Press Releases

Southeastern Freight Lines Celebrates Major Milestones at its Jacksonville and North Atlanta Service Centers

LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 2, 2022) – Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating years of “Quality Without Question” service from its service centers in Jacksonville, Florida and North Atlanta, Georgia. The Jacksonville service center has now been in business for 35 years and the North Atlanta service center has been in business for 30 years.

Both service centers have enjoyed significant growth since establishment. Jacksonville began operations with 10 associates and 12 dock doors and has since grown to 190 associates and 125 dock doors.

There are six Jacksonville associates celebrating professional milestones. Linehaul Drivers Harold Inman and Tim Scardasis, Pickup and Delivery Drivers Paul McKinley and Steve McCorkel, International Supervisor Angela Foster and Safety Specialist Randy Hand have each been serving Southeastern’s internal and external customers at the Jacksonville service center since its opening in 1987.

“I am proud of the impact that our service center has had in helping Southeastern uphold its commitment to Quality Improvement these past 35 years,” said Dan Perez, service center manager for Jacksonville. “Our team of dedicated employees have worked tirelessly to grow the service center to the success story it is today, and we are excited to continue cultivating our various partnerships and adding value to Southeastern’s transportation processes for years to come.”

North Atlanta started with 122 dock doors and the facility today consists of 173 dock doors and 387 associates.

Three employees have been working at the North Atlanta service center since its opening in 1992 and remain active with Southeastern today: Ray Tucker, an associate within the fleet department, and Eddie Bailey and Yancy Chambers, associates within the pickup and delivery department.

“It’s rewarding to look back and reflect on the immense growth that has taken place here in North Atlanta,” said Russ Brien, service center manager for North Atlanta. “Our dedicated employees and numerous tenured leadership associates have been the root of our service center’s success. They have worked hard to live Southeastern’s culture and establish momentum that continually provides quality results for our customers.”

Over the years, the Jacksonville and North Atlanta service centers have given back to the surrounding communities, most recently through Southeastern Serves, a program dedicated to having associates of all levels volunteer in their local communities to assist needy individuals.

As a part of the Southeastern Serves mission, the Jacksonville service center has volunteered with many organizations, including March of Dimes, Seamark Ranch and Gabriel House of Care. Valuing the same commitment to community, the North Atlanta service center has donated canned food to the Georgia Mountain Food Bank and The Quinn House, as well as sponsored Christmas gifts to spread holiday cheer to the children at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter.

The Jacksonville service center was the 21st service center opened since the company’s establishment in 1950. Shortly thereafter, the North Atlanta service center was founded as the company’s 30th location. Southeastern now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as 2020 Echo Global Logistics Regional LTL Carrier of the Year

LEXINGTON, S.C. (October 12, 2021) – Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been recognized as the 2020 Echo Global Logistics Regional LTL Carrier of the Year.

Echo, a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, created the Regional LTL Carrier of the Year award to honor one regional LTL carrier that best meets their quality standards and who Echo's nationwide personnel most enjoy doing business with and trust with their freight. Southeastern was given this award due to their quality client communication, employee training and development, web capabilities and their consistent, high-level performance.

"Our recognition as Echo's Regional LTL Carrier of the Year is a direct reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement, adding value and providing quality service through the utilization of collaborative, strong business partnerships," said Andy Carpenter, national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. "We are grateful for this honor, and the entire team is looking forward to continuing to foster our partnership with Echo for years to come."

"Southeastern has consistently risen to high levels of measure against our quality standards with both our customers and teammates," said Mark Redini, senior vice president of LTL for Echo Global Logistics. "Southeastern has regularly met these standards over the better part of a decade by virtue of being a three-time Carrier of the Year Award winner and a six-time Platinum Award winning carrier, which is given to carriers that provide clear communication and excellent service."

Carpenter, alongside Southeastern Freight Lines' Keith Huggins, vice president of national accounts, and Mike Redden, director of national accounts, accepted this award at the Echo headquarters in Chicago late August.

About Southeastern Freight Lines
Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned regional less-than-truckload transportation services provider founded in 1950, specializes in next-day service in the Southeast and Southwest and operates 89 service centers in 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Southeastern has a network of service partners to ensure transportation services in the remaining 36 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico. Southeastern Freight Lines provides more than 99.35% on-time service in next day lanes. A dedication to service quality and a continuous quality improvement process that began in 1985 has been recognized by more than 500 quality awards received from customers and associations. For more information, please visit www.sefl.com and www.facebook.com/SoutheasternFreight.

About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECHO) is a leading Fortune 1000 provider of technology-enables transportation and supply chain management services. Headquartered in Chicago with more than 30 offices around the country, Echo offers freight brokerage and Managed Transportation solutions for all major modes, including truckload, partial truckload, LTL, intermodal, and expedited. Echo maintains a proprietary, web-based technology platform that compiles and analyzes data from its network of over 50,000 transportation providers to serve 35,000 clients across a wide range of industries and simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management. For more information on Echo Global Logistics, visit: www.echo.com.

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Media Contacts
Katie Davis
Largemouth Communications (on behalf of Southeastern Freight Lines)
katie@largemouthpr.com
(919) 459-6562

Echo Global Logistics
Investor Relations:
Zach Jecklin
SVP of Strategy
Echo Global Logistics
312-784-2046

Media Relations:
Christopher Clemmensen
SVP of Marketing
Echo Global Logistics
312-784-2132

Southeastern Freight Lines Celebrates 40 Years of Service at its Hazlehurst and Valdosta Service Centers

LEXINGTON, S.C. (October 5, 2021) – Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 40 years of "Quality Without Question" service from its service centers in Hazlehurst and Valdosta, Georgia.

Both service centers opened in 1981 and have seen significant growth since establishment. Hazlehurst began operations with six dock doors and has grown to 30 dock doors and 31 associates today.

Celebrating a professional milestone, Linehaul Driver Eric Hester began serving Southeastern's internal and external customers at the Hazlehurst service center when it originally opened in 1981 and recently retired after 40 years of service.

"Over the past four decades, the associates at the Hazlehurst service center have continued to serve the region with excellence," said Vic Burton, service center manager. "The great success and achievements our service center has seen since its opening is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team. We're looking forward to continued improvement for years to come."

Valdosta started with nine dock doors and seven associates, and the facility now consists of 107 dock doors and 77 associates.

Three original employees have been working at the Valdosta service center since opening and remain active with Southeastern today: Assistant Service Manager Craig Moore, Linehaul Driver David Morris and Pickup and Delivery Driver Brett Vincent.

"It's been a privilege and an honor to be able to see the Valdosta service center grow over the years to where it is today," said Leggett Lovan, service center manager. "I'm incredibly proud of our dedicated associates who consistently provide Quality without Question service. Our team has always strived for excellence every single day and will continue to work toward continuous measurable improvement."

Over the years, the Hazlehurst and Valdosta service centers have given back to the Georgia community, most recently through Southeastern Serves, a program dedicated to having associates of all levels volunteer in their local communities to assist needy individuals.

As a part of the Southeastern Serves mission, the Hazlehurst service center has participated in the Hugs for Soldiers Program and worked with the local Department of Family and Children Services to donate gifts to needy families during the holidays. Valuing the same commitment to community, the Valdosta service center has volunteered at local soup kitchens and partnered with a local church to provide the homeless with a hot shower, clothing and food.

The Hazlehurst service center was the 12th service center opened since the company’s establishment in 1950. Soon after, the Valdosta service center was founded as the 13th location. Southeastern now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as One of America's Best Large Employers by Forbes

LEXINGTON, S.C. (Sept. 2, 2021) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its recognition as one of America's Best Large Employers by Forbes.

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey 50,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees. The survey participants rated their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family and to nominate organizations other than their own.

"We are honored and humbled by this recognition from Forbes. Being recognized as one of 'America’s Best Large Employers' is a direct reflection of our company's people-first culture, built one event at a time over the last 70 years," said Tobin Cassels, president for Southeastern Freight Lines. "Our associate’s willingness to recommend Southeastern to friends and family is a testament to our culture."

The final Forbes list ranks the 500 large and 500 midsize employers that received the most recommendations from survey participants. Last year, Southeastern was also recognized by Forbes as the Best Employer in South Carolina.

For more information about working at Southeastern, visit the careers page on www.sefl.com.

Southeastern Freight Lines’ Albany Service Center Celebrates 45 Years of Service

LEXINGTON, S.C. (August 12, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 45 years of quality without question service at the Albany, Georgia service center.

Located at 1115 Centennial Ave. in Albany, the service center opened for business in summer of 1976, with 20 dock doors and 18 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 44 dock doors and over 44 associates.

Seven employees are also celebrating professional milestones after joining the Southeastern team in the 1980s and continue to serve the company’s internal and external customers today:

  • Senior Linehaul Driver - Wayne Swords, 40 years
  • Outbound Supervisor - Phil Macolly, 38 years
  • Inbound Supervisor - Mark Horne, 37 years
  • Senior Pick Up and Delivery Driver - Kirk Mason, 34 years
  • Fleet Services - Britt Olson, 34 years
  • Combo Driver - Al Attell, 33 years
  • Fleet Services - Mark Lasseter, 33 years

“It’s important for us to recognize our senior associates who helped build and grow the Albany service center more than 30 years ago, and who continue to provide the same Quality without Question service today,” said Tommy Herndon, service center manager. “Forty-five years is an incredible milestone for our service center, and we look forward to serving our customers for many more years to come.”

Over the years, the service center has given back to the Albany community, most recently as part of Southeastern Serves, a program dedicated to contributing to communities across Southeastern’s footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate. Initiatives have included food drives to collect soup and other canned and dry goods for donations and helping prepare food packages for Kids Against Hunger.

The Albany service center was the ninth service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as 2020 Total Quality Logistics Preferred LTL Carrier of the Year

LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 22, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been recognized as the 2020 Total Quality Logistics (TQL) Preferred LTL Carrier of the Year for the Southeast region.

TQL, one of the largest freight brokerage firms in North America, created the Preferred LTL Carrier Program to designate the highest-ranked LTL carriers for its customers. Southeastern earned “Preferred” status based on the market share it handles of TQL shipments in its network, on-time percentage, claims percentage and its technology integration capabilities throughout the year.

“Earning ‘Preferred’ status with a company that mirrors our commitment to exceeding customer expectations speaks volumes to the Quality Without Question service our team provides,” said Toby Toburen, national 3PL manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. “This recognition is a result of our growing partnership with TQL, and we look forward to continuing to share our expertise, merge our capabilities and enhance our results. The entire Southeastern team is grateful to be receiving this award.”

Southeastern is recognized as a Preferred LTL Carrier on TQL TRAX and featured on the TQL website. Toburen accepted the plaque from the LTL Carrier department at Total Quality Logistics.


About Southeastern Freight Lines

Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned regional less-than-truckload transportation services provider founded in 1950, specializes in next-day service in the Southeast and Southwest and operates 89 service centers in 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Southeastern has a network of service partners to ensure transportation services in the remaining 36 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico. Southeastern Freight Lines provides more than 99.35% on-time service in next day lanes. A dedication to service quality and a continuous quality improvement process that began in 1985 has been recognized by more than 500 quality awards received from customers and associations. For more information, please visit www.sefl.com and www.facebook.com/SoutheasternFreight.


About Total Quality Logistics

At Total Quality Logistics (TQL), we create greater supply chain efficiencies for our customers by combining industry-leading technology and unmatched customer service. Customers and carriers turn to us daily to solve their transportation needs with competitive pricing, continuous communication, and a commitment to do it right — every time. Annually, we move more than 2+ million loads across the nation through our comprehensive portfolio of logistics services and our network of 90,000+ carriers. In addition, through TQL Cares and the TQL Foundation, our company and employees make the world a better place by donating thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars each year. TQL is proud to be the naming rights sponsor of TQL Stadium, the home of Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati. Founded in 1997 in Cincinnati, Ohio, TQL is one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the nation, with 5,000+ employees in 56 offices across the U.S. Learn more at TQL.com.


Media Contacts:

Katie Davis

Largemouth Communications (on behalf of Southeastern Freight Lines)

katie@largemouthpr.com

(919) 459-6562


Julia Fulton

Total Quality Logistics

PublicRelations@tql.com

(513) 495-6767

Baton Rouge-Area Deputy Receives Stuffed Animal Delivery for Local Children

LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 1, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, , is donating a 55-gallon drum full of stuffed animals and an empty 55-gallon drum for storage to aid a local police officer in his mission to comfort children he encounters while on the job.

Deputy Corey Caillet with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office moved the Iberville Parish community with a social media post requesting stuffed animal donations to give to children involved in accidents or bad situations.

“Some of the circumstances we see on the job can be intimidating or scary for children, so it’s nice to be able to have something to give them a sense of comfort,” said Caillet. “It’s amazing to see the solace one stuffed animal can give a child.”

Southeastern quickly became involved in Caillet’s philanthropic mission by collecting donations at its service center located in Port Allen. Southeastern associates filled the 55-gallon drum with stuffed animals within less than a month, in addition to monetary donations. The toys were delivered to Caillet and other deputies from the department.

Alyssa Chatelain, customer service administrator II at Southeastern’s Port Allen service center and Caillet’s friend of 20 years, trailblazed the company’s contribution to the toy drive and encouraged her own six-year-old daughter to donate.

The abundance of support from the community and Southeastern has inspired Caillet to explore turning his initiative into a nonprofit. “I’m always collecting stuffed animals,” said Caillet. “The smile on these kids’ faces it brings, it’s really something.”

The service center collection is part of Southeastern Freight Lines’ company-wide “Southeastern SERVES” program, dedicated to giving back to communities across its footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate. Over the years, Southeastern’s service centers have volunteered in local communities with organizations such as The Miracle League and Toys for Tots.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as Transplace 2020 Carrier of the Year

LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 10, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been recognized as the Transplace 2020 Regional Carrier of the Year.

Transplace, one of the world’s largest transportation service providers, acknowledges carriers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty by providing the highest levels of service, embracing technology for improved visibility and establishing quality relationships amongst stakeholders. Transplace chose Southeastern based on the company’s overall spend and market share within its territory, automation and touchless execution metrics and operations feedback taken from a survey measuring aspects of carriers’ performance.

"It is an honor to be named the Regional Carrier of the Year by one of the world’s largest transportation service providers," said Austin Miller, national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. “This award demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction and appreciation for our strong partnerships. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Transplace for this honor and commend our associates for the hard work and dedication to Southeastern’s commitment of Quality without Question service.”

Miller attended the 2021 Transplace Virtual Carrier Symposium, an event providing education, recognition and appreciation for more than 32,000 transportation carriers, and was honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of Southeastern.

Southeastern Freight Lines Celebrates 30 Years of Service at its Huntsville and Montgomery Service Centers

LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 10, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, this year is celebrating 30 years of “Quality Without Question” service from its service centers in Huntsville and Montgomery, Alabama.

Both service centers opened in early 1991 and have seen significant growth since establishment. Huntsville began operations with 20 dock doors and 15 associates and has grown to 44 dock doors and 50 associates.

Four original employees have been working at their respective service centers since opening and remain active with Southeastern today: linehaul drivers Blake Coleman and Lonnie Toney and pickup and delivery driver Randy Campbell of the Huntsville service center, as well as linehaul driver Jesse Keeble of the Montgomery service center. Archie Blevins, linehaul driver for the Montgomery service center retired last year after 29 years of service.

“The dedicated employees in Huntsville have made this service center a key contributor to the Southeastern network,” said Adam Darling, service center manager. “Since the opening of the Huntsville service center, the impact and growth we’ve experienced is an exciting indicator of what’s to come in the approaching decades.”

Montgomery started with 16 dock doors and 10 associates, and the facility now consists of 37 dock doors and 31 associates.

“Reflecting on the Montgomery service center’s 30 years in business, it’s rewarding to see the impact that we have had across the region,” said Brandon Graham, service center manager. “We’re looking forward to continuing our community outreach and cultivating relationships with our associates, customers and partners.”

Over the years, the Huntsville and Montgomery service centers have given back to the Alabama community, most recently through Southeastern Serves, a program dedicated to having associates of all levels volunteer in their local communities to assist needy individuals.

As a part of the Southeastern Serves mission, the Huntsville service center held a fundraiser event to raise money for CASA Mud Volleyball. In addition, the service center took part in coaching baseball at The Miracle League for children with mental and physical disabilities. Valuing the same commitment to community, the Montgomery service center held a holiday toy drive in collaboration with Toys for Tots and collected backpacks to donate to school-aged children.

The Huntsville service center was the 28th service center opened since the company’s establishment in 1950. Soon after, the Montgomery service center was founded as the 29th location. Southeastern now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Amarillo, Texas

New Facility Enables Growth and Advancements to Serve Customers

LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 17, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced the opening of a relocated service center in Amarillo, Texas.

The new service center, located at 4814 SE 22nd Avenue, consists of 33 dock doors and 22 associates. It is housed on more than five acres, allowing for future growth, and features a large open office space equipped with a state-of-the-art conference room for meetings and training.

“With increasing economic growth in the Amarillo area, this is an ideal time to relocate our Amarillo service center to a larger location,” said Aaron Strobel, service center manager. “The increase in dock doors and associates will enable us to continue to serve our area customers with Quality without Question service. We always aim to increase efficiency and timeliness of deliveries and look forward to working with our great team in the new service center to meet our customers’ needs.”

Previously located at 601 Ross Road, the Amarillo Service Center opened for business in 2003 with 22 dock doors and 4 associates.

Southeastern Freight Lines’ Augusta Service Center Celebrates 45 Years of Service

LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 6, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 45 years of quality without question service at the Augusta, South Carolina service center.

Located at 1040 Edgefield Rd. in N. Augusta, the service center opened for business in spring of 1976, with 12 dock doors and 10 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 54 dock doors and over 55 associates.

Customer Service Representative Angela Hollar is also celebrating a professional milestone, as she has been at the Augusta service center since March 1977 and continues to serve our internal and external customers today.

“As we celebrate this milestone in Augusta, it’s amazing to reflect on the meaningful relationships we’ve built with our customers and associates over the past 45 years, like Angela, who has been a part of our team since 1977,” said Keith McDonald, service center manager. “We’re excited to continue providing Quality without Question service to our customers with our great team year-after-year.”

Over the years, the service center has given back to the Augusta community, most recently as part of Southeastern Serves, a program dedicated to giving back to communities across Southeastern’s footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate. Initiatives have included delivering food in partnership with Meals on Wheels and helping serve and clean up Thanksgiving meals for NHC HealthCare North Augusta residents and their families.

The Augusta service center was the eighth service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.

Southeastern Freight Lines was recently recognized as the Best Employer in South Carolina by GOBankingRates and was recognized by Forbes as Best Employer in South Carolina in its second annual ranking of America’s best employers by state last fall.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as Best Employer in South Carolina by GOBankingRates

LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 25, 2021) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its recognition as Best Employer in South Carolina by GOBankingRates.

GOBankingRates used data from market research company Statista, global media, branding and technology company Forbes and Recruit Holdings' HR technology business Glassdoor to identify organizations liked best by current and former employees in, “The Best Place To Work in Your State.”

Forbes recognized Southeastern Freight Lines as Best Employer in South Carolina in its second annual ranking of America’s best employers by state last fall.

“We are honored to receive this acknowledgment from GOBankingRates, compiled based off feedback from our current and past employees,” said Richard Slater, vice president of field sales at Southeastern Freight Lines. “It is the culmination of the over 8,500 people who work at Southeastern who represent our values, our brand, and our commitment to serving with excellence in all that we do. We understand that in order to create this culture and standard of excellence across our organization, we must be invested in the well-being of each of those individuals and this award is a testament that this commitment is real.”

South Carolina is home to Southeastern’s corporate office in Lexington as well as five service centers located in Augusta, Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville, employing 1,132 associates across the state. The company recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, including 70 years of service out of the Columbia service center.

In 1950, as Southeastern’s corporate office and headquarters, the Columbia service center originally employed eight people who served the corporate office and also ran the terminal. Today, the Columbia service center has grown to 102 dock doors and more than 160 employees and is located at 4025 Sunset Blvd. The corporate office employs an additional 540 employees out of its Lexington, South Carolina, headquarters at 420 Davega Road.

For more information about working at Southeastern, visit the careers page on www.sefl.com.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as American Group Regional Carrier of the Year

LEXINGTON, S.C. (December 8, 2020) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services,has been recognized as the 2019 Southeastern Regional Carrier of the Year by American Group. This is the second year in a row Southeastern has received this honor.

American Group recognized Southeastern for its demonstration of service excellence for the American Group customer base. The non-asset-based third-party logistics provider based the recognition on a scoring system that measured on-time pickup and delivery performance, accurate invoicing, minimal shortages and damages, practical technology and customer service communication.

"We are honored to be recognized by American Group as the Southeastern Regional Carrier of the Year for the second consecutive year," said Andy Carpenter, National Account Manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. “This recognition is truly a testament to our team’s dedication to providing quality without question service for every customer shipment, every time. We give thanks to American Group and everyone in the Southeastern family for making this possible.”

Carpenter accepted the crystal truck award at American Group’s corporate office in Chandler, AZ, presented by Daniel Krivickas, President of American Group, and John Benisek, American Group’s Director of Business Development.

“Each day, our customers depend on the services offered by Southeastern Freight Lines to bring their goods to the marketplace safely, intact, and on-time. Despite an increasingly challenging business environment, Southeastern comes through for us every day,” said Krivickas.

“We are proud to present this well-deserved award to Southeastern for helping to enable our continued mutual success,” said Michael Schember, American Group’s CEO.

Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Greenville, SC Region

New Facility Enables Growth and Advancements to Serve Customers

LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 19, 2020) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced the opening of a relocated service center in Piedmont, South Carolina, serving the greater Greenville region.

The new service center, located at 515 Sagitairus Way, consists of 207 dock doors, a large appointment warehouse and 230 associates. It is housed on 110 acres, allowing for future growth, and features a Fleet Services Shop as well as a large open office space equipped with a state-of-the-art conference room for meetings and training.

“We recently celebrated serving the Greenville market for more than 60 years and this new facility will provide the capacity for us to grow and serve our customers for many years to come,” said Patrick Trahan, service center manager. “From when we first opened our doors to today, our goal has always been the same – to meet or exceed the needs of our customers, every single time.”

Originally located inside an old railroad warehouse, the Greenville service center opened for business in 1959 with only 10 dock doors and 16 associates. Since the service center’s development at its most recent location of 710 Mauldin Road in 1964, the facility expanded five times throughout the past 55 years, growing and improving with every addition.

Southeastern Freight Lines Launches Final Mile Service System-Wide

350+ Trucks Ready to Make Residential, Store Deliveries

LEXINGTON, S.C. (Sept. 17, 2020) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its Final Mile service is now available across all 89 service centers via a fleet of more than 350 trucks.

Southeastern's Final Mile trucks are the smallest in its fleet, offering residential deliveries as well as deliveries to freestanding retail stores, locations where a dock is not available and strip malls with limited access, among others.

"As we continue to enhance the 'Quality Without Question' service our customers have come to expect, we have strategically built our final mile service over time. We started with a small number of trucks in select markets to test both efficiencies and market demand," said Rob Smith, vice president of service center operations at Southeastern Freight Lines. "With more than 350 trucks now in our fleet, our company is better equipped to efficiently make final mile deliveries across our footprint. Coupled with an increase in demand, we are seeing a 70% increase in daily residential deliveries since last June. We expect that growth to continue."

Southeastern's commitment to Quality Without Question service translates to its Final Mile offering, providing 99.3% on-time service to date. All drivers go through the same comprehensive training and are equipped with branded uniforms and trucks, whether driving a large tractor-trailer or a Final Mile truck.

Southeastern has been a leader in innovation across the fleet industry since its first onboard technology launched more than 27 years ago by consistently upgrading its technology to meet market demands. Its software provides accurate and timely identification of Final Mile deliveries, helps educate the Final Mile customer in what to expect from their delivery and allows customers to handle their appointment and delivery requirements at their convenience online. Features include:

  • Real-time tracking with 100% visibility
  • Automatic delivery status updates
  • APIs allow shippers to integrate their e-commerce shopping carts to the Southeastern system (rate quotes, pickup requests, tracking, etc.)
  • Ability to use emails and phone numbers of residential customers to send links for self-appointments. This allows the customer to request a contact before arrival and grant Southeastern permission to deliver without being present.
  • Driver mobile allows the driver to take a picture to confirm delivery when the customer is not present
For more information, visit the services page on www.sefl.com.

Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as Best Employer in South Carolina by Forbes

LEXINGTON, S.C. (Aug. 25, 2020) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its recognition as Best Employer in South Carolina by Forbes.

Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to pinpoint organizations liked best by employees in its second annual ranking of America's best employers by state.

"At Southeastern, we believe strongly in our culture and values, and that it's what sets us apart. This recognition from Forbes, based on feedback from our employees, is a testament to our people-first culture," said Richard Slater, vice president of field sales at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We offer a commitment to excellence in all we do, serving our associates and communities, comprehensive training, safe and well-maintained equipment and a competitive pay and benefits package."

South Carolina is home to Southeastern's corporate office in Lexington as well as five service centers located in Augusta, Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. The company is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, including 70 years of service out of the Columbia service center.

Seventy years ago, serving as Southeastern's corporate office and headquarters, the Columbia service center originally employed eight people who served the corporate office and also ran the terminal. Today, the Columbia service center has grown to 102 dock doors and more than 160 employees and is located at 4025 Sunset Blvd. The corporate office employs an additional 540 employees out of its Lexington, South Carolina, headquarters at 420 Davega Road.

The ranking was compiled by surveying 80,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 500 employees. Surveys were conducted on a rolling basis from October 2019 to May 2020, and responses regarding the same employers were compared throughout the process, accounting for results collected before and after the onset of the pandemic.

For more information about working at Southeastern, visit the careers page on www.sefl.com.

About Southeastern Freight Lines
Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned regional less-than-truckload transportation services provider founded in 1950, specializes in next-day service in the Southeast and Southwest and operates 89 service centers in 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Southeastern has a network of service partners to ensure transportation services in the remaining 36 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico. Southeastern Freight Lines provides more than 99.35% on-time service in next day lanes. A dedication to service quality and a continuous quality improvement process that began in 1985 has been recognized by more than 450 quality awards received from customers and associations. For more information, please visit www.sefl.com and www.facebook.com/SoutheasternFreight.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Osment
Largemouth Communications (on behalf of Southeastern Freight Lines)
sarah@largemouthpr.com
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Southeastern Freight Lines’ Columbia and Atlanta Service Centers Celebrate 70 Years of Service

LEXINGTON, S.C. (April 16, 2020) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating its 70th anniversary of providing quality without question service after its founding in 1950, including 70-year milestones at its first service centers in Columbia, South Carolina, and Atlanta.

Starting the Journey in South Carolina
Then, serving as Southeastern’s corporate office and headquarters, the Columbia service center originally employed seven to eight people who served the corporate office and also ran the terminal. Today, the Columbia service center has grown to 102 dock doors and more than 161 employees and is located at 4025 Sunset Blvd. The corporate office employs an additional 542 employees out of its Lexington, South Carolina, headquarters at 420 Davega Road.

Expanding to Atlanta
Even when Founder W.T. Cassels Sr. made the first deliveries for Southeastern Freight Lines from Columbia, he was already planning the company’s expansion into Georgia. The Atlanta service center was the second Southeastern terminal to open and operated out of a filling station for the first few years. There were no interstates in the 1950s, so drivers traveled on a two-lane road from Columbia to Atlanta. Today, the facility has grown to 140 dock doors and more than 330 associates and is currently located at 4061 Moreland Avenue in Conley, Georgia.

Building a Legacy
To start Southeastern Freight Lines, Cassels Sr. took out a loan for $5,000 for working capital and started with 12 trucks, 20 people and a philosophy about how to run his business.

“Our company has weathered many storms since my grandfather made Southeastern’s first delivery, and I’m proud to carry forward his legacy of building roots in each community where we operate,” said W. Tobin Cassels III, president of Southeastern Freight Lines. “While the trucking industry has evolved in many ways over the past 70 years, along with the changing landscape of technology and infrastructure, the mission of the company remains the same: to meet or exceed the needs of every customer – every single time.”

The company now operates 89 service centers, employing more than 8,211 associates across 13 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies to provide essential services and support the country’s vital supply chain needs.

Visit the Southeastern Freight Lines YouTube channel to learn more about the founding and history of the company from Chairman W.T. Cassels Jr.

Southeastern Freight Lines Serves 6,200 Hours in 2019

Employees Give Back Through “Southeastern Serves” Program

LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 3, 2020) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its participation in more than 6,200 total hours of community service across 94 projects in 2019 as part of the “Southeastern Serves” program.

Southeastern Serves is a program dedicated to giving back to communities across Southeastern’s footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate.

“Since the first truck pulled away from a loading dock in 1950, Southeastern has been engrained in the communities it serves. The Southeastern Serves program allows us to pay-it-forward and give back to the communities who support us year after year,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines. “We are proud of our ongoing commitment to provide quality service not only to our customers but to less fortunate individuals throughout the footprint we serve.”

This year, more than 1,400 participants, including Southeastern associates, friends and family members, volunteered for projects ranging from serving meals to families in need, to volunteering at veteran organizations, homeless shelters and domestic abuse shelters. A few examples across the Southeastern footprint include:

In September 2019, Southeastern team members across the Carolinas and Virginia, worked with Samaritan’s Feet to attend title one schools where 42 salary employees spent 127 hours serving over 400 children, washing their feet, getting to know the children and donating shoes and socks to each child. Samaritan’s Feet believes a new pair of shoes and the act of foot-washing can give children hope and the opportunity for a better life.

In Texas, 19 Southeastern associates and family members from Tyler and Waco, volunteered 92 hours at Hunger for Love’s Christmas Under the Bridge event, helping decorate and serve food and beverages. Tyler associate Robin Kennedy oversaw Santa’s Tent at the event and was able to collect more than 600 donated toys from local businesses and associates, gifted to more than 200 boys and girls. Hunger for Love fosters relationships with the homeless community and under-resourced families in Tyler, where they meet on Saturday mornings for a hot, fresh breakfast, clothing and hygiene distribution, worship and a bagged lunch to take home.

A few months later, the Southeastern sales and marketing associates from Lexington, South Carolina partnered with Providence Home to help give a Christmas devotion, serve desserts and fellowship with residents. They also left gifts for the residents to enjoy on Christmas morning. Providence Home helps stabilize living conditions for dislocated men and encourages self-sufficient living through progressive, spiritually dynamic ministry.

Additionally, Southeastern sent 19 volunteers in Greenville, South Carolina to serve 95 hours at The SonShine Club, preparing and serving food, while also cleaning and providing gift bags for members. The SonShine Club provides special needs adults a safe space to meet with their peers to enjoy music, fitness, games, arts and crafts, bible study and lunch at no charge.

“As we enter our 70th year in business, it is humbling to see the ongoing commitment of Southeastern to support so many deserving organizations and individuals through the Southeastern Serves program. We look forward to honoring that commitment with community service projects throughout 2020 and beyond,” said Heaton.

This is the eighth year for the Southeastern Serves program.

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