Pilot Flying J

Pilot Travel Centers LLC
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Truck stops, Convenience stores, Fuel distribution, Dining
Founded	1981
Founder	Jim Haslam
Headquarters	Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Area served	United States, Canada
Key people	Jimmy Haslam (CEO)
Products	Fuel, Convenience retail, Food services
Number of employees	26000+ (2023)
Parent	Berkshire Hathaway
Website	pilotflyingj.com

Pilot Travel Centers LLC, operating under the name Pilot Flying J, is a prominent truck stop network serving both the United States and Canada. The company’s headquarters are located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

The business functions through multiple brands such as Pilot Travel Centers, Flying J Travel Plaza, ONE9 Fuel Network, and Mr. Fuel. By 2023, Pilot Flying J managed 838 locations and employed a workforce exceeding 26,000 individuals. In 2021, the company generated revenues close to $45 billion.

Established by entrepreneur Jim Haslam, Pilot Flying J has evolved into a leading entity within the truck stop, convenience retail, fuel distribution, and dining sectors. Its operations emphasize delivering fuel services, food options, and various amenities tailored for professional truck drivers and travelers throughout North America. The acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway has enhanced its financial stability and broadened its international presence.

History

The inaugural truck stop by Pilot Corporation was launched in 1981.

On November 15, 1993, Pilot entered into a joint venture with Marathon Petroleum Company, rebranding its 60 Pilot Truck Stops as Pilot Travel Centers. Beginning in 2002, Marathon transitioned numerous Speedway truck stops to the Pilot Travel Center brand. The acquisition of Williams Truck Stop chain in 2003 expanded Pilot’s footprint more than fourfold.

In 2008, Pilot acquired Marathon’s ownership share and formed a partnership with private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The company also established agreements with Road Ranger and Town Pump, and in 2014 gained majority control of Mr. Fuel. That year, Pilot Flying J announced borrowing funds to issue a $750 million dividend and facilitate the buyout of CVC’s stake. The Haslam family finalized the purchase of CVC’s interest in 2015.

Flying J merger

In July 2009, Pilot reached an agreement to purchase Flying J’s travel centers following Flying J’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The $1.8 billion transaction was completed on July 1, 2010, resulting in the combined enterprise known as Pilot Flying J, while retaining Pilot Travel Centers LLC as its legal entity name.

Although both brands continued operating under their established names, they began accepting Comdata and Flying J’s TCH fuel cards interchangeably. Flying J received cash payments and equity stakes in the merged company; however, its oil refining, banking, and insurance operations remained distinct under FJ Management Inc.

To comply with Federal Trade Commission antitrust regulations, Pilot divested 20 Pilot Travel Centers and six Flying J locations to Love's Travel Stops on June 30, 2010. Following the merger, the combined network encompassed over 550 sites across 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. In 2011, Pilot Flying J collaborated with Truckers Against Trafficking.

PFJ Southeast

On June 23, 2016, a joint venture named PFJ Southeast LLC was launched by Pilot Flying J and Speedway. This partnership merged 41 Speedway locations (formerly Wilco Hess sites) with 79 Pilot Flying J outlets primarily situated in the Southeastern United States. Operations at these locations are managed by Pilot Flying J, which rebranded the Speedway sites under the Pilot or Flying J names.

Berkshire Hathaway purchase

On October 3, 2017, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, acquired a 38.6% ownership interest in Pilot Flying J with intentions to raise its stake to 80% by 2023. Until then, the Haslam family along with FJ Management maintained their shares; daily operational control remained with the Haslams. In January 2024, Berkshire Hathaway completed acquisition of the remaining 20%, thereby obtaining full ownership of the company.

Business profile

Pilot Flying J stands as the foremost provider of over-the-road diesel fuel, operating in excess of 750 travel centers throughout the United States under the Pilot, Flying J, and Mr. Fuel brands. It holds the position of the third-largest quick service restaurant franchiser across the country and is recognized as the largest Subway franchisee globally, with more than 200 outlets. While full-service dining is generally absent at most Pilot Travel Centers, Flying J locations offer comprehensive dining options such as Denny's.

The company's key restaurant collaborators include Arby's, Chester's Chicken, Denny's, Hardee's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Cinnabon, Huddle House, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Dunkin' Donuts. Dairy Queen was included in its portfolio until 2023.

Its primary competitors comprise Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Travel Centers of America, Stuckey's, Roady's Truck Stops, and Petro Stopping Centers.

Pilot Flying J employs targeted marketing strategies through endorsements and sponsorships. For instance, country music artist Trace Adkins became the face of its loyalty program in 2012. The company also backs NASCAR driver Michael Annett across various racing series and events and served as the title sponsor for the 2016 Battle at Bristol held at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Travel center amenities

Pilot Flying J locations provide a variety of amenities aimed at improving customer convenience and comfort, including:

Parking facilities
Electric vehicle charging stations
CAT Scales for weighing
TRANSFLO Express for travel document processing
Trip Pak services
Truck washing stations
Audiobook rentals
Payphone availability
High-speed internet kiosks and complimentary Wi-Fi
ATMs and Western Union money transfer services
Check cashing options
Public laundry rooms and shower facilities
Game rooms for entertainment
Lounges equipped with large-screen televisions specifically designed for professional drivers

Truck repairs

To complement its primary operations, Pilot Flying J offers truck maintenance services at selected sites through partnerships with third-party operators. Wingfoot Truck Care Centers, managed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, provide round-the-clock roadside assistance, preventative maintenance, tire services, part replacements, oil changes, and minor mechanical repairs.

Furthermore, Bosselman Boss Shop garages—operated by Bosselman—deliver comparable repair and upkeep services. This collaboration expanded following Pilot Flying J’s acquisition of most Bosselman truck stops in November 2011, which strengthened its presence in the Northern Great Plains area. Bosselman continues to procure diesel fuel from Pilot for its sole remaining location in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Magazine

In 2005, Pilot Flying J collaborated with Victory 500 Marketing to launch Challenge magazine, designed specifically for professional truck drivers. This publication was available solely at Pilot Flying J travel centers and through subscription services. It played a role in enhancing brand loyalty until its last issue was released in December 2014, concluding after 110 editions.

Rebate fraud

On April 15, 2013, FBI and IRS agents conducted a raid at Pilot Flying J's Knoxville, Tennessee headquarters as part of an inquiry into allegations that the company failed to provide rebates owed to trucking clients. CEO Jimmy Haslam acknowledged that the investigation centered on disputes related to rebate payments.

An affidavit disclosed that multiple sales personnel, along with company president Mark Hazelwood, were either involved in or had knowledge of the fraudulent activities. Furthermore, authorities searched the residences of three sales employees during the course of the investigation.

By July 16, 2013, a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a settlement between Pilot Flying J and various trucking firms concerning accusations of fuel rebate fraud. Under a Criminal Enforcement Agreement, the corporation agreed to pay restitution and incur a $92 million penalty.

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