Pilot Flying J

Corporate History and Expansion

The origins of Pilot Flying J trace back to 1981 when Pilot Corporation opened its first truck stop. A significant early partnership was formed on November 15, 1993, when Pilot entered a joint venture with Marathon Petroleum Company, leading to the rebranding of approximately 60 Pilot Truck Stops as Pilot Travel Centers. In 2003, the purchase of the Williams Truck Stop chain more than quadrupled the number of locations, marking a period of aggressive growth. Pilot bought out Marathon's interest in the business in 2008 and formed a partnership with the private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, which was later bought out by the Haslam family in 2015.

The acquisition of Flying J's travel centre assets in 2010 was a major event in the company's history. This deal, valued at $1.8 billion and finalized on July 1, 2010, was part of Flying J's efforts to remove itself from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The merged entity began doing business as Pilot Flying J, while Pilot Travel Centers LLC remained the legal name. As part of the deal, both the Pilot and Flying J chains kept their brand identities intact and began accepting both Comdata and Flying J's in-house TCH fuel cards. Flying J received cash and equity in the new combined chain, while its separate oil, refining, banking, and insurance divisions were renamed FJ Management Inc.

To settle antitrust concerns with the Federal Trade Commission, Pilot sold 20 Pilot Travel Centers locations and six Flying J locations to Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores on June 30, 2010. The merger left the combined company with over 550 locations in 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. Further strategic moves included the 2014 purchase of a controlling stake in the Mr. Fuel brand and the formation of a joint venture with Speedway in 2016 called PFJ Southeast LLC. This venture combined 41 Speedway locations, all former Wilco Hess sites, and 79 Pilot Flying J locations primarily in the Southeastern United States, with the Speedway sites rebranded as either Pilot or Flying J.

The ownership structure shifted when Berkshire Hathaway, controlled by Warren Buffett, acquired a 38.6% stake on October 3, 2017. The agreement outlined plans for Berkshire to increase its stake to 80% in 2023, with the Haslam family retaining 20% and FJ Management withdrawing altogether. The Haslam family retained control of day-to-day operations during this period. In a final transaction, the Haslam family sold their remaining 20% stake to Berkshire Hathaway in January 2024, completing the company's transition to full subsidiary status under the conglomerate.

Business Operations and Market Position

Pilot Flying J holds a commanding position in the North American travel centre industry. It is the largest retailer of over-the-road diesel fuel in the United States and operates the largest chain of travel centres in the country. The company's portfolio includes over 750 locations operating under the Pilot, Flying J, and Mr. Fuel brands, and it also operates the ONE9 Fuel Network. A significant segment of its business is quick-service restaurant franchising, where it ranks as the third-largest franchiser in the nation. Each location typically hosts one to three different restaurant concepts, making Pilot Flying J the world's largest franchisee of Subway with over 200 locations.

The company's restaurant partnerships are a core component of its service offering. Its main restaurant brands have included Arby's, Chester's Chicken, Denny's, Hardee's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Cinnabon. Dairy Queen was part of the lineup until 2023. More recent additions include Huddle House, which offers full-service restaurants, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Dunkin' Donuts. A notable distinction between its primary brands is that Flying J locations typically feature full-service Denny's restaurants, while most Pilot-branded centres do not utilize full-service dining, though a small handful of Pilot sites do have it.

Pilot Flying J has engaged in significant marketing and sponsorship activities to build its brand. In 2012, the company signed country music singer Trace Adkins to become the new spokesperson for its relaunched loyalty program. The company has also maintained a sustained presence in NASCAR sponsorship, primarily backing driver Michael Annett. This sponsorship has included primary backing for Annett's number 1 Chevrolet Camaro with JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It also sponsored Annett in the number 46 Chevrolet SS for HScott Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2015 and 2016, and in the number 7 Chevrolet SS for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2014. In 2013, the sponsorship was on the Richard Petty Motorsports number 43 Ford Mustang in the Nationwide Series. In 2016, the company was the title sponsor for the "Battle at Bristol" at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Pilot Flying J's main competitors include Love's Travel Stops, Travel Centers of America, Stuckey's, Roady's Truck Stops, and TA-owned Petro Stopping Centers. The company also has deals with Road Ranger and Town Pump. In 2011, Pilot Flying J began a partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking. The company operates over 750 locations under the Pilot, Flying J, and Mr. Fuel brands.

Services and Amenities

Pilot Flying J locations are designed as comprehensive service hubs for professional drivers and travellers. Beyond fuel sales, they provide a wide array of amenities essential for long-haul travel. Standard features include extensive truck and automobile parking, CAT Scales for weighing vehicles, and truck wash facilities. For driver comfort and hygiene, most locations offer shower facilities and public laundry services. Business and communication needs are met through services like TRANSFLO Express for travel documents, high-speed internet kiosks, wireless internet access, payphones, and automated teller machines.

The company also provides financial and convenience services such as Western Union money transfers and check cashing. For downtime, many centres feature game rooms and driver lounges equipped with big-screen televisions. A notable modern addition at select locations is electric vehicle charging stations, reflecting evolving transportation needs. The company also previously offered audiobook rentals and published its own magazine, Challenge, in partnership with Victory 500 marketing starting in 2005. The magazine was aimed at professional truckers and sold exclusively at its travel centres and by subscription until it ceased publication after 110 issues in December 2014.

Amenities featured at Pilot Flying J locations include parking and electric vehicle charging stations. Other amenities are CAT Scales, TRANSFLO Express travel documents, and Trip Paks. Locations also offer truck washes, audiobook rental, and payphones. Additional services include high speed Internet kiosks, automated teller machines, and Western Union.

• Extensive vehicle parking for trucks and automobiles
• CAT Scales for accurate vehicle weighing
• TRANSFLO Express for travel documents and Trip Paks
• Truck wash facilities
• Shower and public laundry services
• Wireless Internet access and Internet kiosks
• Driver lounges with televisions and game rooms
• Automated teller machines (ATMs), check cashing, and Western Union services
• Electric vehicle charging stations at select locations

Further amenities include check cashing, public laundry, and showers. Locations also feature game rooms and wireless Internet access. Lounges with big screen televisions for professional drivers are available. Pilot Flying J is the largest purveyor of over the road diesel fuel in the United States.

Truck Maintenance and Repair Networks

To support the operational needs of its commercial customers, Pilot Flying J offers truck maintenance and repair services at many locations through partnerships with third-party specialists. The primary service provider is Wingfoot Truck Care Centers, operated by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Wingfoot facilities offer 24-hour road service, preventative maintenance, tire service, parts replacement, oil changes, and light mechanical work, providing a critical safety net for drivers experiencing vehicle issues on the road. This network integrates repair services directly into the travel centre experience, allowing for efficient service during mandatory rest periods.

A second major maintenance partner is Bosselman, which operates Bosselman Boss Shop garages at select locations. These shops provide services similar to those of Wingfoot, including tire service and light mechanical repairs. The partnership with Bosselman expanded as part of an agreement in November 2011 for Pilot Flying J to acquire most of Bosselman's truck stops to boost its presence in the Northern Great Plains region. Before this deal, Bosselman bought diesel fuel from Pilot and continues to do so for its remaining travel centre location in Grand Island, Nebraska. These integrated repair services enhance the value proposition for fleet operators and owner-operators who rely on Pilot Flying J's network for consistent, reliable support across the continent.

Rebate Fraud Investigation and Settlement

In 2013, Pilot Flying J became embroiled in a major legal and reputational crisis related to its fuel rebate programs. On April 15, 2013, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service raided the company's Knoxville headquarters as part of an ongoing investigation. The following day, then-CEO Jimmy Haslam stated the investigation involved allegations that the company had failed to pay owed rebates to its trucking customers. An affidavit unsealed on April 18, 2013, alleged that several members of the sales force, including company president Mark Hazelwood, were involved in or aware of the scheme. The homes of three sales employees were also raided as part of the investigation.

The company moved quickly to address the civil lawsuits that followed. On July 16, 2013, a federal judge in Arkansas granted preliminary approval to a settlement agreement between Pilot Flying J and the trucking companies that had sued over allegations of fuel rebate fraud. The resolution involved Pilot Flying J paying full restitution to affected customers. The company also agreed to pay a $92 million penalty pursuant to a Criminal Enforcement Agreement with the government. This settlement aimed to resolve the fraud allegations and allow the company to move forward, though it resulted in significant financial cost and lasting scrutiny of its internal sales practices and compliance measures.

Ownership Timeline and Financial Activities

The ownership structure of Pilot Flying J has evolved from a family-controlled business to a subsidiary of a multinational conglomerate. The Haslam family founded and controlled the company for decades, overseeing its expansion and the Flying J merger. A major shift began on October 3, 2017, with the announcement that Berkshire Hathaway would acquire a 38.6% stake, with a contractual path to increase its ownership to 80% in 2023. Under this initial agreement, the Haslam family and FJ Management were to retain their stakes until the 2023 transaction, after which the Haslam family would hold the remaining 20% and FJ Management would exit entirely. The Haslam family retained control of day-to-day operations during this transition period.

In January 2024, the Haslam family sold the remaining 20% to Berkshire Hathaway. In October 2014, Pilot Flying J announced they would borrow funds to provide a $750 million dividend to shareholders and facilitate a buyout of its private equity partner CVC Capital Partner. In 2015, the Haslam family completed the buyout of CVC Capital Partner's stake. The company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

Brand Portfolio and Network Composition

Pilot Flying J operates a multi-brand portfolio designed to serve various segments of the travel centre market. Its primary consumer-facing brands are Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plaza, which were maintained as distinct identities after the 2010 merger. The company also operates the ONE9 Fuel Network and owns the Mr. Fuel brand, having purchased a controlling stake in Mr. Fuel in 2014. This multi-brand strategy allows the company to cater to different regional preferences and customer loyalties while leveraging shared operational back-end systems and purchasing power.

The company's network is not entirely company-operated. It includes franchise and supply relationships. Pilot Flying J has deals with other travel centre operators like Road Ranger and Town Pump, where it likely supplies fuel and other services. The PFJ Southeast LLC joint venture with Speedway, formed in June 2016, represents another model, where locations are operated by Pilot Flying J but sourced from a partner's network. This flexible approach to growth has enabled the company to expand its geographic coverage efficiently, particularly in the Southeastern United States and the Northern Great Plains through the Bosselman acquisition, which added multiple locations at once.

Questions about Pilot Flying J

Who owns Pilot Flying J?

Pilot Flying J is wholly owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate controlled by Warren Buffett. The Haslam family, the original founders, sold their remaining 20% stake to Berkshire Hathaway in January 2024. This completed a transition that began in 2017 when Berkshire first acquired a 38.6% stake with plans to become the majority owner by 2023. The Haslam family retained control of day-to-day operations until the final sale.

How many Pilot Flying J locations are there in Canada?

The company operates in six Canadian provinces. The merger in 2010 left the combined company with over 550 locations in 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. Pilot Flying J is a chain of truck stops in the United States and Canada. The total network now exceeds 750 locations under the Pilot, Flying J, and Mr. Fuel brands.

What is the difference between Pilot and Flying J truck stops?

The primary difference lies in their dining offerings. Most Flying J travel centres feature full-service Denny's restaurants, while the majority of Pilot-branded locations do not utilize full-service dining, focusing instead on quick-service restaurant concepts. Both chains maintained their distinct brand identities after the 2010 merger, and both accept Comdata and Flying J's TCH fuel cards. The Flying J brand also historically had its own in-house fuel card system.

What happened in the Pilot Flying J rebate fraud case?

In April 2013, the FBI and IRS raided the company's headquarters investigating allegations of fuel rebate fraud. The company was accused of systematically shortchanging trucking customers on promised rebates. An affidavit alleged involvement by members of the sales force and company president Mark Hazelwood. To resolve the matter, Pilot Flying J paid full restitution to affected customers and agreed to a $92 million penalty as part of a Criminal Enforcement Agreement with the government, receiving preliminary court approval for a settlement in July 2013.

Does Pilot Flying J offer truck repair services?

Yes, many Pilot Flying J locations offer truck maintenance and repair through third-party partnerships. The main service providers are Wingfoot Truck Care Centers, operated by Goodyear, which offer 24-hour road service and maintenance, and Bosselman Boss Shops. These facilities provide tire service, oil changes, parts replacement, and light mechanical work to keep commercial vehicles operational. The Boss Shop partnership expanded after Pilot Flying J acquired most of Bosselman's truck stops in 2011.

What restaurants are found at Pilot Flying J?

Pilot Flying J hosts a wide variety of quick-service and full-service restaurants. Major brands include Subway, Arby's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Denny's, and Cinnabon. Dairy Queen was part of the lineup until 2023. Newer additions include Huddle House, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Dunkin' Donuts. The company is the third-largest franchiser of quick-service restaurants in the United States and is the world's largest franchisee of Subway with over 200 locations.

Sources and further reading

• Pilot Flying J (Wikipedia)
• Pilot Company | Travel Center & Gas Station Network (pilotcompany.com)
• Pilot Flying J Jobs & Careers in Canada (retail.ca)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-11-04.