NAPANEE, Ont. – Flying J opened a brand new truck stop on Hwy. 401 in Napanee, Ont. in early October, at exit 579 between Belleville and Kingston. The Brigham City, Utah-based corporation operates 130 travel plazas and fuel stops in 38 states and Canada.

Open 24 hours, the newest Flying J joins a location in Vandreuil, Que. (on Hwy. 540 at exit 3) which opened in 1997 as the company’s first Canadian site. Another location is currently under construction in London, Ont. on Hwy. 401 at Highbury Avenue and is scheduled to open in February 2001.

The new truck stop got some unsolicited publicity during its first week of operation when AM Talk-640, a Toronto-area talk radio station, reported that the Flying J was offering diesel fuel at 49 cents per litre, about 15 cents less than the going rate. A few quick calls to the corporate head office and the Napanee location manager confirmed that the report was, in fact, incorrect. Flying J was actually selling diesel for 63.9 cents per litre at the time.

The Napanee location employs more than 100 people and features a new Country Market restaurant and buffet offering turkey, ham and roast beef entrees. There is also a fast food court for customers on the move that offers pizza and chinese food.

A theater-style driver’s lounge features a large-screen TV and an interactive games room. Personal access codes allow safe passage to private shower rooms, and private phone booths and laundry facilities are also available.

Internet stations will be added this fall, giving drivers access to E-mail, travel information, weather, and web surfing. RoadLink kiosks are also available in the plaza to provide fax and copy services, pre-paid phone calling cards, trip routing and mileage reports, equipment posting and load matching capabilities. Calibrated J-scales are also available on-site, as is an ATM and postal services. n