Pilot Company

Pilot Company: network of travel centers and service stations in North America

Pilot Company is an American company dedicated to operating travel centers and service stations, with a presence in 43 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces. Its network exceeds 900 locations and employs more than 30,000 people. The company presents itself as a provider of energy and experiences for travelers, with an offering that combines fuel, vehicle services, food, and loyalty programs.

History and evolution

Founded in 1958 by Jim Haslam as a single service station in Gate City, Virginia, the company grew to 12 locations by 1965. In 1976 it opened its first convenience store, and in 1981 it opened its first full-service travel center in Corbin, Kentucky. During the 1980s it expanded nationwide, and in 1988 it introduced travel centers with fast-food restaurants, laying the foundation to become one of the largest quick-service restaurant franchisees in the world.

Later milestones include the 2001 partnership with Marathon Ashland Petroleum to form Pilot Travel Centers, the 2010 merger with Flying J—creating a network of over 550 locations—and the launch of its first mobile app that same year. In 2017 Pilot joined the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, which became full owner in 2024. The company operates the third-largest fuel tanker fleet in North America and supplies 12 billion gallons annually, while expanding access to biodiesel, renewable fuels, electric vehicle charging, and low-carbon alternatives.

Services for professional drivers

Pilot Company specifically serves professional drivers with programs such as Pro Driver Rewards, which allows points to be earned through the Pilot app. The company offers priority parking (Prime Parking), showers, mobile fueling, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), truck maintenance (Truck Care), and fleet solutions. For fleets and owner-operators, it offers credit offerings, direct bill application, contact with fleet specialists, and wholesale fuel and factoring services. The company states that drivers can save up to 65 cents per gallon, and that owner-operator fleets can save an average of up to $3,876 per year on diesel.

Food and in-store promotions

Travel centers include food and beverage options, with coffee and pizza available for order. The website shows current or limited-time offers, such as a breakfast sandwich and any bottled or canned Starbucks beverage for $6, and a combo of 5 jumbo chicken wings with a 20oz Pepsi beverage for $8. Promotions are also advertised, such as buy two 12oz Celsius or Alani Nu cans and get a third free, and BOGO 50% off snacks from brands like SNICKERS, Cheez-It, Blue Diamond, Old Trapper, or Hostess. During September, as part of Driver Appreciation Month, professional drivers can claim three free drinks and a free snack each week in the app.

Loyalty programs and mobile app

The company manages several rewards programs: Pro Driver Rewards, Auto & RV Driver Rewards, and monthly in-store deals. The Pilot app allows users to access these promotions, manage points, and place orders. The network also includes the One9 Fuel Network brand and electric vehicle charging services, as well as accepting gift cards.

Employment and corporate presence

Pilot Company offers job opportunities in three areas: travel center positions in North America, corporate office roles, and driver jobs. The company describes itself as a people-first company and maintains community initiatives under the name Miles of Good™. Its corporate headquarters is not detailed in the available information, but the legal name listed in the legal notice is Pilot Travel Centers LLC.