"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.

In honor of National Intern Day, we’re spotlighting Pilot’s 2026 summer interns. This year's class of 43 interns represents a wide range of departments, including finance, business analytics, communications, marketing, legal, cybersecurity, transportation, product design and more.

The Pilot Internship Program

Pilot’s 10-week internship program combines professional development with hands-on experience. Interns begin and end the program by building professional skills and learning about Pilot’s business and culture as a leading energy and experience provider. During the eight core weeks, they work alongside their teams, gain real-world experience in their chosen fields and complete projects that add value to the business.

Most interns work in Pilot’s Knoxville headquarters while others are based at other Pilot offices and store locations in Texas, California and Pennsylvania. Interns are carefully selected through a competitive, multi-stage application and interview process.

At Pilot, our purpose of showing people they matter at every turn is foundational, and this includes interns, who are welcomed into the company as valued team members. Interns don’t merely observe, they contribute, gaining meaningful experience while paving their own way forward with the support, development and opportunities to make the most of every mile.

“One of the most rewarding things for me has been the ability to make a meaningful impact on the business even as an intern,” said Ethan Hoskins, intern, business process engineering.

A Rich and Rewarding Experience

Pilot interns do far more than perform administrative tasks. Throughout the summer, interns work on projects aligned with key business initiatives, giving them the opportunity to contribute meaningful work. In addition to their projects, interns take on daily responsibilities that move the business forward while helping them build skills and confidence in the workplace.

Bailey Patterson, intern, e-commerce, collected ratings and organized mobile order feedback reports for division leaders, ensuring customers’ perspectives shape decisions that improve the guest experience and drive growth.

“This internship has exceeded my expectations because I did not think I would have this much responsibility with colleagues relying on me daily,” said Patterson. “This opportunity has also allowed me to ask questions and to make connections with people that can help me to grow further.”

Projects With Real Impact

From improving safety and modernizing store technology to enhancing food offerings, Pilot interns lead projects that support important business initiatives and create meaningful impact for team members, guests and the company.

Dylan Sacksteder, intern, logistics, partnered with Pilot's logistics team to identify and address a wide range of safety concerns like sight visibility, pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns, walking surface conditions and other operational hazards, supporting Pilot’s deep commitment to safety. Sacksteder said that through this project, he aimed to “help with the connected effort of safety-centered operations and protect the most valuable assets Pilot has, its people.”

Alex Long, intern, product design, helped modernize the checkout systems used in Pilot stores. By working to improve the technology that store team members use every day, Alex helped create a smoother checkout experience for guests and made store systems easier for employees to learn and navigate.

Kailyn Harbin, intern, food and beverage, developed long-term plans for popular food offerings, including grab-and-go items and roller grill favorites. Through her work, Kailyn helped Pilot identify new opportunities to better serve guests and continue growing the Pilot eats brand.

Leadership and Career Growth

The Pilot intern program offers professional development opportunities designed to help interns better understand the business while building workplace and leadership skills. During the summer, interns learn directly from Pilot leaders, receive career guidance and gain insight into how different parts of the company work together. These experiences help interns build valuable skills and professional connections.

CEO Adam Wright spoke with interns about his journey from being a college football player and to CEO leading Pilot. He shared lessons on leadership, career growth and personal development, and his authentic conversation left a lasting impression.

“Adam's talk had the biggest impact on me. Having the CEO care so much about interns, having each name memorized and knowing a fun fact about them, is special,” said Levi Bohne, intern, logistics.

Interns also had the opportunity to hear from members of the leadership team during a panel discussion featuring Adam Wright, Sean Marrero, Jordan Spradling, Jeremy Osterstock, Andy Lupo, Jamie Landis, Wendy Hamilton and Meghan Morgan. Leaders shared insights from their career journeys, discussed leadership and growth and offered perspectives on the future of the business. The session provided interns with valuable advice and the opportunity to learn directly from those helping shape Pilot's success.

Beyond these sessions, interns toured Pilot’s travel centers in Knoxville, Tennessee, to gain a firsthand understanding of store operations and the guest experience. Interns also participated in continuous improvement training, where they applied what they saw at the stores by making mock Pilot pizzas and explored the processes that support efficient store operations.

A Culture of Connection

In addition to professional development, the internship program also encourages personal growth and connection. Throughout the summer, interns participated in team-building activities, networking events and community engagement opportunities that helped them build relationships and make the most of their experience.

One highlight was a visit to Navitat Canopy Adventures, where interns hiked, completed a ropes course and strengthened connections with one another.

Interns also had the opportunity to participate in a volunteer day. Working alongside local nonprofit organizations, interns supported a variety of initiatives that helped address community needs and reinforced Pilot's commitment to serving the communities where team members live and work.

Experiences like these, combined with Pilot's welcoming culture, helped interns feel a strong sense of belonging.

“The most rewarding aspect of my internship experience so far is the everyday interactions with team members, the ‘good morning’ every time you walk through the door and the conversations during lunch with other interns” shared Ian Smith, intern, internal audit. “Most of all, I appreciated working together toward the same goal as a team. It made me motivated and excited to come to work every morning."

Through meaningful work, professional development, community involvement and team-building experiences, the Pilot intern program helps interns build valuable skills, lasting connections and a deeper appreciation for Pilot's culture.

“If I were to choose from any internship again, I would choose Pilot every time,” said Smith.

If you or someone you know is interested in a dynamic, educational Pilot internship, check out Pilot’s careers webpage to learn more and apply.

We’re proud to recognize four team members who show what it means to be Driven, Reliable, Authentic and Welcoming. They serve as a reminder of what’s possible when we show people they matter at every turn.

Amanda Garza
Guest Services Team Leader
Pilot #467, San Antonio, Texas

Amanda shows what it means to be Driven through her commitment to growth, teamwork and excellence. As a leader and trainer, she works shoulder-to-shoulder with her team to develop others, lead with consistency and position her team for success. Her positivity and focus inspire improvement in herself and others. She takes true ownership of her work and strives to be better every day.

A fellow team member says, “Thank you for bringing a positive vibe to work every day! It’s such a pleasure to work with you. You put so much effort and love into everything you do.”

Derek Wayman
Transportation Field Supervisor
Region 10, Cheyanne, Wyoming

Derek demonstrates being Reliable by consistently supporting others when it matters most. He recently went above and beyond to help a team member experiencing a difficult medical situation. Derek’s reassurance, presence and helpfulness ensured the team member remained safe and was not alone. His actions prove that he is someone people can count on by being genuinely committed to others.

“Derek came to help me in a time of need, gave me reassurance and stayed in town until the matter was resolved,” says the team member Derek assisted. “He checked in on me several times and overall showed care and concern. Thanks, Derek, for being there.”

Mayra Alvarez
HR Service Delivery Representative I
Sales and Support Center, Miami, Florida

Mayra shows she is Authentic by communicating openly, honestly and with purpose. During a recent meeting, Mayra spoke up to share some concerns of Spanish-speaking team members, ensuring their voices were heard. Her courage sparked meaningful change, including translating over 200 process cards into Spanish, creating a more inclusive team member experience.

Mayra says, “For me, being authentic means showing people they matter when they feel seen and valued. I’m grateful I could help our Spanish-speaking team members be their authentic selves and feel connected, so we can become stronger together.”

Melissa Schmidt
Guest Services Leader
Pilot #43, Walcott, Iowa

Melissa proves she is Welcoming by creating a safe, caring environment where team members feel supported and valued. Melissa stays aware, leads by example and ensures each shift runs smoothly. She’s always ready to help and brings a spirit of positivity, accountability and genuine commitment to both her team and guests. Melissa makes sure everyone feels as though they belong.

One of Melissa’s fellow team members says, “She always makes sure her crew is having a great shift.” Another team member says Melissa is “always willing to learn and teach others” and that her “smile will make anyone in a bad mood forget their troubles.”

We’re grateful to team members like Amanda, Derek, Mayra and Melissa who embody our virtues each day as we work shoulder-to-shoulder to serve guests across more than 900 travel centers in 43 states and Canada. It’s all part of making sure Pilot is by your side for the whole ride.

Thanking Our Journey Makers

This week, Pilot honored what truly makes our company special—our people. From team building opportunities to words of appreciation, gratitude for Pilot team members showed up in big and small ways across our locations.

Team member appreciation cards encouraged us to recognize a teammate and keep the momentum going by passing it forward. It’s a simple reminder that appreciation is contagious!

Showing Our Spirit

Spirit days showcased creativity, personality and plenty of fun. On Monday, company pride was on display for Pilot Day as team members sported their favorite Pilot gear.

Wednesday’s Team Theme Day saw groups get creative dressing up as iconic duos, trios and teams. 

And on Fan Day Thursday, individuality took center stage as team members repped their favorite sports stars and music artists.

Our fleet drivers also joined in the fun, swapping their uniform hats for their favorite sports caps!

Carrying Appreciation Forward

While Team Member Appreciation Week gives us a chance to be intentional about appreciation, we are committed every day to raising each other up, showing up in every moment, and making sure everyone feels seen, appreciated and knows that they truly belong. Pilot’s purpose is showing people they matter at every turn, and that includes our team members.

Thank you to our journey makers for living our virtues, lifting each other up and helping make the most of every mile!

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.

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.

Meet these team members who go above and beyond to show people they matter at every turn.

Alicia Perez
Guest Services Team Member
Pilot #1209 Midland, Texas

Alicia’s willingness to grow and take initiative proves her deep commitment to improving every day. She owns her responsibilities and inspires her team while doing so. Alicia’s colleagues say that she “goes the extra mile” and “always steps up to get the job done.” Her hard work and great attitude help propel the success of her store team. Thank you, Alicia, for working to get better every day!

Brian Jones
Guest Services Leader
Pilot #34 Remington, Indiana

Brian shows his reliability by being accountable and honest. He is willing to speak up, take action and ensure things are done correctly, demonstrating his dependability and trustworthiness. Brian’s fellow team members note his “outstanding delivery” of work supporting store operations and say that he is “reliable to fix an issue” any time one arises. Thank you, Brian, for being someone others can count on!

Ben Nicholson
Specialist II, Sales Training
Dallas, Texas

Ben’s presence elevates the Dallas office, where each day he communicates openly, takes ownership and genuinely cares about others. Ben’s fellow team members say he is “the kind of person whose presence lifts up everyone around him.” Ben makes people feel supported, valued and energized. And he does it all with, as his colleagues note, “a smile on his face.” Thank you, Ben, for being honest and genuine!

Devon Burgher
Facilities Services Team Member
Flying J #795 Nisku, Alberta, Canada

Devon's focus on safety creates a welcoming environment for guests and team members. He takes initiative to ensure the areas around the store's fuel lanes and pumps are always safe and clean. Fellow team members praise Devon’s “effort and attention to detail.” He stepped up during Alberta’s stormy winter to be “reliable even in freezing cold weather” by keeping exterior areas free of ice and snow. Thank you, Devon, for being safe and guest-obsessed!

Team members like these work shoulder-to-shoulder each day across our more than 900 travel centers in 43 states and Canada to turn our guests’ journeys into moments that matter.

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.

It takes everyone in our company doing their part to keep our stores open for the people and communities we serve. Here are just a few examples of how Pilot team members upheld our company’s virtues to be driven, reliable and welcoming, no matter what.

Fueling Every Mile

Even in the midst of a storm, Pilot’s professional drivers were there, fueling journeys and helping to keep America moving. During Winter Storm Fern:

• 1.6 million miles were safely driven

• Over 15,000 loads of fuel were successfully delivered

In Midland, Texas, lead driver Gary Nichols drove his personal vehicle to monitor and communicate road conditions, keeping safety front and center. Drivers in Albuquerque, NM, worked together turning on trucks so they’d be ready to roll the moment it was safe. That’s the kind of teamwork you’ll find at Pilot.

Dedication That Doesn’t Quit

At Flying J #665 in Greenwood, LA, where ice piled up and conditions got tough, our team didn’t back down. Led by travel center general manager Melissa Davis and deli general manager Magnolia Stringer, six team members bunked down at the store for several nights, making sure the doors stayed open and guests had a warm and welcoming place to land.

In Jal, NM, Pilot #1165 travel center general manager Saul Posada faced storm-related challenges head-on. When a generator failed in team member housing, Saul quickly moved the team into vacant housing units and personally refueled generators. Thanks to his leadership and the dedication of this team, the store continued serving guests without missing a beat.

Showing Up, No Matter What

Devon Jones started his very first day as a facility service team member, an important behind-the-scenes role, at Pilot #156 in Madisonville, KY, arriving early despite several inches of snow. He said, “I can’t be late on my first day of work!” Meanwhile, Rick Van Patton, facility service team member at Pilot #440 in Pendleton, KY, walked more than three miles to get to the store so he could care for his teammates and guests.

Devon’s and Rick’s commitment echo the drive of every Pilot team member. Rain or shine—or even in snow and ice—Pilot is committed to showing people they matter at every turn and creating exceptional experiences for our guests. At Pilot, we don’t just weather the storm. We help you power through it.

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.   

“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.

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.

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.

Mountain Challenge

The summer started with an intern favorite – the Mountain Challenge! This activity is centered around team building and problem-solving with peers, as the group had to overcome obstacles that required great communication skills.

Team Member Appreciation Week

At Pilot, people are at the center of everything we do. Team Member Appreciation Week provides a moment to stop and recognize all the wonderful Pilot team members – from our drivers to store team members and corporate support teams. Here is what some interns shared about this week:

“Team member appreciation week was a great experience. My team and I had so much fun dressing up for the spirit days, especially Decades Day! The food trucks offered excellent choices and the pulled pork sandwich was my personal favorite.” – Carly Wrobleski, social media intern

“I appreciate my team and all the support they have shown me throughout my time at Pilot. This week was incredibly special as an intern. The appreciation I felt and received was overwhelming. Some of my favorite memories include Top Golf and Food Truck Thursday!” – Olivia McKain, communications intern

“Team member appreciation week was one for the books! I loved wearing fun outfits throughout the week and attending the big food truck event on campus. Spirits were high, and everyone was having a great week. We all felt very appreciated.” – Anna Rippy, marketing operations intern

Leader Chats

Every Friday, our summer interns heard from company leaders to learn more about the business, receive career advice and have Q&A sessions in a casual setting. This was a great way to help connect our interns with various leaders to show all the different types of development opportunities at Pilot.

Volunteer Sites

Pilot is dedicated to giving back and helping continue to build strong relationships with the communities we serve. So, it was important for our interns to have volunteer opportunities as part of the program! A few highlights below:

– At Helping Mamas, interns assisted in packaging diapers, sorting children’s clothes and organizing feminine products.

– Interns who volunteered at Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) were tasked with arranging clothes by size and color for those in need.

– Knoxville Area Urban League utilized our interns to help them organize the books in their children’s library and write thank-you cards to people and businesses who donated items.

– At the Boys & Girls Club, interns interacted with children by coloring and playing games together.

– Interns helping at FISH Pantries sorted food donations for guests so they could easily pick the items they needed.

A huge thank you to all our summer interns for their hard work and dedication this summer! From learning the business and participating in company events to collaborating on group projects, these interns made a lasting positive impact at Pilot and set a strong precedent for the rest of their careers.

If you’re interested in joining the Pilot family, explore open positions on our career site.

At Pilot, people are at the center of everything we do, which is why we are committed to our team members’ personal and professional growth. But don’t just take our word for it – read below to hear from former Pilot interns about their experiences in the internship program and how they were set up to excel as full-time team members!

Evan Hurley, senior manager, operations financial planning and analysis

Evan interned with the loyalty team in 2016 and joined Pilot full-time the following summer. Since then, he has held various roles on teams across the company.

How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“I’ve cherished having the chance to become more well-rounded as part of my overall experience. From learning “hard” skills (resume writing, interviewing, networking, communication) to “soft” skills (interactions with others, navigating tough conversations, etc.), my time at Pilot has provided many opportunities to grow. Through my internship, I had the chance to interact with many leaders, which helped me establish relationships I still hold close today.”

Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“I think there’s a natural learning curve that comes along with being a new intern and general navigation of the overall corporate workplace. There’s an assumption that others’ time is more valuable or that one may not feel “worthy” of higher-level leaders’ time. The awesome thing about Pilot’s company culture is that this could not be further from the truth – we all matter and are truly better together. I am grateful that I had tremendous supervisors and mentors early on who helped me understand this, and their dedication to my success really accelerated my growth potential.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Mistakes are learning opportunities; you learn much more from your mistakes caused by trying something new than not trying in the first place. Also, realize that everyone is here to help, so embrace mentorship opportunities and take coaching for what it is – a chance to get better!”

Joanna Martin, senior manager, well-being and benefits

Joanna interned with the talent development team in 2017. Following her internship, she held various positions within Pilot which led her to where she is today.

What initially attracted you to Pilot’s internship program, and what made you stay?
“An internship was a requirement of my HR master’s program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I spoke to a Pilot recruiter at a job fair about available internships, but I wasn’t sure what area of HR I was interested in. I ended up interviewing with the leaders in talent development and felt like that group aligned with my passions and interests the most. Pilot’s internship program is structured in a way where I received a lot of personal and professional development, and it was great having a group of interns to learn from and share experiences with. I was also lucky to have a great manager and be surrounded by people who made sure I had an impactful experience and always felt part of the team.”

How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“I really feel like I have grown up here (literally and figuratively). As a student-athlete, my time was limited; my internship at Pilot was my first “real world” experience. I have learned so much over my time here and have had the opportunity to take on several different roles that have challenged me and developed my career. One area that I feel I have really grown in is the ability to build great relationships, which helps me feel more connected to my work and the organization and provides me with great opportunities.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Ask questions, take initiative and meet as many people as you can!”

Kacie Skeen, senior manager, IT service management

Kacie started as an intern with the sales team in 2015. She returned to the internship program the following year for a role with the operations excellence team before joining Pilot full-time.

What initially attracted you to Pilot’s internship program, and what made you stay?
“Pilot is a company with many opportunities for growth and learning. The amazing people and relationships I have built while here are what make me stay.”

How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“Professionally, I have had the opportunity to play many roles within the company, which has given me a wide range of valuable experiences.”

Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“Adjusting from life as a student-athlete to a corporate environment was a big challenge for me. I overcame this by finding my new routine over the summer with my internship. Another challenge was learning to interact with people in a professional environment rather than an academic setting. Over time, you figure out your personal brand and what role you play within the teams you work with.”

Matthew Walker, supply optimizer, supply and distribution

Matthew interned with the supply optimization department in 2023 before accepting a full-time position with them.

How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations? 
“I wanted to work in a field that dealt with large complex industries, and that is exactly what Pilot offers. The scale of the business and diverse strategies keeps the work interesting and rewarding.”

Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? 
“One challenge I faced was fully understanding the energy and refined products industry, as it is so complex and well-developed. Thankfully, my leaders were able to facilitate the learning process in a simplified way.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience? 
“My advice would be to ask plenty of questions, engage with your team and the company as a whole and focus on developing a few technical/professional skills that will be useful throughout your career.”

Sydnie Cziep, data strategist, IT service management

Sydnie interned with the IT service management department in 2022 before accepting a full-time role with the same department.

How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“Most of my professional growth has been due to my confidence in my work and abilities. I am constantly being encouraged to try and do new things. And personally, I am more outgoing than before.”

How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“During my internship, I met with different teams within IT which gave me a good foundation of knowledge before starting my full-time employment.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Get to know your co-workers! It gives you much more perspective when you know peoples’ background and how they got to where they are now.”

Thank you, Evan, Joanna, Kacie, Matthew and Sydnie for being role models for our current interns and sharing your experiences. Stay tuned for a recap of the 2024 internship program at the end of summer!

If you’re interested in joining the Pilot family, explore open positions on our career site.

The company has openings for hourly and leadership positions across its owned and operated Pilot and Flying J travel centers, One9 Fuel Network locations, on-site restaurants and tanker fleet in the U.S. and Canada. Several key travel states including California, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia have a large number of available jobs to meet the increased summer demand. 

Available full-time and part-time positions include:

• Travel center leadership
• Hourly retail
• Restaurant leadership
• Hourly food service
• Class A CDL drivers 

“We are searching for talented and hard-working individuals to join our dynamic workforce,” said Julius Cox, executive vice president and chief people officer. “We’re dedicated to putting people first, and we're looking for team members who share a similar purpose and want to grow with us. Pilot shows up for road travelers as their trusty co-pilot who will fill them up, keep them going, and inspire them to make the most of their journey.”

Pilot’s commitment to attracting and retaining great talent is reflected in its comprehensive employee benefits and perks, which include:

• Fuel discount
• Weekly pay
• Paid parental leave for U.S. team members
• Low-cost health plans with 24/7 access to on-demand healthcare for U.S. team members
• $10 meal and beverage credit each shift
• Rewards and recognition programs
• Tuition assistance
• Adoption reimbursement
• Paid vacation time off

Pilot continues to evolve and enrich the lives and careers of its more than 30,000 team members. Among the company’s extensive benefits and perks, Pilot rewards its team through Fueling Recognition, a program that launched in 2023 that allows leaders to recognize team members with in-app points redeemable on thousands of items, including gift cards, electronics, company swag, concert tickets and more. In addition, the company recently launched a revamped mobile app which allows team member to easily stay updated with company news, access documents and trainings and find resources. 

“To truly show people they matter, we must build an experience around what matters to them. At Pilot, one of the ways that we invest in our team is by providing nationally recognized training programs and competitive team member benefits. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to have a voice, contribute, learn and grow," emphasized Cox.

Among Pilot’s major initiatives, New Horizons, a more than $1 billion initiative to remodel its stores nationwide and give back to local communities, was launched in 2022. The company recently celebrated completing more than 100 remodels and continues to make improvements across its network of travel centers. The company remains focused on the future of travel and is exploring alternative fueling technologies and is developing a coast-to-coast EV charging network.

Learn more about all our locations, benefits and team member experience programs, at jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring.

Just because this year’s Heart Month is coming to a close doesn’t mean heart health and safety is taking a backseat! These are important topics to keep spreading awareness and education about all year round. Part of our Heart Month campaign is supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign to advocate for the importance of CPR. To find local programs near you, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

At Pilot, our team members are our “why.” We asked some of them to share their connection to Heart Month, and the responses were incredible. Read some of our team members’ heartfelt stories below!

Natasha

“Two years ago, I got a phone call from my mom telling me that she needed to have emergency surgery because her heart was blocked. When she went in for the surgery, the doctors told her that her heart could be as much as 80% blocked, but when they did the procedure, they realized she was about 97% blocked. If she didn’t have the surgery that day, my mom would probably have had a massive heart attack. Thankfully, my mom’s doing great. If it wasn’t for the technology we have and the research that’s been done, I wouldn’t have my mom here today.”

Hannah

“My son Bennett was born on February 7, 2012, with only half of his heart. His condition is known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and there’s a three-step surgery children born with this defect must undergo in order to have a chance to live until adulthood. Bennett had his first open heart surgery by the time he was six days old. Shortly after that, the doctors discovered that Bennett had suffered a stroke and a brain bleed, resulting in him being put on a ventilator for a very long time. By the time he was six months old, Bennett underwent two more open heart surgeries before the first stage of the three-step surgery was deemed successful. Although the first 10 months of his life were inside the hospital, we were able to bring him home just in time for his first Christmas.

A little over a year later, Bennett turned 2 and we took him back to the hospital in hopes of completing the second stage of the three-step surgery. This visit ended with Bennett needing emergency open heart surgery just days later, totaling in at five open heart surgeries before his third birthday. We focused on enjoying our time with him, as we were told he couldn’t withstand any more surgeries. Thankfully, Bennett’s lungs grew stronger in the next couple of years. There were a few hospital visits toward the end of 2021, but in February 2022, the doctors told us Bennett needed a heart transplant. A few months later, on July 9, Bennett received his gift of life.

Bennett turned 12 years old on February 7, and his heart is doing amazing. He has more energy than I could have ever imagined, and his eyes are full of life and light. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and all the amazing adventures we will go on together. He’s in several research studies to help children who follow. The life we live hasn’t always been easy. Bennett is still delayed across the board – he doesn’t walk independently, and he has a g-tube to eat and take his medicine. There have been a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter. I owe all the glory to God. 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.”

Rosetta

“In September 2005, my dad was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and was told he needed a heart transplant. He was put on the list, and thankfully on December 15, 2005, my dad was blessed with a new heart. Now, 18 years later, he is still with us. Thank you, Cleveland Clinic, American Heart Association and the heart transplant doctors for all these extra Christmases my children have had with their grandpa.”

Zach

“My mom was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a symptom of which is congestive heart failure, when she was pregnant with me in 1992. At that time, her doctors told her that she would not make it to see me graduate high school. My mom being who she is wouldn’t take that for an answer.

Between lifestyle changes, diets and surgeries, my mom has seen me graduate high school and get married, seen my sister graduate high school and college and she’s become a grandmother. And 31 years after seeing that first doctor, my mom is the strongest, toughest person I know.”

Kelly

“My youngest son was born with Aortic Stenosis, which causes his aortic valve to have two flaps instead of three. A normal shaped of aortic valve is like a peace sign, while my son’s is shaped like a crescent moon, since two of the flaps fused together. He was restricted from sports and has to take antibiotics to prevent inflammation in the heart. He has been monitored his entire life and will continue to be. Eventually, he will need to have the valve replaced. His condition causes tachycardia, which is a disorder that causes the heart to beat faster than usual.”

Renee

“When I was 12 years old, I found my mom laying on the floor of our laundry room, unresponsive. I put a towel under her head to prop her up and immediately called 911. I gave them the information they needed, then began CPR as they instructed me what to do. I got my mother’s pulse back and she looked at me while we waited for help to arrive. She couldn’t talk and was grabbing her chest and looking like she was in pain. Once the paramedics arrived, my mother was stable and taken to the hospital where she found out she had experienced an episode of cardiac arrest. I saved her life – and 16 years later, she still thanks me!”

Thank you to everyone who shared their stories! Because of stories like this, we’re able to spread awareness about the importance of heart health and safety. To explore resources and learn how to keep your heart healthy, visit www.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.

For many of our interns, this summer at Pilot has been their first taste of the 9-to-5 life. After getting out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen, they’re ready for a cup of ambition! A little caffeine can make all the difference. Here’s the breakdown of what our interns typically choose to fuel up with before heading out for the day:

Everyone has their own morning ritual when they first get into the office. Most of our interns use those first few minutes organizing themselves for the day, while a third of the group spend it connecting with their fellow team members. And then there’s some who need another kick of caffeine!

Now it’s time to get to work. With over 40 departments represented in this year’s program, each intern’s list of responsibilities changes day to day as they explore different areas of the company. When asked what takes up most of their days, this is how it broke down:

For most respondents, the part of the day that they enjoy the most is the people:

“Collaborating with my team and learning new things every day!”

“I look forward to meetings that let me learn a greater context of the business/category teams.”

“I love my coworkers. They’re fantastic people and they’re so passionate about what they do.”

“Networking with new people from other departments and learning about my field of study.”

Before they know it, it’s time to take a break for lunch. While many bring food from home, a very popular option at the Knoxville office is the on-site cafeteria, PJ Fresh Café! It’s a great place for team members to grab a quick bite for breakfast and lunch. One intern has their café order down to a science:

“Two slices of pizza, a water bottle, and a cup of lemonade. The chicken bacon ranch pizza on Mondays is my favorite.”

Our team members make sure to carve out time to connect with each other and have some fun during the day. Here are some team activities that our interns have enjoyed this summer:

“My department hosts cook outs at least once a month. They also do lunches throughout the month with open invites to all teams.”

“When it’s somebody’s birthday, we gather in the break room and have cake. We celebrate and play ice breaker games.’”

“Golf outings!”

At the Knoxville campus, we’re lucky to have a beautiful campus with lots of greenery and a walking trail that loops around the parking lots. Many team members walk the loop to take a brain break and get a little exercise. Some teams even coordinate their own department walks!

We want our interns to know that their work contributes to something purposeful at Pilot – whether it’s creating a new system to file paperwork or helping wrap up a big summer campaign. Here are a few examples of what makes our interns feel accomplished at the end of the day:

“Knowing I learned something new.”

“Looking at the progress I’ve made on different projects.”

“Being able to come up with a solution to a problem.”

“Checking things off my daily to-do list.”

Once five o’clock hits, it’s time to wrap up work and head home. After a full day of learning, collaborating, and creating, here’s how a few of our interns choose to relax and recharge:

“I like to catch a movie after work!”

“I find cooking very relaxing, so I enjoy making dinner every night.”

“I hang out with my friends and take my dog on a walk.”

“I unwind by spending time with my family.”

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for next week’s final intern blog, where we’ll recap our National Intern Day celebration.

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.

Help our Intern Program be recognized as one of the top in the country by voting through this link daily. It takes less than 10 seconds to do!

Ranging from rising sophomores to recent graduates, this year’s cohorts represent 17 colleges and universities across the country and have joined more than 40 departments throughout the company.

So far, the professional development workshops have included seminars on professional etiquette, time management, and communication workplace styles. The interns have conquered a local mountain challenge, broke out of an escape room, and had an afternoon of fun and bowling at the arcade. Out of the 46 interns, five are returning to the program. Hear from them below in their own words why they came back for another summer of fun and learning with Pilot!

Name: Jackson Kizer

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Double major in Finance & Supply Chain Management; MBA with a concentration in Finance
Department: Financial Planning & Analysis

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I chose to return to Pilot this year because I found last year’s program to be a wonderfully put together and enriching experience. I also made lots of new friends in my department and internship class that I wanted to see again. Everyone was nice and the work that I did help me develop my business skills.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “One thing that I enjoyed last summer that I hope to see again is the breakout room day. It was a very fun experience doing one for the first-time last year with a group of my fellow interns and know that the breakout this year will be just as fun.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “Something new that I am getting to experience this year is calculating ROIs for different store locations. I shadowed someone in my department last year on this but never got around to actually calculating them. This year I am getting hands-on experience working on them.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “My advice that I would give to the new interns is to treat your coworkers like respected colleagues rather than professors or bosses. They are not out to get you nor judge you harshly based on your understanding of certain topics; you just got here, and nobody expects you to know everything right away. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and network.”

Name: Diego Longoria

Education: University of Texas at Dallas
Area of study: Finance
Department: Houston-Settlements

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I chose to continue my career at Pilot because I felt like part of the team from Day 1. This internship blends the lives of corporate America with the feeling of a family business. Everyone in the organization was open to intellectual curiosity and challenged me to think about the ‘why?’ I am excited about another Summer with Pilot and highly recommend joining to anyone who wants to be a part of something special.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “There were many things that I enjoyed throughout my internship. However, the laughs, smiles, and conversations are something that I look forward to experiencing again. I always feel like I am valued, and my ideas are important. The people here are truly amazing, and they are people who I enjoy being around.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “I am doing a rotational program at the Houston office which means I am in a different department than I was last time. This has given me the valuable opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of the PFJ Energy business. Furthermore, I am working on projects that will continue to improve our processes so I believe my internship projects will have a lasting impact to the business.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “The largest piece of advice for new and future interns is ASK QUESTIONS! I know that is what everyone says, but it is extremely important. Someone in PFJ Energy recently told me, ‘The worst-case scenario is you learn something.’ It is also equally important to ask people outside of your department questions. This is how you grow and learn as a person and a team member.”

Name: Veda Seay

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Business Analytics, Mathematics, and Statistics
Department: Connect

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I chose to come back because I felt I had the perfect balance of guidance and independence with my last internship with Pilot. I was able to work independently and take ownership of my projects while also having ample support systems to lean on anytime I needed it. It was such an incredible feeling to end the summer with finished projects and personal growth that I could be proud of thanks to Pilot challenging me and pushing me out of my comfort zone.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “I really enjoyed all the people here at Pilot last summer, and I am so excited to be back and see so many familiar faces. I love being able to look around in my department, the intern group, and other areas of Pilot and see so many friends and colleagues. Everyone here is so supportive and friendly, and I feel welcome everywhere I go.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “As a returning intern, the pace definitely picked up compared to last summer. When I first joined the team last year, there was a huge learning curve for me to understand the company itself and the everyday lingo my team uses in meetings. Because I had experience with my team going into this summer, I was able to jump in and understand things faster than I did last year, allowing me to start my project earlier and move at a much faster pace. There’s still a learning curve, it’s just a little less steep this time around.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “My advice to other new interns is focus on learning, networking, and being true to yourself this summer. Your team doesn’t expect you to know everything, so be open to learning as much as possible about everything you touch this summer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! The more connections you can make, the better. Try to say hi to as many people as possible, you never know when your paths may cross again. Lastly, you want to be memorable as an intern, so be yourself!”

Name: Logan Bowers

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Computer Science
Department: Network Operations

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “To stay closer to home for the summer, and to build on the relationships I formed last summer.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “Making new friends and connections within the intern group.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “New projects and more trust.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “Work hard and make as many new relationships as you can.”

Name: Ethan Naugle

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Computer Engineering
Department: Enterprise Applications

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I felt very welcomed by the Pilot family. The “people first” culture made me want to return for another year. “

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “The Breakout escape room was really fun last year, and I am excited to go back.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “I really enjoyed the travel center tour. It helped me better understand what we are working towards in terms of guess and team member experience.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “Make as many connections as you can. Whether it is with other interns, people in your department, or people in totally different departments, the relationships you make can help shape your career down the road.”

We can’t wait to see what this group and the entire amazing cohort will do this summer – stay tuned for more blog updates. Don’t forget to vote for our program every day until July 20, 2023.

Interested in joining the team here at Pilot? Explore open opportunities here!

Check out the following stories from Pilot team members on why Heart Month is especially meaningful for them:

Hannah Lewis

“My son Bennett was born with a rare and critical heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Basically, he only has half of his heart. At 6 days old, he had his first open-heart surgery. He spent nearly his first year of his life in the hospital where he suffered a stroke, brain bleeds, seizures, two more open-heart surgeries, multiple other surgeries and he went into cardiac arrest. After he turned two, he had two more open heart surgeries, totaling in at five. That hospital stay became a long one as well, where he suffered a serious staph infection called MRSA, and went into severe heart failure.

By God’s grace, he grew stronger every day.

In November of 2021, Bennett had routine lab work done, which revealed some concerning high numbers that reflected his heart function. Shortly after his 10th birthday, we learned that Bennett’s heart was running out of time. The doctor said we had a good year left, and to do as much as we could with him, but that he was going to request an evaluation for a heart transplant. I remember asking if he thought they would approve him, and while he could not speak for what the transplant team would decide, he told me he thought Bennett had a pretty good chance to be approved. In April 2022, we had our first big day of evaluation. It was a long process that took two trips to Vanderbilt. The next month, we were given the news that he was approved! By the end of June, he was officially listed. We got the call a lot sooner than we had ever imagined: three weeks and one day after being listed, we got the call that they had a match for Bennett. On July 9th, Bennett received his gift, with his surgery ending in the early hours of the morning on July 10th.

We have reached the 6-month mark and his new heart has been doing wonderfully. We have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for God first, the donor family, his surgeons, and the transplant team/community. We are thankful for our friends, families, and coworkers who have supported us along the way and have been there for us through some of our most difficult days.

What makes me #PilotProud during Heart Month is the support I have received every step of the way since I joined the company. Even at the beginning, I knew I had love and support. I needed to be out of work quite a bit during the first few months for his transplant and I never once felt worried about my job. I knew it would be waiting for me when I returned.”

Darin Klotzsche

“When I pulled into my apartment complex after lunch with my family on July 17, 2016, I suddenly felt like someone turned a fire hose on in me. I began to sweat profusely and grew very nauseous as I parked outside my apartment. I felt dizzy and started to cough. With every cough, I felt relief, which reminded me of an instance years ago when someone had told me to fake cough if I ever had a heart attack – that it would help relieve symptoms. At that moment, I knew I was having a heart attack.

My wife drove me to the hospital, where I found out I was having a massive widow-maker heart attack. I received one stent and a new lease on life. I have immersed myself into woodworking, nature, and recently became a distance trail-runner. I try to watch my diet, get my steps in, and log some major miles on the trails. I am grateful for a new lease on life and for those people that helped save my life. I have learned CPR, and have taken on a whole new approach to how I react to life’s situations. My new motto is, “Begin each day with a grateful heart!”

Patrick Brock

“I have been running as a volunteer fire and rescue member in my hometown since I was 16 years old, and served in law enforcement for close to 20 years before coming to work at Pilot. I first became CPR certified in 1984 and have maintained that certification to this very day. No fewer than ten times in the past 36 years have I had to use CPR, and 7 of those times were successful! I am proud I took the time to get CPR-certified and then recertify when it expired and urge you to take the time to learn how, too.  Everyone deserves the best chance at living to see another day, and that chance may very well come in the form of YOU!!!!”

Andrea Stratton

Crystal Aytes

Stay tuned for more heart-health advice from experts at American Heart Association this month, and don’t forget support the life-saving work of AHA and HSF by stopping at one of our participating stores to grab a paper heart or round-up your purchase to the nearest whole dollar!

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.

“We throw challenges at her and she always rises to the occasion,” Rianna Woolley, Pilot’s food service manager, said.

She won three bronze medals after competing against 10 other countries in this year’s Special Olympics – one for singles, one doubles, and one for unified team.

“To see us all come together and bond over something we have in common, which is our love for sports, was awesome,” Tanya said.

Tanya moved to California in 2010 and began searching for a new after-work activity. She checked bowling out and, sure enough, she loved it. Twelve years later, she’s still playing, with dreams of someday going to the Special Olympics World games.

“I love being able to meet other people who also have a disability,” Tanya said. “I love learning how to socialize at the same time with each other since not all of us really know how to.”

Her Pilot team cheered Tanya on from the store, downloading an app that kept them updated with each game she played. They sent her little notes of congratulations and encouraging messages, supporting her just like she does to guests and team members at Store 1096 each and every day. Ever since joining Pilot last June, Tanya “enhances the day” for the store, and is even the team’s trainer. She makes sure all of the store’s new team members are comfortable on the front register, have a great onboarding experience, and know how to take great care of each guest that walks in to the store.

“She’s very thorough and patient, always making sure our guests come first,” Rianna said. “All of our regulars love to come to her because she remembers their order and makes sure they’re taken care of.” There have been a few times where a hearing-impaired guest walks into the store, their face brightening when Tanya makes eye contact with them and begins signing.

“To be able talk to someone and make them be heard in that way just makes their day,” Rianna said.

It’s easier for Tanya to help brighten someone’s day since the work environment is “more happy, more upbeat” than before. Even simple things like being able to hear the music from the lobby has made her experience at Pilot much more friendly.

“Shoutout to my managers for giving me an ample opportunity to prove how good I am instead of looking at my disability and saying, ‘this isn’t gonna work out.’ They’ve given me my shot and I’m running with the opportunity I’ve been given.”

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.

Every intern did a wonderful job in their departments this summer and we look forward to seeing where everyone ends up in the future! Thanks again to Emily Bell for scheduling and organizing a well-rounded program filled with leader chats, engaging workshops, and fun events. It’s been a busy summer for everyone so we’re grateful to all our interns for working hard and taking the initiative to help keep Pilot moving.

To wrap-up the program and summarize some of the many things we learned, the interns shared some of their thoughts about this summer:

We also asked some of our interns to share their best piece of advice for future Pilot interns:

This summer has been an incredible experience for everyone involved and we wish all our interns the very best as they continue school, pursue their career paths, or choose to stay at Pilot!

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/.

Each router currently being installed in the fuel canopies of select Pilot and Flying J travel centers is linked to the Bridgestone tire pressure monitoring solution, IntelliTire, and transmits real-time tire data in two minutes or less from trucks and buses to fleet managers. IntelliTire combines durable hardware with a software application to allow fleet operators to proactively address specific tire issues and mitigate unplanned maintenance, reducing downtime and improving driver safety. Fleets using this technology will 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.

With this intelligence in hand, fleets can also utilize the Bridgestone service event management application, REACH¹, to make preventative maintenance, roadside assistance and other vehicle service requests simpler and more efficient by connecting drivers, fleet dispatch, service centers, and technicians under one digital platform.

“Physical, on-the-ground touchpoints are critical elements to the success of digital, data-driven fleet solutions, and together they enable synergies to improve mobility,” said Chris Ripani, president, Commercial Tire Group, Bridgestone Americas. “With a robust footprint and strong fleet relationships, Pilot Company is the perfect partner to help us develop a connected network that is designed to allow our shared customers to minimize downtime, save on costs and improve driver safety now and in the future.”

The use of the Bridgestone advanced tire monitoring system at Pilot and Flying J travel centers allows 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 provides trucking companies with full-service financial, maintenance and fuel packages.

“With the safety of our customers in mind, we are leveraging our network of Pilot and Flying J travel centers to help deliver IntelliTire technology to the road—making it easy for fleets and drivers to maintain their trucks and minimize downtime during routine fuel stops,” said Shameek Konar, Pilot Company CEO. “This project is part of our larger focus to add new technologies and services to make road travel better, safer and more efficient for our guests.” 

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 realize a 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.

¹ To access REACH service event management tool, a subscription and SaaS agreement is required.

Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to volunteer at Muse Knoxville, a children’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) museum located downtown. Interns helped clean up trash, painted benches and fences, facilitated activities with visitors, and disinfected playground equipment. Everyone came together to help kids have an enjoyable and educational experience at Muse Knoxville while also implementing Pilot’s values on education and giving back.

Pilot Company is dedicated to giving back to the communities around them and holds philanthropy at a high level of value. They encourage all their team members to be active in the community and by volunteering for Muse Knoxville, the interns were able to represent Pilot and the company values. One of our key Giving Back pillars is education and Pilot’s helping strengthen the next generation with the innovative skills needed to succeed.

Alongside a fun Friday morning at The Muse, we also asked a few of our interns to describe their futures and what they’ve learned about their personal career goals during their internships. Take a look at how their dream jobs have changed over the years!

Name: Ethan Naugle

School/Major: UTK / Computer Engineering

Department: Enterprise Applications

“This internship has made me see the importance of leadership in any field.”

When Ethan was five years old, he wanted to be an astronaut. Now, he wants to be a computer engineer and help companies “become more productive using better computer hardware and software.” Being in the Enterprise Applications department, he’s been able to learn how important software and leadership are to a company’s productivity. This internship has helped Ethan understand the differences between the business and technical sides of engineering, leading him to discover an interest in leadership and investment of the business side. Ethan wants to lead a team of computer engineers one day!

Name: Tristan Damron

School/Major: UTK / Finance

Department: Business Integration

“I have found that I really enjoy working with other people and collaborating to solve problems.”

When Tristan was little, he wanted to be a professional lacrosse player. Now, he sees himself pursuing a career in the finance industry (like financial planning or wealth management).

• This internship has provided a lot of teambuilding and collaboration that have helped him further appreciate working with a team in a corporate setting.
• Through his experience in sports and this internship opportunity, he has strengthened his ability to be a good teammate in a professional setting—something that is really important to him!

Name: Elaina Boyette

School/Major: UTK / Supply Chain Management

Department: Merchandising

“I like the ability to get out from behind the desk and work with my hands every once in a while.”

When Elaina was younger, she loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. Now that she’s in school, she’s realized that her brain functions better with business and data rather than animal anatomy and illnesses.

• While she doesn’t know exactly what she wants to do, this internship has given her a good look at the merchandising side of the corporate world. It’s something she’d like to stick with after graduation!
• There have been many aspects of this internship that have helped show Elaina what she wants in a future career. She enjoys meeting with vendors, discussing promos, and going to the fieldhouse to put together planograms for the stores. Getting to leave her desk and work hands-on every now and then is something that she really values!

Name: Peyton Solimine

School/Major: UTK / Business Analytics

Department: Logistics

 “I really like the upbeat and high energy spirit around the office at Pilot.”

When Peyton was five, he wanted to play in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. Now that he’s at UTK and has some life experience, he sees himself working in the supply and distribution industry.

• He wants to work in an interactive environment where he enjoys his coworkers—similar to the experience of his role on the Logistics team this summer.
• Being an intern at Pilot has helped Peyton learn more about what he wants in a career which includes a dynamic office environment and a strong team to collaborate with.

Name: Luke Roberts

School/Major: UTK / Industrial & Systems Engineering

Department: Store Modernization

“I have really enjoyed looking at problems and coming up with unique solutions.”

When Luke was little, he frequently played with Legos, K’Nex, puzzles, and other inventive toys and games. His parents told him that he was going to grow up to be an engineer, but now that Luke is almost done with school, he sees himself in both becoming a business owner and possibly being a part of Pilot’s Rotational Development Program.

• He has spent most of his summer with Pilot coming up with possible solutions to solve difficult problems. With the possibility of his ideas being implemented to some degree in the future, he looks forward to seeing how the team uses the solutions he’s created.
• Luke’s experience working with the Store Modernization team has been a great opportunity for him and he appreciates having the ability to work on interesting projects with the space to work independently.

Prioritizing creativity and innovation, both in the office and at Muse Knoxville, are some of the values Pilot instills in their interns each and every day. We’re proud of everyone for their hard work on volunteer day, and in general! Although we’re sad the program is ending soon, we’re grateful for the time we’ve had together and look forward to seeing everyone succeed in their careers!

“Everything I know and learned about truck driving, I learned at truck stops and from other drivers,” said JT. “I’d pull up and see someone doing something and ask what they were doing and if they could show me how.”

He now calls Michigan home in a small town between Detroit and Toledo called Gibraltar. JT has four kids and five grandkids in Utah, whom he sends a handwritten postcard from the road every month. His grandkids love seeing where their grandpa has been and his adventures. His son, Aaron, recently took some time off to ride with his dad, sharing the cab with him for a few days.

At the end of the day’s journey and having been away from his family for weeks, JT heads to Pilot, stating, “travel centers are home away from home, Pilot has that consistency that provides familiarity on the road. Plus, they have the best coffee!” Living in the Midwest, he takes advantage of the mobile fueling with Pilot because “it is so much easier, so much faster, and you don’t have to stand out there in the cold. You can get it all done while you’re waiting in line, so when you get to the pump, you just punch in the number and go.”

As a bonus for JT, he says, “I save up my rewards point for the big electronics I normally wouldn’t buy with my own money. Last year I got a new trucker GPS, and I will upgrade my Bluetooth headsets when they come out with a new one with just my points.”

Back on the road, JT has also taken on the role of driver trainer, sharing his knowledge from fellow drivers with new ones. His words of advice to new drivers, “don’t watch smokey and the bandit!” For those looking to get started driving, he says, “it’s a great time to get into the industry, technology is starting to take hold, and it’s fun to be a part of the transition, but more than any other job, truck driving is a way of life.”

JT wrote about his journeys and experiences while on the road and was kind enough to share a recent poem with us.

THE END OF MY RUN

by JT Huffaker

I love what I do, that much is true.
But it’s not always easy and it’s not always fun.
And there’s dirt and there’s bugs, and there’s not enough hugs,
‘Til I finish my work at the end of my run.

If I have the right load, and I’m out on the road,
It can be a real pleasure to make this truck run,
But the load’s often wrong, and the road’s often long,
That leads me back home, at the end of my run.

I do what I can, to follow their plan,
On time and safely, and get the job done,
But there’s too many miles,
And not enough smiles,
‘Til I hang up my keys, at the end of my run.

Thank you, JT, for sharing some of your stories with us and allowing us to be a part of your journey. We look forward to seeing you at our travel centers and continuing to be, at least in some way, a home away from home.

Organized and created by Emily Bell, a member of the Talent Development team, the program is designed to give interns as much experience and exposure as possible in the ten weeks provided. The program includes exclusive insight into one’s field of interest and incorporates several workshops on topics like business etiquette and resume building, which are valuable tools for any career or job seeker.  It also includes discovery days where team members get to explore more about Pilot outside of their department, and team building activities that encourage further collaboration and communication.

Our interns come from all over the country, representing 14 different colleges and universities spanning from California to South Carolina, to be a part of Pilot’s internship program. Of the program’s 42 interns, 37 are employed here at the Knoxville SSC, while the remaining are based at Pilot’s energy and trading satellite office in Houston, TX.

Every intern at Pilot this summer wants to further their career and discover what they really enjoy (or dislike!) doing in their day-to-day lives. With the ability to work on meaningful projects and make a difference within the company over the course of the program, interns can learn more about their field while also creating positive, long-lasting relationships with other team members and making intentional decisions about their future. With interns coming from a variety of different majors, places, and schools, check out what a few of them had to say about why they chose Pilot and what they are looking forward to in the next couple of weeks.

Sydney Nguyen

Major: Cognitive Sciences; Department: Human Resources, Transportation

“I knew that I wanted to intern at a company that stood for great things.”

Despite leaving her home state of Tennessee to attend the University of Southern California, Sydney knew that she had to come back when she was offered a position in Pilot’s internship program. Even with other options on the table, Sydney attested that “it felt like Pilot was the right choice for me.” She is excited to learn more about the Human Resources department and to have the opportunity to work on projects that will impact the trajectory of the company. After her first week, Sydney appreciates the culture at Pilot and how communicative team members are when she needs help. She is looking forward to the projects she’ll be working on the rest of the summer.

Jackson Kizer

Major: Finance & Supply Chain Management; Department: Financial Planning & Analysis

“The extremely warm welcome by the HR team during orientation added more excitement and anticipation for the program.”

As a native to Knoxville and a student at the University of Tennessee, Jackson has always been familiar with Pilot and their community influence. Majoring in finance, he knew that he wanted to gain real-world experience from a corporation that would be beneficial to his future. Regarding the rest of the summer, Jackson is looking forward to completing the projects he’s working on in the finance department and participating in more offsite events with other interns.

Veda Seay

Major: Business Analytics & Mathematics; Department: Connect

“I had no idea there were so many options until I started diving into my department and learning about my team members.”

Through the job fair held at the University of Tennessee (UTK), Veda discovered Pilot’s intern program and is looking forward to exploring just one of the many career paths she can take after college. Prior to starting in her department at Pilot, she was unaware of how many options she has in analytics. Majoring in Business Analytics & Mathematics, Veda described her undergraduate studies as having been “almost entirely focused on applied math and analytics.” Now, she will be able to see more into the business strategy side through her position on the Connect team. Between the valuable real-world experience and seeing more opportunities with her major, Veda is very excited for the rest of the summer.

Diego Longoria

Major: Finance; Department: Commercial Credit

“This first week in the office has really shifted my view of Pilot and how much I look forward to coming to work every day.”

As a finance major at the University of Texas in Dallas and an interest in the credit industry, Diego is looking forward to the teamwork, challenges, and excitement of Pilot’s intern program. He’s currently at our Houston office, where there is a lot to learn about the energy sector of the company and plenty of opportunities for growth within the corporation. Through word of mouth prior to his acceptance, Diego was already aware of Pilot’s stance as a people-oriented company and is eager to experience the collaborative atmosphere Pilot has to offer for himself. After the first week, Diego is looking forward to the rest of the internship and what it holds for him and his future.

We look forward to sharing more stories from our interns this summer as well as highlighting their achievements and experiences at Pilot! Follow us on our social channels if you’re interested hearing more about future internship programs or employment opportunities. Good luck to all our wonderful interns this summer!

This week is also our inaugural Team Member Appreciation Week, and we had a chance to catch up with a few of our military Pilot Team Members and say thanks.

Thank You, Kera

Kera Porter served six and a half years as a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic in the US Army. After graduating from Fountainhead College of Technology, she joined Pilot on our Help Desk team. Since then, Kera has been a member of the network operations center and IT security team and currently serves as an Observability Engineer. In July of this year, she will celebrate ten years at Pilot Company!

What advice would you give to fellow service members transitioning from the military into the civilian world?

“Find something you are passionate about. There are many different programs out there that will help you get into needed fields, especially IT. Go after those and look for companies that are veteran-friendly.” – Kera Porter.

Thank You, Shaddy

Shaddy Bowling served in the US Army for 11 years and was a platoon sergeant. When he was exiting the military, he attended an event where Pilot had a table to recruit people in our travel centers. He was interested in the Transportation side and had previous driving experience. Shaddy has been with Pilot for almost three years and currently serves as a field supervisor for region four and lives and operates out of the Dallas Fort Worth area.

What does he love about working at Pilot?

“Pilot is great at taking care of their people and providing a work and family balance that you don’t (and can’t) get with many companies, especially in the transportation world.” – Shaddy Bowling.

Thank You, Greg

Greg White served 23 years in the US Army, first as an infantry officer, then as a military strategist. Greg joined the team in January 2022 and currently serves as the General Manager for store Travel Center #6996 in Warsaw, North Carolina. After six months with Pilot, Greg says that he loves the engagement of his team and the support he receives from leadership.

His advice to transitioning service members?

“Understand it is going to be different. In the military, everyone is focused on one goal, which is to serve the country. When you get out of the military, you have to recognize that everyone has different goals and different motivations, but we can all still work together.” – Greg White.

Thank You, Lisa

For three years, Lisa Umali served as a counterintelligence special agent in the US Army. After serving, she was recruited by a Pilot to come aboard as a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) and has been with Pilot for two years. One of the things that she loves about Pilot is the history and culture of the company.

What advice does she have for fellow servicemen and women trying to find a job?

“Research the companies that you are interested in or interviewing with and make sure that you ask questions about what is important to you (culture, responsibilities, career growth, work-life balance, etc.).” – Lisa Umali

Thank you all for sharing your military background with us. We are honored to have you and all of our veteran servicemen and women across our company as part of the team. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do.

Click here to learn more about Pilot’s commitment to giving back to veterans throughout the year.

It’s a flashback to school spirit week with unique themes each day to dress up, have fun and show all the ways we are #PilotProud. If you happen to visit one of our stores or offices this week, you may catch our team members repping their favorite sports team, dressing like their favorite superhero, or shining bright on neon day.

The week’s events also include team building activities, special treats and swag, and personal ‘Thank You’ messages from senior leaders.

From the team members at our travel centers, to those in our support center offices, and to the drivers of our tanker fleet – it is because of you that we are able to keep North America moving by fueling millions of journeys every day.

On behalf of Pilot Company, thank you to all our team members for everything you do for our company, our guests, and for each other every day. We are truly Pilot Proud.

Want to join a team that has fun, recognizes hard work and supports career growth? We are looking for new teammates to join the Pilot family. If you’re ready for better benefits, better perks and better opportunities, check out our open positions at jobs.pilotflyingj.com and apply now. Click here to find out why our Team Members love working at Pilot.

During the filming, we had the privilege to learn more about Brian, a veteran and professional driver for ten years who is about to celebrate his first 1 million miles behind the cab. He spent 21 years in the Navy and completed multiple overseas deployments as a heavy equipment operator, “If it had wheels or tracks, I drove it,” he said.

After retiring from the Navy in 2009, he took his decades of experience operating heavy equipment and hit the road, delivering freight across the country. While he is spending weeks out on the road, Brian relies on Pilot Flying J for a clean and friendly place to rest and refuel, and he frequently uses the myRewards Plus™ app to help.

“The most important is getting the prime parking. If it’s late in the afternoon and I know I have to drive until 8 or 9 pm, I will pull up the app and look up the closest Pilot or Flying J to the area. Then I can see the available parking spots you have and will go ahead and reserve a spot,” Brian said. “I love it when I don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot; if I reserve a spot, I know I got it.”

As a veteran, he takes advantage of our Military Discount Program all year long to save money in our stores which he can put towards a hot shower. The shower remodels are something he is excited to see as part of our upgrades across North America. Being able to refresh before you get back out there makes a huge difference, and “Pilot Flying J always has that extra person to make sure the showers are clean and ready to go. You can tell they aren’t afraid to spend the money to have that extra someone there to take care of you,” Brian said.

As he hops out of his truck back home in McComb, Mississippi, his advice to new drivers just getting into the industry, “there is a lot to learn on the road as you go, you’re going to get aggravated, have patience, learn the trucker etiquette, and enjoy the trip.”

Thank you, Brian, for being part of this exciting initiative, and more importantly, thank you for your continued service to our country. We thank all our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice and look forward to seeing you in our travel centers. For more details on how we are celebrating Military Appreciation Month in May, click here.

Seven steps to fueling better careers:

1) Be visible – Update your LinkedIn profile. Mark that you’re job searching. Connect, update, post, and communicate. Recruiters are constantly sourcing from LinkedIn and need to be able to find you, notice you and appreciate what you bring to the table – at a glance. Research yourself online and see what you find.

2) Reimagine your resume – Don’t use automated resume templates, which aren’t easily searchable. Use bullets to make it easy to scan; use action verbs to illustrate your accomplishments; and always keep it succinct and to the point. Include any relevant experience, especially if you’re a young job seeker, even if it was in a volunteer position, in school, or on a sports team. Get a second set of eyes on your resume to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward.

3) Take the initiative – Visit a physical retail location and ask to speak to the hiring manager or follow up with the person who interviewed you. Contact us on LinkedIn, so we recognize your name among 100 resumes. You don’t want to get lost in the shuffle of applicants, and we appreciate you being proactive. Express your continued interest and put the ball in our court.

4) Envision your future – Have you visited the store or restaurant where you want to work? Have you explored the company website and social media? We can tell when someone knows the organization and has envisioned their future here – and when someone hasn’t. We want candidates who are a good fit for the job and think it’s a good fit for them. Show us that you’re eager and informed.

5) Answer and ask – Research the company before the interview, prepare your interview responses, and come ready with three questions you have for us. It’s appropriate to ask about benefits; it shows us that you appreciate the position’s value beyond base pay, and we look for team members who are ready to build careers.

6) Win the interview –Be professional, on time, and enthusiastic. Bring copies of your resume. Be honest and transparent. It’s OK to talk about obstacles or setbacks you’ve had if you also explain how you’ve overcome them. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. People will hire you for your attitude and then train your skills.

7) Don’t burn bridges – Sometimes, it doesn’t work out with the initial job application, but I may have something else that’s a better fit in a few months. Build a relationship with me and stay in contact.

Whatever path you choose, put your best foot forward by taking the time to review, research, and prepare. You’ll stand out as we look for the best candidates to join our team by showing us your personal best. If you put in the effort pursuing the job, we trust that you’ll put in the effort once you’ve got the job.

Don’t Forget!

We are hiring 10,000 people this summer, beginning with our National Hiring Day event on Tuesday, May 3^rd, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event will include in-person meet-and-greets, on-the-spot interviews, and swag giveaways. Come see us at one of our 670+ participating Pilot Flying J travel centers, One9 Fuel Network locations, and on-premises fast-food restaurants to start your next career.

Interested candidates can text PFJjobs to 25000 to RSVP to schedule an in-person interview for Hiring Day or apply immediately online at jobs.pilotflyingj.com.

Now is the perfect time to join our team and start piloting your career. As more people hit the road for summer, we are gearing up to serve the millions of drivers that stop at our travel centers across North America every day. There are more than 10,000 job openings that we are looking to fill across our travel centers, support centers, and professional tanker fleet beginning with our National Hiring Day event on May 3.  Click here to RSVP for your on-the-spot interview! (add link) Want to know more about why our team members love working at Pilot? Hear from a few of our incredible team members below.

Family

“If you are looking for a company, or should I say a family, with countless opportunities for career growth… look no further! I have been employed with Pilot for nearly ten years. I started out as a cashier just looking for a summer job in 2012, transitioned to a Retail Sales Specialist, promoted to multiple levels of leadership throughout the years, and I am now a Travel Center General Manager. I have been able to maintain a healthy work-life balance due to the flexibility in scheduling and awesome benefits such as the company’s paid time off. As a wife and mother of three kids, this is something that is extremely important to me as it is to most when looking for a career path. After a whole decade with the company, I am definitely Pilot Proud!” – Shermeca Woodard, Travel Center General Manager.

Support

“Working for Pilot Flying J you’re not just a number, you’re a name with a face and a story. Pilot flying j instills the values and work ethic to succeed while having fun and creating a career in the process. You have the support here to be amazing.” – Jerrica Garcia, Travel Center General Manager.

Growth

“I’ve enjoyed my time working at Pilot Company because of the leaders that are devoted to not only help me grow in my professional life, but my personal life as well.” – Kenan Johnson, guest services leader at a Pilot Travel Center in Boonville, MO.

As one of the best places to work and one of the top training companies, we have the fuel to get you where you need to be. Whether you are looking to make a change, looking to grow, or just getting started, pilot your career with us.

“Pilot is a special company. We all work together; we have each other’s back like family. That’s why I have been here for 19 years, and I’ll probably do 19 more.” – Brandon Wells, Pilot Driver

If you’re ready to fuel your next journey and join our fantastic team, visit https://jobs.pilotflyingj.com/ to check our open positions and apply today.

Better yet, see us in person next Tuesday, May 3^rd, at one of our locations near you. We will be hosting on-the-spot interviews, meet & greets, and swag giveaways! Reserve your interview spot now by texting PFJjobs to 25000 to RSVP.

The Hiring Day event will include in-person meet-and-greet opportunities, featuring on the spot interviews and swag giveaways, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at over 670 participating Pilot Flying J travel centers, One9 Fuel Network locations, and on-premises fast food restaurants. Interested candidates can text PFJjobs to 25000 to RSVP to schedule an in-person interview for Hiring Day or apply immediately online at jobs.pilotflyingj.com. Open jobs include:

• Full-time and part-time hourly and leadership roles in retail, food service and facilities
• Class-A CDL company drivers to transport fuel and DEF
• Corporate positions in technology, finance, human resources, recruiting, marketing, guest services and more at the Knoxville Sales and Support Center headquarters, offices in Dallas and Houston, and a new IT center of excellence in Atlanta

“Since 1958, we’ve fueled millions of journeys and we look forward to having more great people join us as we gear up for another busy summer and keep innovating to prepare for the future of travel,” said Paul Shore, chief people officer of Pilot Company. “We’re offering better opportunities, better perks and better benefits with a stable and growing company that invests in its team members to help them learn and grow. Nearly three out of four leadership promotions come from within our company – start your career with us by applying now or heading to a travel center near you on May 3.”

Pilot Company offers one of the best benefit packages in the industry to support its team members, including:

• New fuel discount program
• Free daily meal
• Weekly pay
• Low-cost health plans
• Tuition assistance
• Award-winning training program
• Career advancement and growth
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Discounts at national retailers
• Giving back to local communities

Ranked No. 7 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies, Pilot Company continues to grow and evolve to provide its team members and guests with an exceptional experience. In March, Pilot Company launched a $1 billion initiative, New Horizons, to remodel its stores nationwide. Plans to overhaul its travel centers incorporates feedback from team members and guests to make improvements that matter to them, including several upgrades that will provide team members with better technology, spaces and equipment that make their jobs faster, easier and more rewarding.

Pilot Company is also investing more in culture and recognition programs for its team members, including best in class onboarding and training programs; wellness with a specific focus on mental well-being; and adding new perks and discounts to the company’s total rewards benefit package. The company recently introduced a new fuel discount program for all team members to save at the pump at company-owned stores in North America.

“I’ve enjoyed my time working at Pilot Company because of the leaders that are devoted to not only help me grow in my professional life, but my personal life as well,” shared Kenan Johnson, guest services leader at a Pilot Travel Center in Boonville, MO.

For more information about National Hiring Day and to apply, visit jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nhd. To find nearby travel center locations, download the myRewards Plus app^TM* and to learn more about Pilot Company, visit www.pilotcompany.com.

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

Travel is picking up for the summer and you can be part of helping to fuel millions of journeys for travelers and professional drivers. If you are enthusiastic, hard-working, and passionate about taking care of each other and our guests, we would love for you to come be part of our people-first culture here at Pilot Company. As a family-founded company, we strive to maintain a fun, family-like workplace full of opportunity, great people and great smiles all around.

In-Person Meet & Greet on May 3^rd

Join us on May 3^rd at one of our 670+ owned and operated Pilot Flying J travel centers or One9 Fuel Network locations for on-the-spot interviews and swag giveaways from 8 am – 5 pm. You can RSVP by texting PFJjobs to 25000 or if you can’t make it, apply online today at jobs.pilotflyingj.com/.

In addition to competitive salaries, Pilot Company offers one of the industry’s best benefit packages to part-time and full-time team members.

Better Benefits: Better Perks:

 •Weekly pay•NEW EMPLOYEE FUEL DISCOUNT

 •Low-Cost Health Plans•Free Daily Meals

 •Paid time off  •Wellness Program

 •Paid parental leave   •Career Growth and Advancement

 •401(k) retirement savings plan•Discounts at National Retailers

•Tuition assistance

Read more about our benefits and hear from team members on why they love them! Better Perks. Better Benefits.

Better Opportunities for YOU

Travel Center, Fast-Food, and Deli

Provide fast and friendly service and keep North America moving in one of our full-time or part-time hourly retail and food-service roles, including cashiers, food prep, facilities, merchandising, and more. We offer flexible schedules that fit your lifestyle and have a great onboarding and training program to set you up for success.

Leadership roles are also available for service leaders and general managers to run our high-volume stores and ensure an excellent experience for our team members and guests.

Where will your Pilot journey take you? Nearly 3 out of 4 of our leadership promotions come from within the company! “I started my job just looking for part-time work. However, on my first day as a cashier, I realized this is more than just a job, this was a family that I walked into.” – Cashier to General Manager, Erin Spruce.

“During my first six months at Pilot, I encountered more experiences of people going out of their way to do things to help people than my 15 years working for other companies.” – Region Manager, Richard Bronson.

Class-A CDL Professional Drivers

As one of the leading fuel suppliers, we’re looking for more than 100 company drivers to transport fuel and DEF. Join our fleet – one of the largest tanker fleets in North America – and drive with some of the best-in-class equipment with competitive pay and benefits. At Pilot, you can be a professional driver without sacrificing time with family and friends at home.

“Being a driver is so rewarding. I’d encourage anyone to do it. As the only female tanker in my area, it’s pretty cool to be able to represent for females and drive this 80,000-pound vehicle. It makes you feel good that you’re providing a service for all the cars around you.” – Cashier to Tanker Driver, Kim Surber.

Corporate Support Center

Our corporate offices, known as the Sales and Support Center, offer incredible career opportunities to innovate and drive the business forward while supporting the team members serving our guests. With several locations including our main headquarters in Knoxville, a new IT center of excellence in Atlanta, and offices in Dallas, Houston and Denver, there are a wide range of places and positions to chart your own path.

We are looking to fill more than 100 roles spanning several departments, including technology, finance, human resources, recruiting, marketing, guest services, and more. If you are driven, love to create, and work as a team, we want to hear from you!

“Pilot is an extremely innovative company. We are constantly looking for new ways to utilize technology to make it easier to shop with us and to deliver a better in-store and on the road experience. The best part of my role is trying to solve the next problem or create a new way to take better care of our guests.” – Steven Root, Manager to Director of Loyalty CRM

Don’t Forget to RSVP to National Hiring Day!

Text PFJjobs to 25000 to RSVP to National Hiring Day and reserve an interview time.

To apply online and learn more about National Hiring Day and the benefits of working at Pilot Company and its family of brands, visit jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nhd.

“I got older and wanted a job,” he said, “I started off delivering food to restaurants; that hustle and bustle didn’t have me in the truck much, then I switched over to delivering grain to farms.”

We connected with Andre to learn more about his journey into trucking and what he loves about being on the road delivering grain. A regular at Pilot, Andre visits our store off Route 36 in Sunbury, Ohio, between early deliveries for a hot breakfast. “Five or six times a week, if not every day, I’m stopping at a Pilot,” he said, “it’s a good feeling when you walk in there, and you hear not just driver but your name.” He often stops to restock his work clothes, relying on Pilot Flying J’s Buffalo Outdoors clothing line.”

“On Wednesday night, it was 50 degrees. The next morning, we were at a level 2 snow emergency, and I didn’t bring my heavy jacket. But I knew if I stopped at a Pilot, they’d have one there I could purchase – and that’s exactly what I did. It did the job for the snow and the wind I experienced that day, and it even does well in the rain, too.” – Andre Troy

With his job, he is in and out of the cab several times throughout the day, so it’s vital to have work clothes that are comfortable to drive in and hold up against the rough and gritty grain.

Safety and visibility are essential in this industry. “There’s not much lighting that early, so I needed brighter clothing to make sure I could be seen,” Andre relayed, “without brighter clothing, tractors and bulldozers that are running can’t see me, posing a danger. I didn’t know where to get them from but slowly started to notice all of the lighter sweatshirts and stuff you guys have at your stores for any kind of weather.”

Andre’s favorite pieces are the Buffalo sweatshirts with reflector stripes on the hood and sleeves, durable, long-sleeve shirts for the summertime, and the recently added heavy, bright yellow jacket he had to purchase during the unexpected snowstorm. After seeing the bright jacket, his two sons, aged ten and eleven, wanted a coat just like their dads. By the following week, Andre had gotten them all matching jackets. “You have no idea how important Pilot is to me,” Andre said.

We’re so glad that we can be the stop you can count on with friendly faces to greet you, the gear to get you through your day and the hot foods to fuel your journeys. To Andre and all the professional truck drivers out there hauling goods, you have no idea how important you are to Pilot Flying J!

Learn more about Buffalo Outdoors by clicking here or stop by the nearest Pilot Flying J to gear up.