Pilot Flying J

Knoxville, United States

Pilot Flying J is a travel center chain that provides fuel, dining, and convenience services to road travelers across North America. The company operates numerous locations offering fueling stations, restaurants, and retail services designed to meet the needs of long-haul drivers and other travelers.

CCI Score

-27.62

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Pilot Corp Political Influence and Revolving Door Activity

Data from OpenSecrets shows that Pilot Corp contributed over $1.5M and spent $550K on lobbying during the 2024 cycle, while a significant proportion of its lobbyists have previously held government positions, highlighting potentially undue political influence.

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ACCOMPLICE

Pilot Flying J is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

FEB

06

2025

Pilot Corp Political Influence and Revolving Door Activity
-34.32

Data from OpenSecrets shows that Pilot Corp contributed over $1.5M and spent $550K on lobbying during the 2024 cycle, while a significant proportion of its lobbyists have previously held government positions, highlighting potentially undue political influence.
-40

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 19

Pilot Corp’s reported political contributions of $1,587,645 and lobbying expenditure of $550,000 in the 2024 cycle indicate a strong engagement in shaping political outcomes. This significant financial influence, combined with practices that may support authoritarian policy preferences, justifies a negative score in Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts.

Pilot Corp Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets
-30

Executive Political Engagement

March 19

The revolving door phenomenon at Pilot Corp, with 7 out of 7 lobbyists in 2023 and 3 out of 4 in 2024 having previous government roles, demonstrates significant executive political engagement. This close relationship with political insiders raises concerns about the company's potential influence on policymaking in ways that could undermine democratic accountability.

Pilot Corp Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets
DEC

31

2024

Pilot Corp Lobbying Profile
-38.83

Pilot Corp, a part of Pilot Flying J, spent $550,000 on lobbying in 2024. This significant expenditure raises concerns over its influence on political processes and the potential for supporting policies that undermine democratic accountability.
-40

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 19

The reported $550,000 lobbying spend by Pilot Corp in 2024 illustrates a deliberate effort to influence policy-making in favor of corporate interests, thereby potentially facilitating conditions that support authoritarian practices. This lobbying activity suggests that the company is actively engaging in political contributions that may contribute to the erosion of democratic norms.

Pilot Corp Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets
APR

15

2020

Pilot Flying J Settlement Highlights Unethical Rebate Practices
-18.17

A settlement with truckers over alleged fraudulent fuel rebate practices reveals deeply unethical business practices at Pilot Flying J, raising concerns about corporate responsibility and fair treatment of truckers.
-30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 19

The settlement, which arose from allegations that Pilot Flying J cheated trucking companies out of fuel rebates, points to unethical business practices that harm the economic welfare of its customers. This case underscores a disregard for fair commercial conduct and can be interpreted as part of a broader pattern of corporate irresponsibility. Such practices erode public trust and contribute to systemic exploitation in the business sector, an issue of concern to anti-fascist groups fighting against systems that prioritize profit over people.

Pilot Flying J's Settlement With Truckers Avoids Class Action
APR

18

2013

Pilot Flying J Fraudulent Rebate Practices Exposed
-19.15

An FBI affidavit released on April 18, 2013 alleges that Pilot Flying J engaged in a scheme to defraud truck companies by promising rebates based on fuel purchase volume and then not delivering them. The affidavit also highlights that CEO Jimmy Haslam, who is closely connected to political power through familial ties with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, was aware of these practices, raising concerns about the company’s ethical standards and potential misuse of executive influence.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

March 19

The article reveals potential conflicts of interest and lack of accountability in Pilot Flying J's leadership. CEO Jimmy Haslam’s connection to political figures, given his brother is the acting governor of Tennessee, hints at possible executive political engagement that undermines democratic accountability, which is concerning from a public and political behavior perspective.

Pilot Flying J Cheating Truck Companies out of Rebates
-80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 19

The FBI affidavit details deliberate fraudulent practices where Pilot Flying J promised rebates to truck companies based on fuel purchase volumes and then failed to deliver, constituting a significant breach of ethical business practices. This unethical behavior raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to fair and transparent business dealings.

Pilot Flying J Cheating Truck Companies out of Rebates