Who Owns the Pilot Truck Stops?
Pilot Travel Centers, commonly known as Pilot, is a popular chain of truck stops and travel centers in the United States. With over 750 locations across the country, Pilot is one of the largest truck stop chains in the world. But who owns Pilot? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and ownership structure of Pilot Travel Centers.
History of Pilot
Pilot was founded in 1958 by James A. Robbins and James C. Robbins in Gate City, Tennessee. The first Pilot Travel Center was a small gas station and convenience store designed to serve truckers and travelers on the nearby Interstate 81. Over the years, the company expanded rapidly, and by the 1980s, Pilot had established itself as a major player in the truck stop industry.
Ownership Structure
Pilot Travel Centers is owned by Pilot Corporation, a privately held company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot Corporation is a subsidiary of Covisum, a global investment firm with a diverse portfolio of companies across various industries.
Covisum: The Parent Company
Covisum is a private investment firm founded in 2011 by Richard L. Smith, a seasoned investor and entrepreneur. Covisum’s investment strategy focuses on acquiring and growing companies in the transportation, logistics, and energy sectors. In addition to Pilot Travel Centers, Covisum’s portfolio includes several other companies, including:
• Pilot Flying J: A leading provider of fuel and convenience services to the trucking industry
• Pilot Logistics Services: A logistics and transportation company specializing in truckload and less-than-truckload services
• Pilot Energy: A company focused on the development and operation of energy infrastructure projects
Pilot Travel Centers: A Leader in the Truck Stop Industry
Pilot Travel Centers operates a network of over 750 locations across the United States, offering a range of services and amenities to truckers and travelers. Some of the key services and amenities include:
• Fuel: Pilot offers a wide range of fuels, including diesel, gasoline, and alternative fuels
• Convenience Stores: Pilot’s convenience stores offer a variety of food, beverages, and snacks, as well as basic supplies and souvenirs
• Truck Repair: Pilot’s truck repair services include maintenance, repair, and maintenance programs for commercial vehicles
• Shower and Laundry Facilities: Pilot’s shower and laundry facilities provide a clean and comfortable place for truckers to rest and refresh
• Food and Beverage: Pilot’s restaurants and cafes offer a range of meals and snacks, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
Awards and Recognition
Pilot Travel Centers has received numerous awards and recognition for its services and commitment to the trucking industry. Some of the notable awards include:
• Truck Stop of the Year: Pilot has been named Truck Stop of the Year by the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) multiple times
• Best Truck Stop: Pilot has been recognized as one of the best truck stops in the country by publications such as Truckers News and Overdrive
• Top 100 Private Companies: Pilot has been ranked as one of the top 100 private companies in the United States by Forbes magazine
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pilot Travel Centers is a leading chain of truck stops and travel centers in the United States, owned by Pilot Corporation, a subsidiary of Covisum, a global investment firm. With over 750 locations across the country, Pilot offers a range of services and amenities to truckers and travelers, including fuel, convenience stores, truck repair, shower and laundry facilities, and food and beverage options. Pilot’s commitment to the trucking industry has earned it numerous awards and recognition, making it a trusted and respected brand in the industry.
