Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Pilot Flying J Settlement Costs Jump to $72 Million

The price tag for Pilot Flying J to settle lawsuits over allegedly failing to give rebates to trucking customers stemming from fuel purchases is close to doubling.

by TruckingInfo.com Staff
November 6, 2013
Pilot Flying J Settlement Costs Jump to $72 Million

Photo: Evan Lockridge

2 min to read


The price tag for Pilot Flying J to settle lawsuits over allegedly failing to give rebates to trucking customers stemming from fuel purchases is close to doubling.

Photo: Evan Lockridge

The price tag has increased to $72 million, up from an originally estimated $40 million, according to court documents filed this week in U.S. District Court in Little Rock, Ark., where a fairness hearing over the class-action settlement is scheduled for Nov 25.

Ad Loading...

The amount includes the costs of audits of trucking company accounts, administration, attorney fees and additional $10,000 for each trucking company in “incentive awards.” Attorneys for customers are expected to receive about $14 million.

The settlement includes paying back trucking companies who feel they were cheated by Pilot Flying J over a period of several years, along with interest. It includes all trucking companies who feel they were wronged by the truckstop operator, though an estimated 150 have opted-out for various reasons, with some expected to continue their legal fight due to questions over the settlement’s legitimacy.

The settlement follows an April 15 federal raid on Pilot Flying J’s Knoxville headquarters, as well as other places of business, as part of an investigation the company systematically cheated trucking customers.

Ad Loading...

Since then more than two-dozen lawsuits have been filed by trucking customers against the company, which continues to deny any wrongdoing. CEO Jimmy Haslam, has also denied any knowledge of such an alleged scheme but has promised to pay back any money customers are owned.

So far seven Pilot Flying J employees have pleaded guilty for their roles, but have yet to be sentenced.

More Fuel Smarts

Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells silhouetted against red and gold sky
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

Why Fuel Diversification Matters for Trucking Fleets

Relying on diesel alone exposes fleets to fuel price volatility. Here’s why diversification with electric, natural gas, and renewable fuels can reduce risk.

Read More →
Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Podcast thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with diesel pump in the background and photo of the woman guest
Fuel SmartsApril 9, 2026

Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]

When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with woman's photo and a photo of a diesel price pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 9, 2026

Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?

Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 7, 2026

Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies

Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue Volvo European cabover truck on snowy road
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 1, 2026

Volvo Testing Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines on Trucks in Europe

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks, according to the company.

Read More →