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

Honoring Professional Drivers Through Road Warrior

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Driver Appreciation Month

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

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

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

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

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

Fueling Life’s Journeys

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

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

Opportunities Across North America

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

A Workplace Where You Belong

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

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

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

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

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

Join the Journey

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

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

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

Answering the Call at Home and Abroad 

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

Commitment Across Generations

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

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

Lessons Learned Through Service 

For most, serving in the military teaches lifelong lessons.

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

Serving Together as a Family 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tesla Megachargers 

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

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

Strategic Charging Along Major Freight Corridors 

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

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

High-power Charging Built for Heavy-duty Trucks

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

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

Supporting Tesla Today and More EV Trucks Tomorrow 

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

Pilot is Shaping the Future of Energy 

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

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

Recognizing International Women’s Day

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

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

A Career in Trucking

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

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

Building Relationships, Shaping Perceptions

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

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

A Strong Community

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

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

Women in Trucking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

From October 23 through November 12, 2023, visit any participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel center to round up purchases to the nearest whole dollar. Pilot Company will donate 100% of the roundup proceeds directly to the Call of Duty Endowment.** This year, the company is aiming to raise $1 million and will match donations up to $100,000 to help the Call of Duty Endowment place more than 1,600 service members and their families into successful careers. Since 2019, Pilot Company and its guests have raised over $3 million in donations for the Call of Duty Endowment, resulting in more than 5,500 veterans finding post-military careers.

“We owe our nation's veterans and their families our gratitude and are honored to offer them a free meal in our stores to celebrate Veterans Day,” said Brian Ferguson, Air Force veteran and chief merchant at Pilot Company. “It’s great to have organizations like the Call of Duty Endowment dedicated to helping find opportunities for veterans to lead and excel in their careers after the military. We are proud of our veterans at Pilot Company, and I am grateful to my fellow veterans for their service and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day.”

Over Veterans Day weekend, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free meal credit valued up to $12.* The Veterans Day offer can be claimed November 10-12, 2023, through the myRewards Plus app and redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a wide range of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, popular snacks, fountain drinks, Pilot coffee and meals at participating on-site restaurants.* Any remaining balance from the one-time $12 credit will be reflected on the guest's receipt after checkout and can be used on subsequent visits during the offer period through Veterans Day weekend.*

Once verified with ID.me, service members can access exclusive deals and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers when using myRewards Plus at checkout. For more information on Pilot Company’s military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

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

Pilot Company proudly employs veterans across its organization and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply to any of their open positions by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. 

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the video HERE!

$10,000 second-place winner: Jeffrey Thomas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philippe Chagnon

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

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

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

What advice do you have for other drivers?

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

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

Chris Newton

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

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

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

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

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

Celesta Dickerson

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

What does she love about being a Pilot driver?

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

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

Her advice to other drivers?

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

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

Rick Moorehead

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

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

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

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

His advice to other drivers?

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

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

Marty Dodge

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

What does he love about being a Pilot driver?

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

His advice to other drivers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Launched by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, the Medal of Honor is our country’s highest and rarest recognition of the great sacrifices made by individuals protecting the red, white, and blue. It’s given to those in the U.S. army who have exemplified “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against the enemy of the United States.” So far, there have been 3,511 Medal of Honor recipients.

This year, 35 living Medal of Honor recipients came to Knoxville for a week full of festivities focused on reuniting and honoring recipients and their families while educating the next generation.

One of the Medal of Honor recipients, Leroy Petry shared with the Knox News Sentinel “I hope that people who are able to engage with these recipients realize we’re no different than anyone else. That every one of us is capable of amazing things… What this medal represents to me is all those who have served or are serving, and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

A few of our team members, including several veterans, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Patriot Awards Gala at the Knoxville Convention Center for a final celebration to honor the recipients and recognize influential leaders for their support of the Medal of Honor and military. Attendees had the pleasure of hearing from keynote speakers including Gary Sinise, Top-Gun star Glen Powell (“Hangman”), Ambassador Nikki Haley, NBC News Correspondent Courtney Kube, and Dr. Timothy Miller.

“This was a pretty remarkable event — Some of our nation’s greatest past heroes and many of our nation’s current heroes were all together in the same room. It was a great event for Knoxville to host and for our company to support.” – Brian Ferguson, chief merchant of Pilot Company.

We’re looking forward to continuing to support our military through more giving back initiatives this fall. To see our history of giving back as a company, click here.

“This was a pretty remarkable event — Some of our nation’s greatest past heroes and many of our nation’s current heroes were all together in the same room. It was a great event for Knoxville to host and for our company to support.” – Brian Ferguson, chief merchant of Pilot Company.

We’re looking forward to continuing to support our military through more giving back initiatives this fall. To see our history of giving back as a company, click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

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

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

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

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

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

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introducing IntelliTire

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

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

What is Bridgestone’s IntelliTire?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

“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.

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.

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.

“We are passionate about serving those who protect our country and are grateful for organizations like Hire Heroes USA that are helping find meaningful and successful careers for these highly skilled service men and women,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Pilot appreciates and recognizes the strong leadership qualities and talents that they bring to our team and is proud to have veterans employed across our organization. We hope partnerships like this will bring more veterans into the workforce."

Hire Heroes USA is one of the most influential employment assistance organizations in the country, helping transitioning service members secure thousands of jobs each year. With this $100,000 donation, Hire Heroes USA will be able to take 100 military members through the transition process and into great careers.

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

Job seekers are encouraged to apply with Pilot Company. As the largest network of travel centers, the company is actively hiring more than 10,000 positions in retail and food service at its stores, to transport fuel and DEF as company drivers, and in corporate positions at its offices in Knoxville, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. For more information and to apply, visit jobs.pilotflyingj.com.

Pilot Company is extending its thanks during Military Appreciation Month with exclusive offers in May and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages for the military and their families. To redeem these special deals**, including free pizza and fountain drink, free Full Throttle energy drink, and 50% off hats, download the myRewards Plus^TM app*, verify through ID.me and visit a participating U.S. Pilot or Flying J travel center. Canadian military veterans can also validate their military status through ID.me and utilize the year-round 10% military discount when checking out at a participating Flying J travel center in Canada**.

More information on Hire Heroes USA is available at https://www.hireheroesusa.org/. To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

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

**Offers are only available at Pilot and Flying J locations in the US and only for US veterans verified through ID.me. The year-round discount applies to US and Canadian veterans verified through ID.me.

As a veteran-founded company, we are honored to celebrate these brave men and women across our country and beyond by partnering with Hire Heroes USA, an organization dedicated to helping find successful and meaningful careers for our veterans and their spouses after transitioning from military service. Pilot Company donated $100,000 to Hire Heroes USA to help aid 100 service members and their families in finding employment in the civilian world.

“We are passionate about serving those who protect our country and are grateful for organizations like Hire Heroes USA that are helping find meaningful and successful careers for these highly skilled service men and women,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Pilot appreciates and recognizes the strong leadership qualities and talents that they bring to our team and is proud to have veterans employed across our organization. We hope partnerships like this will bring more veterans into the workforce.”

Kai Hull

After leaving the Marine Corps with over eight years of service, Kai was armed with years of experience as an Electronics Maintenance Technician and a high school diploma. With his military experience, he became interested in IT and enrolled himself in programs to gain network and security certifications that would help lay the foundation for his civilian career.

He then turned to Hire Heroes USA for support in searching and evaluating the opportunities that were out there for him. With a competitive resume and some excellent coaching, Kai accepted a position across the country in Maine and is pursuing his dream professional path. “It was nice to have someone as invested in my career as I was,” he said.

“It is thanks to long-time partners like Pilot that our veterans and military spouses are empowered to secure well-fitting and well-paying jobs,” shared Andrew Sandoe, CEO of Hire Heroes USA.

∗On May 19, 2022 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM EST Hire Heroes USA will be hosting a Virtual Career Fair. Find more information and register for the event by clicking here.

Extending Our Thanks to You

All year long veterans and their families receive a 10% discount on food and beverages in our travel centers across North America. Now, veterans who are verified through our partnership with ID.me in the myRewards Plus^TM app will receive exclusive deals all month long in our stores. Check out the great weekly offers below or visit the app for more information.

To claim these great offers and take advantage of our year-long discount download the myRewards Plus^TM app, visit the offers page, and follow the steps under the Military Discount Program. Within a few minutes, you are verified through ID.me and ready to save. New this year, Canadian Military Veterans can now verify their service through ID.me and take advantage of the year-long discount program.

On behalf of Pilot Flying J, thank you all for your service and we look forward to serving you in our travel centers!

From Loyalty Day on May 1st to Memorial Day on May 30th, May holds several military-specific holidays throughout the month, find out more by visiting www.uso.org.

To read more great stories like Kai’s and find more information on Hire Heroes USA, visit https://www.hireheroesusa.org/. To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

“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.

Women Who Paved The Way

Adriesue “Bitsy” Gomez

Growing up, Bitsy held a fascination for trucks and the overall trucking industry. However, she didn’t join the industry until later on, after moving to California with her three children. Adriesue entered the industry by loading and unloading trucks, befriending a woman who owned a truck and eventually making her way into the industry as a driver. Adriesue quickly realized how tough the industry was for women during that time, and grew passionate about making some changes.

That’s what led her to start the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers in the 1970s. The coalition consisted of 150 members and focused on fighting discrimination and sexism within the industry. The group’s first order of business was to raise awareness behind the lack of female bathrooms at truck stops – but the group didn’t stop there. It continued to advocate for the rights of women in the industry, including on-the-job training for women, adjustable seats and pedals, and separate rooms during overnight stops. Adriesue championed for women until she passed in 2015, but her legacy and the coalition live on today.

Lillie McGee Drennan

Lillie McGee Drennan cemented herself in history as the first woman to own a trucking firm. In 1928, she and her husband launched a trucking business called Drennan Truck Line (DTL) to take advantage of an oil boom nearby in Texas. Their first trucks were an open-cab Model T Ford and a closed-cab Chevrolet. Business boomed, which meant demand boomed as well, leading them to add more drivers and trucks. Lillie received her commercial truck-driver’s license and eventually became the sole owner of DTL, which she operated for 24 years.

There were several obstacles and challenges Lillie faced, especially as a female owner. Many challenged her ability to drive after suffering some hearing loss from Scarlet Fever. However, Lillie received numerous safety awards throughout her career, and was known to have driven accident-free, even amidst 48-hour stretches with little to no sleep or rest.

The female business owner was a huge believer of training and ensuring that her drivers followed her rules to keep them safe. During World War II, the United States Army praised Lillie for her success in helping the army recruit women truck drivers for the quartermaster corps. Lillie was also a member of the Texas Transportation Association and an honorary member of the Houston Freight Carriers Association.

Female Pilot Drivers Making An Impact Today

Mylene Ironside

Mylene has been in the trucking industry for almost three decades, spending the past three years driving for our company and hauling fuel for North America.

What challenges do you face? What is most rewarding to you?

“The biggest challenge that I face is that people see me get out of the truck and they see a small woman and wonder how I can properly do my job. I’ve had to build my strength and learn techniques to not injure myself, but I can handle all of the equipment perfectly fine. Earning a good reputation and proving you can do your job is key, but those both take time. However, once people know you’re capable, many opportunities will open up. I just focus on being a good operator. Unfortunately, people will try to smear your reputation, but just be who you are and work hard to not let your image erode.

As for rewards, there are so many! I’ve raised two sons while trucking, and they’ve always been proud of me as their mom. Like I said, I thankfully haven’t had many negative experiences. I’ve heard of women being in those situations, but it hasn’t happened to me first-hand. Companies are also pretty good about recognizing their drivers and giving them opportunities to grow. I love the relationships that I make along the way with the customers I serve and with other drivers and people in the industry. As I have told my husband, I haven’t woken up once on a workday and felt like I hated my job.”

How does it feel to be a woman in a male-dominated industry?

“I love it. I find that the industry for me personally hasn’t been overly disrespectful. I’ve definitely had moments where I had to stand up for myself and put people in their place, but I don’t let those experiences ruin the industry for me. We all have bad days. I’m very proud to be a trucker and proud of my accomplishments. I wish I could talk more women into joining the industry! Also, I very much respect what I do and the products that I haul. You can’t be scared of it – you just have to follow your training and the procedures, as they are there for a reason. This is such a cool part of the industry and I knew I wanted to work my way up to hauling fuel. And although there are some old school companies that won’t hire women, that’s their loss.”

Marama Johnson

Marama has been in the trucking industry for 20 years and has spent the past 16 years with Pilot Flying J.

What has surprised you the most about your job?

“Everything. Every day, attitude and even the weather is different – it’s awesome. For me, every day is a good day as long as I go to work, get along with everyone and come home happy to my family.”

What advice would you give to other women who would like to be drivers?

“Don’t be scared – try it and if you don’t like it you can move on, but it never hurts to try. Also, make sure you always help out new drivers, and this is advice for anyone. For example, I was five years into my career, and I saw a new driver having a hard time with the loading arms and connecting to the tanker. Some old school truckers were watching him struggle and not helping. I went over to the guy and showed him how to use his arm to help him guide the equipment, instead of relying on strength. Now, he always recognizes me and says thanks. Always help beginners because you were once there.”

Check out some of our other amazing women at Pilot Company and read how they’re making an impact on the trucking industry here.

“We’re proud to support military service members and their families every day with a year-round discount at our stores,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “For Veterans Day, it was important that we do something special to not only thank Veterans, but also support them. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests and the hard work of our team members to raise this record-setting amount for the Call of Duty Endowment that will help thousands of Veterans find their next career.”

As a part of its giving-back commitment, Pilot Company has partnered with the Endowment since 2019 to support the nonprofit’s goal to help 100,000 Veterans secure post-service employment by 2024. From October 25 – November 15, guests were invited to join the cause by rounding-up their change at the company’s more than 750 participating U.S. travel centers, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Endowment. Pilot Company matched $100,000 of the donations.

To help raise awareness for the Call of Duty Endowment’s mission and recognize Veterans, the campaign was featured on the Pilot Flying J No. 1 Chevroletin two Xfinity Series races: at the Martinsville Speedway on October 30 and at the Phoenix Raceway on November 6. The Pilot Flying J No. 1 Chevrolet featured a camouflage picture collage of Veterans that have received employment assistance through the Endowment and of Pilot Company team members that are Veterans, including the company’s Founder, Jim Haslam II.

On Veterans Day, Pilot Company thanked all active-duty service members and veterans with a free $10 meal* through the myRewards Plus^TM app. Military members that verify their status with ID.me in the myRewards Plus^TM app can always get special savings, including a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages*, at the company’s participating Pilot Flying J Travel Centers and One9 Fuel Network locations.   

For more information about the Call of Duty Endowment, go to callofdutyendowment.org. To learn more about Pilot Company, including career opportunities and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

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

“We are honored to host our annual Road Warrior contest and give back to the professional drivers who have such a significant impact on our economy and who work so hard to serve our communities,” said Shameek Konar, CEO for Pilot Flying J. “This recognition is one way we say, ‘thank you’ to the professional drivers we get to serve each day. Congratulations to Eric, Eduardo and David for being our top Road Warriors this year – we appreciate your dedication, commitment to safety and passion for helping others.”

Each year, the Road Warrior is selected based upon story submission, including contributions to the trucking industry, safe driving history, miles driven and community involvement. This year, Pilot Flying J received thousands of nominations with incredible stories about hardworking haulers from across the country.  

Grand prize winner, Curlett, is a husband, father, Marine Veteran and glass hauler at Maverick Transportation for six years. Curlett has an outstanding driving record and has been named Driver of the Month and Driver of the Year for the company. While he is always willing to go out of his way to help fellow professional drivers, he also gives back to his community, including participating in a yearly convoy that raises money for the Arkansas Special Olympics.

"After 20 years of faithful service in the Marine Corps, I knew the trucking industry had plenty of opportunities in any direction and found that open-deck trailers were the best fit for me," said Curlett. "To those that are looking to get into the industry, I recommend they research everything and don't hesitate to call companies and other drivers to get the information needed to make the decision that is right for you."

Curlett was nominated by a fellow professional driver and friend, who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. To announce his grand prize win, Pilot Flying J partnered with Maverick Transportation and Curlett’s family to surprise him with the news in a congratulatory video. To view this special moment and Curlett’s reaction, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

"I'm honored that a peer and friend in this industry nominated me for this recognition," said Eric Curlett. "I didn't expect to win and it definitely took me by surprise. I look forward to taking my family to a warm weather place to spend a week together."

In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, Pilot Flying J awarded $5,000 to second place winner, Andrade, a father, grandfather, Army Veteran and Master Driver for Baylor Trucking who has logged more than 2.5 million safe miles. Third place winner, Rosenquist, received a $2,500 prize in recognition of his 40 years as a professional driver with 5 million accident-free miles.

To learn more about our 2021 Road Warrior contest and winners, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

Pilot Company has been a supporter of the Endowment since 2019, contributing toward their goal of placing 100,000 veterans into high-quality jobs by 2024. In honor of Veterans Day, guests at participating owned and operated Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers can join the Endowment’s mission by rounding up their purchase** from October 25 – November 15, 2021. Pilot Company will match the donations up to $100,000 and 100% of the proceeds from the round-up will go directly to the Endowment. This year’s campaign hopes to raise $500,000, enough to support nearly 1,000 veterans in their transition into post-military careers.

“We are proud to be a veteran-founded company and we want to honor our servicemen and women whenever we have the opportunity,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Working with the Call of Duty Endowment is an amazing way to help veterans find a great career after they’ve graciously served our country. We have many veteran team members and guests and look forward to showing them our appreciation by welcoming them to our stores for a free meal on us.”

On Nov. 11, veterans authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards Plus^TM app can save their exclusive offer* for a $10 free meal credit. Veterans can choose from a variety of food and beverages, including Pilot coffee, fountain drinks, non-alcoholic cooler beverages, hot and cold food items, name-brand snacks and purchases at over 680 participating QSR restaurants. The discount* is available to be redeemed at any of the company’s owned and operated U.S. locations, including over 750 participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers. To easily find nearby locations and for more great deals, download the myRewards Plus^TM app*.

Pilot Company is using ID.me, a group verification solution, to make it easy and simple for service members to quickly verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus ^TM app. Once authenticated, service members will automatically receive a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* when using myRewards Plus ^TM at checkout, in addition to receiving special offers throughout the year. For more information on the military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its giving back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about. More information on the Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

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

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

From September 1 – September 30, 2021, anyone can nominate a U.S.-based professional truck driver for the chance to be named a 2021 Road Warrior*. These hardworking haulers will be awarded a grand prize of $10,000, $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for third place.

“Our annual Road Warrior contest shines a spotlight on the enormous impact professional drivers have on our economy and our communities,” said Jason Nordin, chief operator for Pilot Flying J. “Every day, we have the privilege of serving professional truck drivers in our stores and we hear these incredible stories of their heroism on the highways. Help us recognize these Road Warriors by nominating them and they could win $10,000.” 

New to this year’s contest, nominations will be accepted directly on the Pilot Flying J Facebook page to make the submission process easier. To enter*, simply comment on the pinned Road Warrior post with a story recognizing a professional truck driver for going above and beyond.  Nominations can also be submitted during the entry period on the Road Warrior website at pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

Road Warrior winners will be announced in mid-October and are selected based upon the story submission, including contributions to the trucking industry, safe driving history, miles driven and community involvement.

Last year’s $10,000 grand prize winner was Lenwood "Eric" Britton, an army veteran of 15 years that became a professional truck driver and then was promoted to a safety driver trainer. You can learn more about Eric and his passion for helping others in this article spotlighting his military service and career. 

“To be named the 2020 Road Warrior means so much and I’m very thankful,” said Britton. “My advice to other drivers is to slow down, take your time, be aware of what’s around you and always display professionalism. It’s truly an honor to represent my company and be recognized in this way. Thank you for believing in me.”

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

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

To show gratitude to the men and women that keep North America moving, Pilot Company is encouraging everyone to join in bringing back the “Trucker Salute” and will be rewarding professional drivers all month with free drinks, bonus loyalty points and more perks.

“Professional drivers have carried us through many tough times, especially over this past year and a half, and we all owe them our gratitude and thanks,” said Shameek Konar, Pilot Company CEO. “Our annual Driver Appreciation month in September is a special time to recognize and celebrate professional drivers everywhere, including our own Pilot drivers. The Pilot team thanks all of you and gives you a 'Trucker Salute' for working incredibly hard to haul all of the goods needed across the nation.”

For those unfamiliar with the "Trucker Salute”, Pilot Company produced this video of the classic arm pump gesture that many professional drivers miss seeing and responding to with a friendly blow of their horn. To help bring back this beloved tradition, share a video of a “Trucker Salute” on social media and Pilot Company will donate $5 to Trucking Moves America Forward for each post that tags @PilotFlyingJ and uses the #ThankATrucker, up to $25,000. Trucking Moves America Forward, an organization Pilot Company has a long-standing partnership with, is an educational movement to recognize the importance of the trucking industry and professional drivers.

The Driver Appreciation celebration continues with special perks and offerings from September 1 – 30 exclusively for professional drivers in the myRewards Plus^TM app*, including: 

- Free drink of choice* from each day’s brand family or beverage category on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the month. Offer details on eligible products are available in the myRewards Plus^TM

- Free showers all month* with shower power after one 50+ gallon commercial diesel fill

- Earn bonus points* with several ways to boost loyalty earnings throughout September

Professional drivers can redeem these promotions at any of the more than 750 participating U.S. Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers or owned and operated One9 Fuel Network locations. Canadian professional drivers will automatically receive one bonus point throughout the month of September when fueling at participating Shell Flying J stations. Download the myRewards Plus^TM app** to find the nearest participating travel center.

For more information about Driver Appreciation Month, which got off to a fast start on August 17 when Dale Earnhardt, Jr., unveiled the #ThankATrucker theme on the No. 1 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet, visit pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation.

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

**Data rates may apply.

Pilot Company and Peterbilt surprised Daniel at the event, presenting him with a custom Peterbilt truck that is reminiscent of the rig his father, Jim, drove during his tenure at Pilot.

Family is very important for Pilot Company, which has been a family-owned business for 63 years, and this tradition rings true with Jim and Daniel Abshire. In 1971, Jim Abshire was the second driver ever hired by Pilot. Based in Virginia, Jim became the company’s first lead driver and drove for Pilot for 42 years. Following in his father’s footsteps, Daniel joined Pilot in 1980 at the age of 21, and eventually assumed the role of lead driver when Jim retired from the position in 2013.

“The Abshire family and Pilot transportation are synonymous,” said Jim Haslam, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Pilot Company. “Daniel is the best. And that’s because he learned from the best – his father, Jim. This job requires patience, endurance and a deep regard for everyone on the road. We are very proud of these two long and legendary careers and it’s an honor to recognize Daniel for his 40 years at Pilot with this specially designed Peterbilt truck.”

Today, Daniel oversees the trucks and drivers based in Staunton and Roanoke, Virginia, where he resides. During his 40-year career, Daniel has:

• Driven 2.5 million miles, the equivalent of five trips to the moon and back or 1,650 trips Knoxville-to-New York and back.
• Amassed 9,800 Safety Days in the cab of his truck, the equivalent of more than 26 years of safe driving.
• Delivered more than 200 million gallons of fuel, the equivalent of 300 Olympic swimming pools.

“I’m still in shock,” Daniel Abshire said. “I wasn’t expecting to be recognized, let alone get a new truck to drive that also celebrates my dad’s time with Pilot. I remember him driving a Peterbilt like this one, and this is my dream truck. We’ve always been part of the Pilot family, and the team here, especially the other drivers, always have been part of the Abshire family. That’s not lip service; it’s how we operate. This just illustrates how true it is. We are family.”

Both Jim and Daniel are fans of Peterbilt trucks. Inspired by a photo of Jim from the 1970s with his Pilot truck, Peterbilt designed the truck that Daniel will drive as a throwback to the 389 model with updated red and yellow Pilot Flying J graphics.

“Everyone at Peterbilt would like to congratulate Daniel Abshire and the whole Abshire family for the millions of miles they have spent on the road delivering fuel for the Pilot Company. To be a part of this celebration is a privilege and we look forward to seeing Daniel on the road behind the wheel of his Peterbilt Model 389 outfitted with a throwback design honoring the legacy of his father,” said Jason Skoog Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.

Pilot Company employs more than 1,200 drivers as the third largest tanker fleet in North America and has open positions for company drivers, as well as at its travel centers across North America. To view job opportunities, learn more about Pilot Company’s culture and benefits, and to apply, go to jobs.pilotflyingj.com.

Founded 63 years ago by Jim Haslam, a Korean War veteran, Pilot Company is proud to extend its longstanding support of service members by offering this year-round discount to eligible guests and team members.  The discount can be redeemed at participating owned and operated locations, including over 700 Pilot Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and 680 fast food restaurants in the U.S.

“It is our honor to provide this discount program in appreciation of the military community and all they do for our country,” said Haslam. “We are forever grateful to them for their service and this is one way we are able to give back to those who have given so much. This July 4^th, let’s all take a moment to reflect and thank those who have sacrificed so that we may continue to celebrate our independence.”

Pilot Company is using ID.me, an identity verification solution, to make it easy and simple for service members to verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus ^TM app. Through the ID.me solution, guests and team members will validate their military status in just a few minutes and once completed, automatically receive the discount when using myRewards ^TM at checkout.

“We’re proud to be supporting this effort by Pilot Company to provide discounts to military community members,” said Blake Hall, Founder and CEO of ID.me and Iraq War veteran. “It is incredibly important to give back to the individuals that sacrifice to preserve our way of life.”

Once users are verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus ^TM app, a green military badge will appear on the user’s profile page and a permanent saved offer tile will be on the Rewards page of the app indicating the discount is active. The 10% military discount applies to food and beverage purchases, including Pilot coffee, fountain drinks, non-alcoholic cooler beverages, hot and cold food items, candy, and snacks.*  For more information on the military discount and to download** the myRewards Plus ^TM app, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

In addition to the new military discount program, Pilot Company gives back to military and veteran organizations that provide education and employment programs to support service members and their families. The company recently donated $100,000 to the Call of Duty Endowment in honor of Military Appreciation Month which will help place nearly 200 veterans into high-quality careers. To learn more about Pilot Company’s giving back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

*Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Visit pilotflyingj.com/terms-and-conditions for details.

**Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Dedicated teams from Pilot Company and RTS will work with fleets to provide funding, fuel and essential services at competitive rates. By combining Pilot Company’s cross-network bundle of fuel savings, credit, truck maintenance and loyalty rewards, with the favorable advance rates and same-day funding services from RTS, fleets of all sizes will be able to streamline their business. 

“Through this partnership, RTS and Pilot Company will be able to provide even greater value to the trucking industry,” said Bill Ryan, founder and CEO, Shamrock Trading Corporation, parent company of RTS. “Together, we’re excited to help trucking companies grow their businesses so they can provide for their families, stay on the road and enhance their operations.” 

In addition to convenient fuel and factoring solutions, customers will be supported with:

• Dedicated, multilingual account and sales representatives
• Back-office services to streamline paperwork
• Easy-to-use mobile and web account management and credit analysis with RTS Pro
• Enhanced Pilot Company customer portal to manage fuel accounts
• Access to more than 1,000 fueling locations across the Pilot Flying J Travel Center network and One9 Fuel Network

To learn more and apply for bundled services with Pilot Company and RTS, visit https://www.rtsinc.com/lp/pfj-press or speak directly with a customer care representative at (866) 779-7670.

“With the growing demand for fleet customers to find greater efficient means to maximize their up-time and maximize driver productivity, the need to create and build a consistent nationwide network is clear,” said John Boynton, president of Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J. “Our goal is to help fleet operators maximize the return on their investment while creating an exceptional driver experience—safe, well-maintained moving vehicles means happy owners, happy drivers and most importantly, happy customers.”

Beginning January 1, 2021, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J will assume management operations of the current 35 Pilot Flying J Truck Care maintenance facilities. The new operation remains dedicated to providing professional drivers and fleet customers with exceptional repair, maintenance, roadside assistance, lube and tire-focused services. Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J will honor existing promotions and discounts to ensure a smooth transition for customers.

“We’re excited to bring together the strengths of our network with the expertise of Southern Tire Mart to better meet the tire and maintenance needs of the trucking industry,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Through this partnership, we look forward to building a nationwide network of on-highway commercial vehicle maintenance, lube and tire-focused services that keeps fleet and drivers moving with safe, well-maintained trucks.”

Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J plans to build over 100 more locations in the next 18 months with a goal to grow the network across the U.S. to 200 points of service over 36 months. These facilities, located coast-to-coast throughout the continental United States, will be built on Pilot and Flying J Travel Center properties to better serve over the road fleet customer needs. In addition to the facilities at Pilot and Flying J travel centers, customers will have access to the 160 Southern Tire Mart locations nationwide.