Pilot Flying J is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month by donating $2 million to a number of charities, including some that support military veterans and some that support truckers and local communities.Pilot Flying J announced Thursday during a press conference it will donate $2 million to a variety of charities this month to commemorate the company’s 60th anniversary.
More than 20 non-profit organizations, some supporting military veterans and others supporting local community needs, will receive donations throughout the month.
Some military veteran organizations PFJ will be supporting include Folds of Honor, Hire Heroes USA, Bunker Labs and Fisher House. Community organizations it will support include the St. Christopher Truckers Fund, Truckers Against Trafficking, Truckers Final Mile, Trucker Buddy and more.
“We are grateful to the millions of guests and thousands of team members who have fueled our business for 60 years,” said James A. Haslam II, founder of PFJ. “To celebrate this great achievement, we wanted to say thank you in a meaningful way that honors our history and will make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”
PFJ will also thank those who serve and have served in the military for Veterans Day by offering free breakfast on Nov. 12-14 for active duty and retired military veterans. Those eligible can redeem an offer in the myPilot app for a free coffee of any size and their choice of a PJ Fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnabon Center of the Roll.
Brian Ferguson, PFJ chief merchant, also spoke during the conference call about the company’s accomplishments so far in 2018. He noted that 20 new stores opened so far this year and one or two more are on track to open before the end of the year. PFJ will also complete the renovation of 15 existing locations by the end of December, Ferguson added.
On the technology side, Ferguson said PFJ has seen an increase in truckers’ use of the myPilot app year-over-year. Specifically, the app has had a 50 percent increase in monthly users, an 80 percent increase in shower reservations and a 90 percent increase in diesel fueling transactions.
Finally, Ferguson noted that PFJ will open three more Truck Care centers by the end of the year, bringing the total to 20. These centers offer 135 24-hour roadside repair trucks in 36 states.
While light on details looking ahead to 2019, Ferguson said PFJ will focus on building new stores, expanding its Truck Care network, adding truck parking and adding more promotions and offers for drivers.
