Pilot Flying J Seeks Nominations Celebrating Professional Truck Drivers for Annual Road Warrior Contest

Stephanie Myers, External Communications Supervisor

Pilot Flying J today announced the return of its annual Road Warrior contest that honors professional truck drivers in the United States who go the extra mile to ensure that products and goods are delivered safely, securely and on time to keep the country moving efficiently.

From July 10, 2018 through July 23, 2018, the Road Warrior program will show appreciation for “heroes on the road” by encouraging online story submissions, spotlighting professional drivers’ perseverance and passion for the trucking industry for a chance to win big cash prizes. Through hard work and dedication, more than 3.5 million professional drivers deliver goods each day to our smallest towns and biggest cities, making sure all is safe along the way.

“We are proud to celebrate and honor professional truck drivers for their tireless work and commitment to provide our country with the goods that make our ways of life possible,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “This is the fifth year of our program and every year we are more and more inspired by the exceptional stories shared. This year, we are excited to recognize 12 finalists for their strong contributions to the professional driver community and thank them for a job well done.”

Pilot Flying J will invite its social media community to vote for the top three winners from the 12 selected finalists. The 2018 grand prize Road Warrior winner will receive $10,000, second place will receive $5,000, third place will receive $2,500 and the remaining nine finalists will each receive $1,000. Additionally, nominators of the grand, second and third place winners will also receive a $500 prize.

Entering the Road Warrior contest is fast, free and easy. Visit RoadWarrior.PilotFlyingJ.com to tell the story of the professional driver in your life who inspires you and upload a photo. Anyone can nominate a Road Warrior, including coworkers, friends and family members, or professional drivers can even nominate themselves.

Mike Sheeds, a professional truck driver for more than 27 years with over 3.5 million safe driving miles, was named the 2017 Road Warrior winner. Sheeds was recognized by Pilot Flying J for his achievements on the road, teaching the importance of safety to over 300 students throughout his career, and, above all else, his dedication to his family. While driving can be a demanding career, Sheeds always prioritizes spending time with family and advocating for his children. “I am so humbled to be chosen as a Road Warrior winner,” said Sheeds. “Driving has been part of my life for almost 30 years, and teaching aspiring professional drivers to prioritize safety above all else is what has remained most important to me throughout my career. Experience will never trump physics, and I encourage all drivers to remember this on the road.” 

To learn more about the Road Warrior program, view complete contest rules, read about previous winners and follow inspirational submissions, visit RoadWarrior.PilotFlyingJ.com. To join the Road Warrior conversation, follow #RoadWarrior.

About Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Flying J has more than 750 retail locations in 44 states, Roadside assistance available at over 145 locations nationwide and growing as part of its Truck Care program, 44 Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Centers, and 34 Boss Shops. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 72,000 parking spaces for trucks with Prime Parking at more than 400 locations, 5,200 deluxe showers and more than 6,200 diesel lanes with 5,200 offering Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked No. 15 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com/ for more information.