TravelCenters, Pilot Flying J Celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week

WESTLAKE, Ohio and KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — TravelCenters of America LLC and Pilot Flying J will celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with the rest of the country Sept. 13-19, but the travel center operators will each be celebrating in their own unique ways.

TravelCenters' TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands are hosting driver appreciation events at many locations Aug. 31 through Oct. 2.

In addition, on Monday, Sept. 14, each location will feature appreciation giveaways and offer UltraONE members the chance to earn double points on fuel purchases. Other activities will vary by location and may include a bean bag toss, basketball, dog washing, live bands, truck windshield washing, and more.

TA and Petro will also host health fairs through the travel center operator’s StayFit program, which launched six years ago to assist drivers in getting healthier and more fit. At these health fairs, drivers can get blood pressure screenings and glucose testing. The StayFit program includes healthier meal options at TA and Petro full-service restaurants and better-for-you snack options in its travel stores. Free fitness rooms, walking trails and basketball courts are offered at a number of locations nationwide as well.

“Millions of professional drivers deliver our goods across America safely, securely and on time every day,” said Tom O’Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters. “Not only are they handling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs, but they are also helping keep our highways safe. It’s important we take the time to honor these hard-working and committed individuals for not only their dedication, but for continually moving America forward.”

Westlake-based TravelCenters of America operates 252 travel centers and 79 gasoline stations and convenience stores in 43 U.S. states and Canada, operated primarily under the TravelCenters of America, TA, Petro and Minit Mart brand names.

Pilot Flying J's Celebration

Pilot Flying J, meanwhile, will honor professional drivers throughout the entire month of September with special experiences, prizes and free daily deals on customer favorites like coffee, grill items, energy drinks and more.

For those pumping diesel fuel this month, they will receive one additional point for each gallon purchased when using their rewards card.

“Professional drivers make countless sacrifices daily, not only to keep our economy moving, but to make daily routines of millions of people possible through delivery of food, medicine and other goods,” said Ken Parent, chief operating officer of Pilot Flying J. “At Pilot Flying J, we find it imperative to recognize and appreciate the work of professional drivers this month and every month.”

Featured deals this month include:

• Sept. 7-13: Free grill item with purchase of a regularly priced PhilMor refill
• Sept. 14-20: Free PhilMor coffee refill from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sept. 21-30: Free daily deals on items such as energy drinks, soda, snacks and more

Pilot Flying J will also show its appreciation for professional drivers by announcing the five regional winners of its 2015 Road Warrior program, a contest that honors professional drivers who demonstrate hard work, generosity and bravery. From Sept. 14-30, patrons can vote for one grand-prize winner from the pool of contestants on www.roadwarrior.pilotflyingj.com. The winner will receive a grand prize of $10,000.

Additionally, the travel center operator will surprise one deserving professional driver with a custom cab of his or her dreams. The custom cab will be exclusively designed for comfort, efficiency and style. On Sept. 21, patrons can visit www.facebook.com/pilottravelcenters to watch the big reveal of the driver seeing the retrofitted truck for the first time.

“Pilot Flying J couldn’t be happier or more humbled to spotlight so many deserving professional drivers this month,” Parent said. “To say that we’re inspired by their hard work and perseverance would be an understatement.”

Knoxville-based Pilot Flying J is a family-owned business that operates more than 650 retail locations and is the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America.