Southern Tire Mart and Pilot Co. have created a new alliance, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J that aims to, in the words of company officials “leverage the strengths and conveniences of Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers, as well as the tyre and maintenance expertise of Southern Tire Mart,” reports Modern Tire Dealer.
Operations Begin at 35 Pilot Flying J Sites
As the largest commercial tyre dealership in the US, John Boynton, president of Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J is excited by recent developments. “With the growing demand for fleet customers to find greater efficient means to maximise their up-time and maximise driver productivity, the need to create and build a consistent nationwide network is clear,” says Boynton. “Our goal is to help fleet operators maximise the return on their investment, while creating an exceptional driver experience.”
As part of the arrangement, Southern Tire Mart at Flying J have assumed management and operations of 35 Pilot Flying J Truck Care maintenance facilities.
Company officials have said of the new operation that “They remain dedicated to providing professional drivers and fleet customers with exceptional repair, maintenance, roadside assistance, lube and tyre-focused services” and will also honour existing promotions and discounts to ensure a smooth transition for customers.
Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot also added: “We’re excited to bring together the strengths of our network with the expertise of Southern Tire Mart to better meet the tyre and maintenance needs of the trucking industry, Through this partnership, we look forward to building a nationwide network of on-highway commercial vehicle maintenance, lube and tyre-focused services that keeps fleet and drivers moving with safe, well-maintained trucks.”
With a plan to build over 100 new locations over the next 18 months, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J has a goal of growing the network across the U.S. to 200 points of service over 36 months.
These facilities will be built on Pilot and Flying J Travel Center properties to better serve over the road fleet customer needs. In addition to the facilities at Pilot and Flying J travel centres, customers will have access to the 140 Southern Tire Mart locations across the USA.