re running late. Just do one thing at a time and as long as you pay attention, you’ll be fine. Don’t try to make up time or lose focus, just set a pace and do the job right.”

To his fellow drivers, he says, “Thanks for all you do. Continue to focus on teamwork and learn from mistakes.”

From all of us here at Pilot, THANK YOU, to all our Pilot drivers for all you do for our company, one another, and our guests across North America. And thank you to ALL the pro drivers out there. We appreciate you!

United Through Reading understands how difficult it is to be away from home and the importance of staying connected to even the youngest family members. Their program has helped over 2.7 million military family members read together since 1989, even when oceans separate those families. UTR proudly serves members of the military, including Guard and Reserves regardless of status, as well as Veterans, especially those in the Transportation Industry.

The service member or Veteran makes a recording with United Through Reading’s Mobile Reading App, and the recording and book are given to the child for free to read along with their loved one on demand. Truckers can make recordings before they leave home and record more stories while on the road as time permits using ebooks available on the App. Reading together as a family with United Through Reading helps families maintain connection, reinforces family routines, provides reliable communication, and bolsters literacy skills.

“Finding a way for my husband to connect with our children while he’s away is a top priority for me. He is the reader in our house, so it goes without saying that he wants to keep reading to them while he’s away. I found United Through Reading and knew right away it would be perfect for our family. We have the App installed on both kids’ tablets and the ‘daddy phone.’ They love that they can have him read to them whenever they want, and they can read along with the books we have at home!” – Alicia, a National Guard Spouse

Since 2020, Pilot Company has been United Through Reading’s Transportation Industry Veteran Outreach Partner, helping us reach and provide services through the United Through Reading App to Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard Members, especially truckers and others in the Transportation Industry.

To get started with United Through Reading follow these simple steps:

1. Download the United Through Reading App to your mobile device or tablet from utr.org/app

2. Login or create an account using your ID.me credentials to verify your military service

3. Select a book to read – the App has several ebooks to choose from or request a free book from utrapp.org

4. Make your recording and send to the caregiver of the child in your life. A copy of the book can be requested for free through our online web viewer.

5.Child reads with their United Through Reading story time recording whenever they are missing the trucker in their life

Learn more at about how United Through Reading supports Veteran and military families on their website at unitedthroughreading.org.

Professional drivers go further to carry our economy throughout even the toughest times – delivering more than 70% of the goods in this country. To show our thanks, we are going further for them with an extended Driver Appreciation full of freebies, special perks, bonus points and fun events.

Driver Appreciation Month kicks off on September 1 and extends through October 31 with special perks in the myRewards Plus app just for professional drivers, including:

– Three free drinks each week, redeemable Monday-Sunday*

• Drivers can choose between a free Pilot fountain drink or coffee, and free cooler category beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and waters from the top brands they love

– New in-app challenges where drivers can earn 500 bonus loyalty points by completing tasks like mobile fueling, shower reservation and activating PushForPoints™ up to 2.5 points

• One bonus point automatically applied to Canadian professional drivers when fueling with their myRewards® card at participating Shell Flying J travel centers throughout September

– Discounts on various deli food items all September using the myRewards Plus^TM app, including a 50% discount during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week* (Sept. 11 – 17, 2022)

– The ability to earn even more points (up to 5 points per gallon) when fueling after activating PushForPoints™ in the myRewards Plus^TM app beginning in October

Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J is also extending free Safe and Road Ready Checks in September. With every check completed, drivers will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of three sets of Bridgestone premium steer tires!

Join us in person during Driver Appreciation as we team up with Monster Energy for on-site celebrations at recently remodeled and new travel centers as part of our New Horizons initiative. Drivers and guests are invited to join the festivities, including events like a BMX show, freebies from the Monster Energy girls, special guests, gas card giveaways, swag and more. Upcoming events include:

– September 16, 2022, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Pilot Travel Center on 5231 Pearblossom Hwy in Palmdale, CA

– September 30, 2022, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Pilot Travel Center on 1701 Ashley Road in Boonville, MO

To take advantage of these offers visit any of our more than 750 participating U.S. Pilot or Flying J travel centers or one of our owned and operated One9 Fuel Network locations. Download the myRewards Plus™ app* to find the nearest participating travel center and start earning more today.

Check back all month long as we continue to celebrate professional drivers! For more information about Driver Appreciation Month rewards and promotions, visit https://pilotflyingj.com/press-release/6368

*Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply. While supplies last.

Pilot Company and Kodiak are in the process of creating an autonomous truckport in the Atlanta area to evaluate potential service offerings and explore scalable solutions. These services will include spaces to pick-up and drop-off autonomous trucking loads; conduct inspections; maintain and refuel trucks; and the ability to transfer data for processing, such as feature development and mapping. To strengthen the ability to work together to develop a solution that works best for its customers, Pilot Company has made a strategic investment in Kodiak and will join the company’s Board of Directors.

“Pilot Company is committed to providing best in class service to its customers today and going forward,” said John Tully, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Pilot Company. “In making this strategic investment, we understand that our customers have a need for real solutions that help address the growing demand to move goods and Kodiak is a strong leader in the autonomous trucking space. As we explore the future of autonomous trucks and how we can best support these customers, we will continue to be the travel center network that the trucking industry and professional drivers can count on for the services and care they need.”

Combining Pilot Company’s nationwide network of travel centers and services with Kodiak’s technology will play a crucial role in the deployment of autonomous trucks. Kodiak will lend its expertise as Pilot Company looks to integrate autonomous truck services into its operations. The partnership will further define service and maintenance requirements, operational necessities, facilities planning, and more to meet the needs of autonomous trucks.

“Pilot Company’s industry-leading network of highway-adjacent travel centers provides unprecedented geographic reach for the launch and scale of Kodiak’s fast-growing network of autonomous trucking lanes,” said Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics. “Their customer first approach, with a focus on technology, scale, and infrastructure, makes Pilot Company an ideal partner to support the service and maintenance of self-driving trucks nationwide. We are honored to have Pilot Company as an investor, strategic partner, and supporter of our continued commercial footprint growth.”

Kodiak entered a hyper-growth phase in 2022, significantly expanding its service footprint and partner network. In July, the company announced a partnership with 10 Roads Express, a provider of time sensitive surface transportation for the U.S. Postal Service, expanding the company’s service to Florida. Earlier this year, Kodiak announced a new route between Dallas and Oklahoma City with CEVA Logistics and a route between Dallas and Atlanta with U.S. Xpress. The company has been delivering freight commercially since 2019 and currently has six routes that run regularly between Dallas and Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Jacksonville, Florida.

Our annual 2022 Road Warrior contest is back with $30,000 in prizes – the largest in contest history! This annual contest celebrates the amazing achievements of the millions of men and women out on the road keeping America going. Join us in celebrating all the great things drivers do for our country, the trucking industry, and their communities.

From August 1 through 15, anyone can nominate a U.S.-based professional driver for a chance to win the 2022 Road Warrior title. This year, the grand prize winner will receive a $15,000 cash prize, second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive a $5,000 prize.

“We are honored to recognize the selflessness, dedication, and service of professional truck drivers who are working hard to deliver the goods that we all rely on,” said David Hughes, Senior Vice President of Sales for Pilot Flying J. “Our annual Road Warrior contest is an opportunity to highlight those individuals who are role models in the trucking industry and to say thank you to all the drivers out there for letting us be part of your journey to keep the country moving.”

Share your driver’s story today to claim the title of Road Warrior! Click here to submit your nomination.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Eric Curlett, a Marine Veteran and glass hauler for Maverick Transportation. He was nominated by a fellow driver who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. Eric was chosen for his dedication to the profession, outstanding driver record, and involvement in his community. Learn more about Eric’s contribution to the trucking industry in this article.

To enter, visit the Road Warrior Contest page at pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior and submit a nomination through August 15 for a professional driver deserving of this recognition. The first, second, and third place winners will be announced at the end of September as part of Driver Appreciation month.

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

From August 1—August 15, 2022, the nation’s leading network of travel centers will be accepting nominations of these highway heroes for the chance to be named the 2022 Road Warrior. Submissions should highlight the driver’s contributions to the trucking industry, safe driving history, community involvement, miles driven, and other meaningful stories about the hardworking nominee. Three winners will be selected with cash prizes including $15,000 for the grand prize winner, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place.

“We are honored to recognize the selflessness, dedication, and service of professional truck drivers who are working hard to deliver the goods that we all rely on,” said David Hughes, Senior Vice President of Sales for Pilot Flying J. “Our annual Road Warrior contest is an opportunity to highlight those individuals who are role models in the trucking industry and to say thank you to all the drivers out there for letting us be part of your journey to keep the country moving.”

To enter*, visit the Road Warrior Contest page at pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior and submit a nomination through August 15 for a professional driver deserving of this recognition. The first, second, and third place winners will be announced at the end of September as part of Driver Appreciation month.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Eric Curlett, a Marine Veteran and glass hauler for Maverick Transportation. He was nominated by a fellow driver who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. Eric was chosen for his dedication to the profession, outstanding driver record, and involvement in his community. Learn more about Eric’s contribution to the trucking industry and last year’s second and third place winners, Eduardo Andrade and David Rosenquist, in this article.

To nominate a professional truck driver, view the official contest rules, and learn more about the Road Warrior contest, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

###

Before becoming a driver, he wanted to be in the technology world and attended school for computer science, and with a very close family, he knew he wanted to stay close to home. Computer Science as a profession in rural Idaho “didn’t seem appropriate” so he shifted gears to trucking.

Now in his second year over the road, Douglas has fallen in love with being a professional driver. He usually spends a couple of weeks out at a time and for him driving is a meditation and “gives me more time to reflect.” Douglas says, “Some people like watching tv, I enjoy watching the road and the people go by.”

As new and innovative technology takes hold in the industry, Douglas gets to be a part of the evolving driver experience, and Pilot’s rewards program has become a part of his everyday routine. With the exclusive rewards program for professional drivers, PushForPoints™, he makes sure to fuel 75 gallons at the beginning and end of the day to maximize his rewards points, plus, at the end of the day, “I can pull in, pull up my phone, click a button and have a shower waiting on me,” he says.

Whether it’s morning coffee, parking for the night, showers, fueling, or food, Douglas can access everything he needs, all from the app, to save time and money on the road.

We asked Douglas, as a new driver, what three words he would use to describe truckers and the trucking industry. “Integrity, Courage and Freedom,” he replied. “We have the freedom to make our own choices on the road and the freedom of the open road. It’s the most freeing job I’ve ever had.”

Thank you, Douglas, for sharing your story with us, we look forward to serving you in our travel centers and bringing you more great services to help you out on the road.

Introducing IntelliTire

Coming soon to a travel center near you is an advanced tire monitoring and service network by Bridgestone called IntelliTire. This incredible technology is proven to reduce tire-related downtime by 40% or more for commercial truck and bus fleets.

Phase one of this fleet tire monitoring and service network is currently rolling out, and installations are taking place at 200 Pilot and Flying J travel centers throughout the summer.

What is Bridgestone’s IntelliTire?

IntelliTire is an advanced tire monitoring service offered by Bridgestone that provides real-time data on tire pressure monitoring, temperature, speed and more to detect and avoid potential incidents causing downtime while on the road. Before you ask, yes, it will work with other tires and tire manufacturers. Almost all of them!

IntelliTire offers a yard-based and real-time solution for commercial truck and bus fleets. Both solutions utilize durable tire sensors installed directly onto each tire’s valve stem. The yard-based version, which you can find at Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the country, utilizes a router to capture sensor data.

The insights derived from this data can be accessed by fleets via the IntelliTire app, allowing fleets to take immediate action when a critical tire issue appears. Fleet owners and managers can even set up custom alerts to only be notified by email, text message, or both if critical problems arise.

How does the new fleet tire monitoring and services network work?

The partnership between Bridgestone and Pilot Company leverages Bridgestone Fleet Care mobility solutions and Pilot and Flying J travel centers to provide more convenient, frequent and actionable tire intelligence. Routers are currently being installed in the fuel canopies of select Pilot and Flying J locations and are linked to the Bridgestone tire pressure monitoring solution, IntelliTire. When a driver pulls into the travel center, the routers will transmit real-time tire data from trucks and buses to fleet managers in two minutes or less and will not take any additional time away from drivers.

If a tire issue has been detected, fleets who are subscribed to Bridgestone’s service event management application, REACH, can view suggested nearby service centers and schedule a replacement or repair. With IntelliTire and REACH, you can locate a service dealer and reduce lost time under one digital platform, all before the driver finishes refueling!

Our goal is to provide the best experience possible for our guests and drivers; this is another way we can help increase the safety and efficiency of the professional drivers that keep North America moving. To learn more about the many features and benefits of this new partnership or to sign up for this service or visit https://bridgestonemobilitysolutions.lpages.co/pfj/.