Judge Dismisses Many Wright Transportation Claims Against Pilot Flying J
Embattled truckstop chain, Pilot Flying J, has scored what is being called a “major legal victory” against one trucking company.

Photo: Evan Lockridge
Embattled truckstop chain, Pilot Flying J, has scored what is being called a “major legal victory” against one trucking company.

Photo: Evan Lockridge
A federal judge has dismissed many of the claims filed by Alabama-based Wright Transportation, following the disclosure of an alleged multi-million dollar rebate scheme, according to The Tennessean.
This follows an $85 million dollar federal class action settlement being approved late last year for trucking companies that decided not to opt-out, over claims Pilot Flying J purposely held rebate money from trucking customers fuel purchases in order to inflate company profits.
Among the biggest claims by Wright the judge dismissed wasracketeering against Pilot Flying J and CEO Jimmy Haslam, however he noted some claims could be refilled later.
Pilot Flying J’s attorney was quoted by the newspaper as being “delighted” by the decision, while Wright Transportation has yet to publicly comment.
In April of last year federal agents raided the headquarters of Pilot Fying J in Knoxville, as part of a criminal investigation into allegations it had cheated trucking customers out of money. This resulted in some employees being fired or put on administrative leave and more than a two-dozen lawsuits being filed against the company by trucking operations. Since then at least seven current or former employees have pleaded guilty for their roles, but have yet to be sentenced.
Pilot Flying J and Haslam continue to deny any wrongdoing. It still faces lawsuits by trucking companies who decided not to participate in last year’s settlement.
Read more from The Tennessean.
More Fuel Smarts

Paper Transport Puts RNG to Work for Shipper
Eight renewable natural gas trucks are hauling freight for Graphic Packaging, part of Paper Transport’s growing mix of alternative-fuel transportation options that also includes a Tesla Semi pilot.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Shape ACT Expo 2027 Agenda
With diesel prices high and operating expenses under pressure, ACT Expo's 2027 agenda emphasizes fuel efficiency, AI, safety and the return on fleet technology investments.
Read More →
How GP Transco Builds Fuel Savings a Fraction at a Time
Aerodynamic specs, solar panels, and driver incentives help GP Transco turn small efficiency gains into savings it can reinvest in its people.
Read More →
Trucking’s Diesel Squeeze Isn’t Letting Up
With diesel topping $6 a gallon nationally, ATA's Bob Costello explains why fleets should prepare for continued pressure at the pump.
Read More →
FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use
The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.
Read More →
Why Diesel Price Relief Efforts May Fall Short
Diesel prices have eased from September’s record high, but doubts about additional Russian supply and limits on dyed-diesel tax relief mean trucking fleets still face expensive fuel. And prices could go higher.
Read More →Why Small Fuel Savings Matter in Trucking [Podcast]
Can better fuel economy help pay for driver raises? In this episode of the HDT Talks Trucking podcast, GP Transco explains how small efficiency gains create room to reinvest in its people.
Read More →How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time
What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.
Read More →
Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots
Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.
Read More →
Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data
The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.
Read More →
