KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—The Pilot Company and Southern Tire Mart have created a new, strategic alliance called Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J to provide maintenance, roadside assistance and other tire-focused services to Pilot and Flying J travel centers customers. The venture allows the two companies to leverage their respective strengths, conveniences and expertise, according to Trucker.com.

“With the growing demand for fleet customers to find greater efficient means to maximize their up-time and driver productivity, the need to create and build a consistent nationwide network is clear,” said John Boynton, president, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J. “Our goal is to help fleet operators maximize the return on their investment, while creating an exceptional driver experience–safe, well-maintained, moving vehicles mean happy owners, happy drivers and most importantly, happy customers.” 

On Jan. 1, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J assumed management operations of the current 35 Pilot Flying J Truck Care maintenance facilities. The new operation remains dedicated to providing professional drivers and fleet customers with exceptional repair, maintenance, roadside assistance, lube and tire-focused services. Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J will honor existing promotions and discounts to ensure a smooth transition for customers. 

“We’re excited to bring together the strengths of our network with the expertise of Southern Tire Mart to better meet the tire and maintenance needs of the trucking industry,” said Shameek Konar, CEO, Pilot Company.

Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J plans to build more than 100 locations in the next 18 months and offer 200 points of service within three years. These facilities, located coast to coast, will be built on Pilot and Flying J Travel Center properties. In addition, customers have access to the 140 Southern Tire Mart locations nationwide.