Pilot Flying J Revs Up Third-Annual Road Warrior Campaign

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Flying J kicked off its third-annual Road Warrior campaign in celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which took place Sept. 11-17.

Now through Dec. 31, the 15-week contest recognizes and awards professional drivers for their hard work, perseverance and passion through online story submissions that spotlight the “heroes on the road” who go the extra mile to get the job done right, according to the travel stop operator.

"Anyone close to a professional driver knows the tenacity and passion that goes into their craft," said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. "The Road Warrior program is our way of thanking professional drivers for keeping our nation moving and for inspiring us on their journey."

Anyone can nominate a Road Warrior, including coworkers, friends and family members, by visiting RoadWarrior.PilotFlyingJ.com and submitting a story and photo of the professional driver. Eligible entrants can also submit themselves.

The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, and second- and third-place winners will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Winners will be announced in early 2017.

In addition to the Road Warrior contest, the company is showing support for professional drivers all month long through exclusive offers, including:

• A bonus 350 MyRewards points with the purchase of a PhilBrr;
• Drink coupons, good for one free Nestlé Pure Life, or any size cup of Pilot Coffee, or any size fountain drink or refill;
• Local celebrations at stores;
• One additional point for every diesel fuel gallon purchase; and
• Ten days of Facebook giveaways, which occurred Sept. 1-10, and rewarded drivers with high-value prizes that are useful for life on the road.

Last year’s grand-prize winner was Oceanside, Calif., resident Erik Michaels. Michaels is a long haul driver with 46 years of experience who overcame odds to return to the road following a major stroke while on the job. After months of hospital stays, doctor visits and physical therapy sessions, he made a full recovery and returned to driving professionally.

"The interstate is filled with Road Warriors like Erik Michaels who go beyond the regular call of duty, and we're humbled to launch the third installment of a program that recognizes drivers like him," Parent commented.

Knoxville-based Pilot Flying J operates more than 650 retail locations in North America.