Jan 17, 2012 10:17 AM

Pilot Flying J and Bosselman Travel Centers Inc have completed the sale of seven Bosselman travel centers in the Midwest to Pilot Flying J.

These centers are in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota and are now open for business as Pilot Travel Centers. The purchase of the travel centers, for which plans were originally announced in November 2011, gives Pilot Flying J a more complete presence in the Midwest.

The companies also agreed to expand Bosselman’s Boss Truck Shops repair facilities to 20 additional Pilot Flying J locations nationwide. The expanded Boss Truck Shop locations would help drivers comply with federal regulations designed to improve large truck and bus safety by reducing accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Bosselman will maintain its Grand Island NE Bosselman Travel Center and with the sale will be able to place a stronger emphasis on its truck repair shop network and full-service restaurants. It will maintain the full-service Grandma Max’s Restaurants inside the Travel Centers in Salina KS and Big Springs NE; Max’s Highway Diner inside the Des Moines (Altoona) IA location; the Boss Truck Shops at Des Moines (Altoona), Salina, Big Springs, and Rapid City SD; and the Hampton Inn in Colby KS. Thirty-five Boss Shops across the United States will continue service through the Uni-Maxx Truck Care network, with more than 75 shops nationwide.

The newly acquired centers are in Des Moines (Altoona), Colby, Salina, Rapid City, Big Springs, Wood River NE, and Elm Creek NE.

At these locations, Pilot Flying J is increasing fast food offerings, adding DEF at the pump, and implementing the company’s loyalty program, as well as enhancing showers and remodeling restrooms.