Press Releases
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 CustomersLEXINGTON, 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 DeliveriesLEXINGTON, 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
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
(919) 459-6457
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.
Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as J.B. Hunt Regional Carrier of the Year
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Dec. 23, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been recognized as the 2019 Regional Carrier of the Year by J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
J.B. Hunt recognizes distinguished LTL carriers who demonstrate transportation excellence throughout the year. The transport services company chooses the “best of the best” in carrier performance and value, based on its defined Metrics of Excellence, including business relationship, customer service, operations, pricing and technology.
"We are honored to be recognized by J.B. Hunt as the Regional Carrier of the Year for 2019," said Austin Miller, national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work dedicated to providing quality without question service for every customer shipment. We give thanks to J.B. Hunt and everyone in the Southeastern family for making this possible.”
Miller accepted the award from Kevin Housley, LTL carrier relations manager for J.B. Hunt in November 2019.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Greenville Service Center Celebrates 60 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Dec. 16, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 60 years of quality without question service at the Greenville, South Carolina service center.
Originally located inside an old railroad warehouse in the northwest textile region of Greenville, the service center opened for business in 1959, with 10 dock doors and 16 associates.
In 1964, the service center was built where it stands today at 710 Mauldin Road in Greenville and has expanded five times throughout the past 55 years, growing and improving with every addition to its current size of 122 doors with 233 associates.
With continued economic growth in the region, Southeastern recently purchased land in Piedmont, South Carolina and is building a brand-new service center with 200 dock doors. The center will feature the largest educational conference room in the company, a bunk house and an appointment warehouse. The 110-acre property will also allow for future growth.
“Employees from the early days of the service center recall how the old railroad warehouse was built on pole piling with floors made of wood, making it impossible to use a forklift or roll a heavy float across the floor. Everything had to be moved by hand trucks or floats. As one of our oldest facilities, the history behind the Greenville service center is heartwarming and reminds us of who we are and how far we’ve come,” said Southeastern President W.T. “Tobin” Cassels, Southeastern Freight Lines. “As we celebrate this 60-year milestone with our talented team, we look forward to continued growth in the region. Our new service center will provide capacity to our valued customers for many years to come.”
The Greenville service center was the 6th 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 technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as Analytics Achievers in Trimble Ovation Awards
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 15, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, received the title of Analytics Achievers in the 2019 Trimble Ovation Award Best in Data Utilization category.
Presented at the 2019 in.sight user conference + expo, the Ovation Awards celebrate Trimble customers that have best leveraged technology through innovations in integration, custom-tailored applications, process implementation, training methods and more.
Southeastern was recognized for the streamlined migration of its 3,000-vehicle fleet from automatic on-board recording device (AOBRD) driver logs to electronic logging device (ELD) driver logs.
"We are honored to be recognized by Trimble for the second year in a row," said Michael Owings, vice president of corporate services and support for Southeastern Freight Lines. “With the deadline to migrate to ELD approaching, carriers across the nation have been facing this same undertaking. With our dedicated team closely working with Trimble, we were able to effectively measure resource utilization to ensure a smooth transition.”
Bill Brown, consultant and retired Manager of Fleet Telematics for Southeastern Freight Lines, accepted the award at the conference, held Sept. 15 – 18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
“With Bill’s work on the migration, in one three-day period our testing and changes led to a major breakthrough in how we handle malfunction and diagnostics (M&Ds) in our ELD driver logs,” added Owings.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ West Palm Beach Service Center Celebrates 30 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (September 16, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 30 years of quality without question service at its West Palm Beach, Florida, service center.
Originally located at 3250 45th Street, the service center opened for business in the fall of 1989, with seven dock doors and 10 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 92 dock doors and more than 89 associates, with two original employees, and is currently located at 201 Ave P Riviera Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Line Haul Drivers Todd Spencer and Fernando Matthew are also celebrating professional milestones, as they have been at the West Palm Beach service center since its opening in 1989 and remain active with Southeastern today.
“Over the past three decades, Southeastern has been a part of the West Palm Beach community, providing quality without question service to the region,” said Nicholas Crawford, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “We thank our dedicated team members like Todd and Fernando for playing key roles in growing our team and shipments year-over-year. From when we first opened this service center to today, our goal has always been the same: to meet or exceed the needs of every customer – every single time.”
The West Palm Beach service center was the 25th 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’ Miami Service Center Celebrates 30 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (August 13, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 30 years of quality without question service at its Miami, Florida, service center.
Originally located at 8900 Northwest 79th Avenue in Medley, Florida, the service center opened for business in the summer of 1989, with 20 dock doors and 39 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 103 dock doors and over 143 associates, with two original employees, and is currently located at 5875 Northwest 72nd Avenue in Miami, Florida.
Line Haul Driver Anthony Davis and Pickup and Delivery Driver Tony Garcia also celebrate professional milestones, as they have been at the Miami service center since its opening in 1989 and remain active with Southeastern today.
“Dedicated team members like Anthony and Tony play an important role in the growth and development we have experienced in Miami over the last three decades,” said Luis Arias, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “As we celebrate this milestone with our incredibly talented team, we’re thrilled to continue growing in our year-over-year shipments and serving the region for years to come.”
The Miami service center was the 24th 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’ Waynesboro Service Center Celebrates 20 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 3, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 20 years of quality without question service at its Waynesboro service center.
Originally located at 319 Dinwiddie Avenue in Waynesboro, Virginia, the service center opened for business on May 3, 1999, with six dock doors and 8 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 45 dock doors and over 25 associates, with two original employees, and is currently located at 5326 Crowe Drive in Mount Crawford, Virginia.
Line Haul Drivers Bruce Plaster and David Butler also celebrate professional milestones, as they have been at the Waynesboro service center since its opening on May 3, 1999 and remain active with Southeastern today.
"Two decades ago, the Waynesboro service center opened its doors and brought a new culture of trucking to the region," said Jason Martin, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. "Dedicated team members like Bruce and David play a pivotal role in continuing to grow our team and shipments year-over-year for generations to come. We look forward to seeing this testament and commitment to providing quality without question service throughout the region to our current and future customers."
The Waynesboro service center was the 52nd 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’ Fredericksburg Service Center Celebrates 20 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (April 16, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 20 years of quality without question service at its Fredericksburg, Virginia, service center.
Originally located at 8717 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the service center opened for business in the spring of 1999, with 12 dock doors and 11 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 70 dock doors and over 44 associates, with two original employees, and is currently located at 42 Sage Lane in Falmouth, Virginia.
Line Haul Driver Roy Hazelwood and Inbound Freight Handler Wayne Lloyd are also celebrating professional milestones, as they have been at the Fredericksburg service center since its opening in 1999 and remain active with Southeastern today.
"Dedicated team members like Roy and Wayne play an integral role in the growth we have experienced in Fredericksburg over the last two decades," said Justin Proffitt, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. "As we celebrate this milestone with our incredibly talented team, we’re excited to continue growing in our year-over-year shipments and serving the region for years to come."
The Fredericksburg service center was the 51st 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 Receives Home Depot’s 2019 LTL/Carpet Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (February 8, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received Home Depot’s 2019 LTL/Carpet Carrier of the Year Award. Home Depot recognized Southeastern based on outstanding performance in key metrics, general ease of doing business and responsiveness to special requests and disaster recovery.
The key metrics within this award are based on Home Depot’s ‘Rack and Stack’ metrics which measure adherence to transit time standards, gap time of final delivery and ability to provide electronic status updates within defined time-frames.
"The Home Depot has a very large and sophisticated supply chain and being recognized for this award is truly an honor," said Southeastern Senior Vice President of Corporate Planning and Development Woody Lovelace. "It is not only a testament to our Southeastern team’s commitment to handling their shipments, but also our concern in managing our relationship with sincere care and integrity."
This award was presented to recipients in Atlanta, Georgia during The Home Depot’s annual Executive Carrier Conference on January 25, 2019.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Dalton Service Center Celebrates 35 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (February 5, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 35 years of quality without question service at its Dalton, Georgia, service center.
Located at 180 Cross Plains Boulevard in Dalton, Georgia, the service center opened for business in the winter of 1984, with 12 dock doors and 18 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 168 dock doors and over 200 associates, with one original employee.
Line Haul Driver William (Bill) Darnell is also celebrating a professional milestone, as he has been at the Dalton service center since its opening in 1984 and remains active with Southeastern today.
“As we celebrate this milestone in Dalton, it’s incredible to reflect on the meaningful relationships we’ve built with our customers and that Bill has been able to experience all of this first hand over his 35 years with our Southeastern team,” said Jeff Sittnick, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “We’re excited to continue growing our shipments, serving the region and witnessing the momentum of our great team year-after-year.”
The Dalton service center was the 16th 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 Serves 3,617 Hours in 2018
LEXINGTON, S.C. (January 22, 2019) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its participation in 3,617 total hours of community service, completing 90 projects, in 2018 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.
“We are proud to share our commitment of providing quality service not only to our customers but to less fortunate individuals throughout the communities we serve,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines. “Through the Southeastern Serves program, we are able to strengthen the communities who support us year after year through giving back.”
This year, 1,065 participants, including Southeastern associates, friends and family members, volunteered for projects ranging from providing Christmas presents and serving meals for children in need, to doing yardwork for elderly community members.
Most recently, the Southeastern team in Laredo, Texas, delivered wrapped toys and celebrated the holidays with a pizza and juice box party for over 80 children at a local at-risk elementary school. After learning that a few second-grade teachers at Jesus A. Kawas Elementary School didn’t have the outcome they were looking for during a holiday plate sale fundraiser, the Laredo team decided to intervene and ensure each student had a gift to open on Christmas.
A few months prior, the Southeastern Finance and Accounting Department served a southern-cooked meal from Hudson’s Smokehouse to the Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter, a group home for children and teens who have faced abuse, abandonment, neglect, and/or homelessness in Columbia, South Carolina.
Additionally, the Southeastern team in Miami, Florida, spent the day cooking and serving breakfast – which ranged from pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and pastries – to the families of children at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.
“The commitment of Southeastern to support so many deserving organizations and individuals through the Southeastern Serves program is humbling. We look forward to the new community service projects that await us in 2019,” said Heaton.
This is the seventh year for the Southeastern Serves program.
Southeastern Freight Lines Recognizes Malcom Bryant For 50 Years of Safe Driving
LEXINGTON, S.C. (October 11, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, recognized Malcom Bryant for 50 years driving with no accidents during the company’s annual Safety and Service Awards celebration at its Columbia, South Carolina, Service Center. Bryant’s safety record is an accomplishment that puts him in an elite class.
“According to the American Trucking Association, there are 3.5 million Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers today,” says Phillip Enlow, Southeastern Freight Lines service center manager in Columbia. “Because only a handful of drivers in the United States have been recognized for 50 years of accident-free driving, this is a prestigious honor and we’re proud to recognize Malcom’s contributions to Southeastern.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Bryant started his career in the trucking industry at Southeastern when he was 17 years old. He drove the 1965 B-Model, one of 26 produced that year, with no power steering, no air conditioning and twin stick shifters.
While the industry has evolved and traffic and congestion have made safe driving more challenging than when Bryant began his career, he remains diligent in his focus to maintain his 50-year impeccable driving record. Bryant’s reputation for quality service even extends to the town of Newberry, South Carolina, where he earned the nickname “Mayor.”
When asked about the secret to his success, Bryant states, “I thank the Lord that He blessed me with good health, the ability, and the alertness. I love Southeastern and that drives the desire to always do well.”
“We’re so proud to recognize Malcom for his many years of loyal and faithful service,” says Southeastern President W.T. “Tobin” Cassels. “He’s created a safety record that speaks to Southeastern’s safety culture, setting the bar high for others by letting them know it can be done.”
Bryant is the first Southeastern driver to reach this threshold of safety.
“Because Malcom is the first within our company to accomplish 50 years of safe driving, we as a company were tasked with thinking through how we could best honor this highly regarded professional milestone,” said Cassels. “Through conversations, Malcom mentioned he’d like to have a truck. While we thought he was referring to a crystal model truck for display in his home, that was far from his mind.”
Bryant, who lives on a farm and occasionally hauls hay, wanted a truck. Apart from using it on the farm, he also wanted to take his extended family for rides from time to time. To honor his career, Southeastern surprised Malcom with a customized and refurbished 2012 Volvo. He was also honored with a shadow box of safety pins from Year One to Year Fifty, a one and only custom-made miniature replica of the 1965 B-Model Mack and a $5,000 check.
“Achieving 50 years of safe driving in a linehaul capacity is difficult,” said Cassels. “But it’s almost impossible to achieve this as a pickup and delivery driver with all of the tight turns and backing required. Malcom has accomplished the impossible.”
Word has gotten out in the industry about Malcom’s accomplishment, including Rick Todd, President and CEO of the South Carolina Trucking Association.
“By all accounts, Mr. Bryant has likely exceeded all expectations and really set the bar high for others. The recognition and gifts he’s received are certainly generous and wonderful, but they can’t be as rewarding as the satisfaction and pride of owning a truly remarkable career and track record like his,” said Todd. “Bryant is a genuine ‘Knight of the Road,’ and for aspiring young professional drivers, what a great role model to look to. All drivers should marvel at the thought of what he’s accomplished and how much discipline he’s developed.”
Southeastern Freight Lines’ West Atlanta Service Center Celebrates 20 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (October 8, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 20 years of quality without question service at its West Atlanta service center.
Located at 750 Aquila Way in Austell, Georgia, the service center opened for business on October 5, 1998, with 123 dock doors. Since then, the facility has grown to 181 dock doors and 413 associates, 52 of which are also celebrating 20 years with the service center.
These 52 original associates include 17 pickup and delivery drivers, 11 fleet services, 10 linehaul drivers, seven freight handlers, two administrative, two pickup and delivery dispatchers, one safety specialist, one inbound dock supervisor and one office manager, all of which have been at the Austell service center since its opening in 1998 and remain active with Southeastern today.
“At Southeastern, we deeply value each associate and know that, as a team, we are the keys to achieving quality without question,” said Jason Hood, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “It’s truly amazing to see how these 52 original associates have exhibited a serving attitude and passion for excellence for 20 years and are continuing to do so daily. We’re thrilled to celebrate this important milestone with the West Atlanta team and look forward to watching our facility continue to expand and exceed the needs of our customers in the coming years.”
The West Atlanta service center was the 50th 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 with PeopleNet Ovation Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (September 25, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, received the 2018 PeopleNet Ovation Award in the Data Master category.
Previously known as the Innovator of the Year awards, the in.sight Ovation Awards celebrate PeopleNet customers who are driving innovation in the transportation industry.
Southeastern was recognized within the Data Master category for the innovative approach the company has taken around data and analytics to achieve tangible improvements in their business.
Using telematics data, provided by PeopleNet, Southeastern is able to:
- improve onboard communications
- identify failing global positioning system antennas, cellular antenna issues and vehicle battery problems
- gain miles per gallon efficiencies
- use fault codes to reduce on-the-road breakdowns by 80 percent
"We could not be more humbled to be recognized by PeopleNet as a Data Master," said Michael Owings, director of corporate planning and development for Southeastern Freight Lines. "Their telematics data not only contributes to reduced maintenance costs for Southeastern, but also reduces freight delays which translates to a positive experience for our customers. We truly value the relationship we have developed with PeopleNet and look forward to upholding the high standards recognized today for many years to come."
About PeopleNet:
PeopleNet provides solutions to help fleets improve safety and compliance and reduce costs. PeopleNet’s network communications, mobility and analytics products are used by more than 2,000 truckload, LTL, private, and energy services fleets throughout North America. PeopleNet was established in 1994 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with an office in Ontario, Canada. PeopleNet is a Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) Company. To learn more about PeopleNet and its products, visit www.peoplenetonline.com or call (888) 399-7110.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Kinston Service Center Celebrates 35 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 12, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 35 years of quality without question service at its Kinston, North Carolina, service center.
The Kinston service center opened for business on June 20, 1983 with eight dock doors and seven associates. Four years after opening, the facility moved to its current location, 159 Highway 11 South in Kinston, North Carolina, and has grown to 48 dock doors and 66 associates.
“As we celebrate this milestone in Kinston, it’s incredible to reflect on not only the impact we’ve had on our customers, but to realize how much our team has grown,” said Steve Kell, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “With the commitment of our employees, we look forward to continue growing our shipments and success year-after-year.”
The Kinston service center was the 15th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Fort Myers Service Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 3, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 25 years of quality without question service at its Fort Myers, Florida, service center this month.
Located at 9300 Piper Road in Punta Gorda, Florida, the Fort Myers service center opened for business on May 3, 1993 with 39 dock doors and 41 associates. Since then, the facility has grown to 75 dock doors and 67 associates, with more than half also celebrating 25 years with the service center.
Over 30 associates, including service center manager Ashley Vanderloop, and business development manager Keith McMahon, were hired shortly after the opening of the Fort Myers service center in 1993 and remain active with Southeastern today.
“For over two decades the Fort Myers service center has thrived in this region, experiencing growth as a direct result of our dedication to put customers first,” said Ashley Vanderloop, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since opening in 1993, we’ve built lasting relationships with our customers and we are thrilled to continue providing quality without question to the region for years to come.”
The Fort Myers service center was the 38th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Receives Echo Global Logistics’ 2017 Regional Carrier Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (April 3, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the 2017 Echo Global Logistics Platinum Award for Outstanding Regional LTL Carriers’ Service. Echo recognized Southeastern as a regional LTL carrier with outstanding service, performance and commitment to their clients and employees.
The award is based on various categories of qualitative and quantitative metrics, covering quality of client communication, invoice accuracy, claims, responsiveness, ecommerce, web capabilities and employee training and development.
The regional carrier award reflects the excellence of Southeastern in the industry and their passion for service which includes a commitment to continuous measurable improvement. Southeastern strives to satisfy every partner completely through measuring all aspects of the business relationship. “Southeastern has a proven process to monitor shipment data and proactively identify and address potential issues in a timely manner,” stated Echo Global Logistics Vice President of LTL Carrier Relations, Mark Redini.
"Being recognized for the seventh consecutive year is a testament to our commitment to serving Echo and all of our third-party logistics clients," said Southeastern Senior Vice President Mike Heaton. "We truly value the relationship we have developed with Echo and look forward to upholding these high standards of customer care for many years to come."
About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECHO) is a leading provider of technology-enabled 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 40,000 transportation providers to serve 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.
Media Contact:
Hope Torruella
Largemouth Communications (on behalf of Southeastern Freight Lines)
hope@largemouthpr.com
(919) 459-6462
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Asheville Service Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service
Six employees celebrate over 25 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 29, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 25 years of quality without question service from its Asheville, North Carolina, service center this spring.
Originally located at 137 ½ Sweeten Creek Road, the Asheville service center opened for business on May 3, 1993 with 13 dock doors and 10 associates. Since then, the facility has moved, now located at 200 Mills Gap Road, and grown to 35 employees and 100 total doors.
The facility is also celebrating the anniversaries of six original team members: Drivers Cris Caswell, Hugh Bridges, Larry Holbert, Michael Hyatt, Richard Lindsey and Rick Hoots. All have been with Southeastern since the service center opening in 1993 and are celebrating more than 25 years with the company.
“As we celebrate this milestone in Asheville, it’s incredible to reflect on the meaningful relationships we’ve cultivated with our customers,” said Cris Barry, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “With our tight-knit work family, we look forward to continued success and serving our customers for years to come.”
The Asheville service center was the 37th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company has expanded to operate 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines Serves 5,954 Hours in 2017
Employees Give Back Through “Southeastern Serves” Program
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 29, 2018) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its participation in 5,954 total hours of community service, during 82 total projects, in 2017 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.
“We are fortunate enough to share our commitment of providing quality service not only to our customers but to less fortunate individuals throughout the communities we serve,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines. “Through the Southeastern Serves program, we are able to strengthen the communities who support us year after year through giving back.”
This year, 1,637 participants, including Southeastern associates and their friends and family members, volunteered in Southeastern Serves projects ranging from renovating houses for families in need, collecting food for the homeless, providing pizza parties for foster children and serving meals for victims of domestic abuse.
Most recently, account managers from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky joined Georgia Baptist Children’s Home at their Palmetto, Georgia, campus to provide 12 families a refreshed living space. Across two apartment buildings, the team painted 25 doors and two laundry room floors, planted 30 pieces of shrubbery, pressure washed the exterior and spread mulch across multiple flower beds.
In Greenville, South Carolina, the Southeastern team filled two pickup trucks with food for children and house parents of Miracle Hill Children’s Home.
Meanwhile, the Houston, Texas, sales team served a lunch and provided fellowship, to more than 200 women and children at The Star of Hope Women and Family Development Center.
“The commitment of Southeastern to support so many deserving organizations and individuals through the Southeastern Serves program is humbling. We look forward to the new community service projects that await us in 2018,” said Heaton.
This is the sixth year for the Southeastern Serves program.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Columbus Service Center Celebrates 35 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Nov. 16, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 35 years of quality without question service from its Columbus, Georgia, service center this month.
The Columbus service center opened for business on November 16, 1982, with 16 dock doors. Throughout the more than three decades of service, the Columbus location has relocated due to continued growth and expansion of service offerings in Georgia. It is now located at 3200 Williams Road in Columbus, Georgia, with 32 dock doors and 42 associates.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 35 years with our associates and customers in Columbus,” said Derrick Battle, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see the company grow and provide opportunities for so many people.”
The Columbus service center was the 14th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines Celebrates 30 Years of Service at its Orlando and Tampa Service Centers
LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 20, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services is celebrating 30 years of quality without question service from its service centers in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, this year.
The Orlando service center opened for business on June 15, 1987, with eight dock doors and 27 associates. The location’s business quickly grew and 14 months later moved to a 32 dock door facility. It is now located at 10055 Central Port Drive in Orlando, Florida, with 124 dock doors and 195 associates, three of which are original Orlando employees.
“We are thrilled and humbled as we look back at our past thirty years,” said Steve Burton, Orlando service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since the opening of the Orlando service center, the impact and growth we’ve experienced is an exciting indicator of what’s to come in the approaching decades.”
The Tampa service center also opened for business that same day with 52 dock doors and 26 associates. Since its inception, the location continues to stand at 12315 Country Road 579 in Thonotosassa, Florida. Growing from its modest roots, the location now features 181 dock doors and employs 265 associates, six of which have been there since the beginning.
“It is truly incredible to be able to say our location has been open for three decades,” said Charles Parkman, Tampa service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Throughout these 30 years, our quality without question culture and commitment has allowed us to build meaningful relationships with our customers and we look forward to serving them for many more years to come.”
Orlando and Tampa were dynamic locations as Southeastern has continued to expand since 1987. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has been recognized by more than 400 quality awards received from customers and associations for high service standards and innovative trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Charlotte Service Center Celebrates 45 Years of Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 11, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 45 years of quality without question service from its Charlotte, North Carolina, service center this month.
Originally located on Woodward Avenue, the Charlotte service center opened for business in July 1, 1972 with five dock doors and 10 associates. Since then, the facility moved to its current location at 4524 Reagan Drive and has grown to 122 dock doors and 218 associates, five of which are celebrating more than 40 years at the Charlotte service center.
Linehaul drivers Francis Rawlinson, Joel Stevens, Bernie Burris and Carroll Ricker and Regional Safety Manager Mike Honeycutt were all hired shortly after the opening of the Charlotte service center in 1972 and remain active with Southeastern today.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 45 years with our associates and customers in Charlotte,” said Taylor Wray, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see the company grow and provide opportunities for so many people.”
These opportunities continue to grow, including opening Charlotte’s second service center facility in 2011, located on a 30-acre site at 11700 Steele Creek Road. This location has 123 doors, 201 employees and a full maintenance shop, providing additional transportation capacity for the region. The ability to traffic freight through two locations in areas with heavy traffic congestion helps maintain on-time delivery standards and other measures of efficiency that lead the industry.
The Charlotte service center was the seventh service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. The company now operates 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized with NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 28, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was recognized as a 2016 Carrier of the Year by NASSTRAC in the Regional-Southeast LTL category.
NASSTRAC’s award program acknowledges providers’ service using a scale to rate each organization in five key areas, including: customer service, operational excellence, pricing, business relationship, leadership and technology. NASSTRAC, the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, has been providing advocacy and education for shippers and carriers for more than 50 years.
John Peterson, national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines, accepted the award during the NASSTRAC Shippers Conference & Transportation Expo this spring.
Southeastern’s service partners were also recognized as winners in their respective region: Dayton Freight Lines (Midwest) and Oak Harbor Freight Lines (West). To ensure excellent transportation outside of its core territory, Southeastern Freight Lines uses a network of excellent service providers.
“We are honored to be recognized by NASSTRAC as a regional Carrier of the Year,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Our mission is to exceed the needs of every customer - every single time. The recognition and acknowledgement reassures us that we are fulfilling our purpose, and it motivates us to continue providing our best to all of our customers.”
The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.
Southeastern Receives Lowe's Top Carrier Award for the 10th Straight Year
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named Lowe's LTL Carrier of the Year for 2016. In addition, Southeastern also received Lowe's Platinum Service Award for 2016, which is the highest award designation possible for the home improvement retailer.
This is the tenth year in a row that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Platinum distinction by exceeding all four service goals set by Lowe's.
Lowe's measures carriers each week on meeting four primary objectives including on-time and claim-free deliveries - two of Southeastern's primary operational objectives. Consistently exceeding all four standards earns the Platinum level recognition.
A continuous quality improvement process is the bedrock of Southeastern's leadership in the industry. Through this framework, Southeastern measures every aspect of its business and strives to satisfy every customer completely, becoming more efficient in the process. Southeastern monitors data through the process every day to recognize any trends that fall outside of the goals, working with customers and the entire supply chain to address issues before they become problems.
We appreciate this honor from Lowe's and value the outstanding relationship we have developed over the years. We absolutely welcome and thrive on being measured by our customers. Exceeding Lowe's standards for ten straight years is a testament to the commitment our employees have in the quality improvement process.
Southeastern Freight Lines Celebrates 65 Years of Service at its Charleston and Savannah Service Centers
Celebrating decades of experience, and many more to come.
LEXINGTON, S.C. (April 20, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services is celebrating 65 years of quality without question service from two of its very first service centers, Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, this year.
The Charleston service center opened for business in 1952, with five dock doors and six associates. Throughout the more than six decades of service, the Charleston location has relocated on three occasions due to continued growth and expansion of service offerings in South Carolina. It is now located at 1140 Business Park Lane in Summerville, South Carolina with 63 dock doors and 80 associates.
The Savannah service center opened for business that same year in what is now the Savannah State Farmer’s Market. The location had one dock door. In the 1970’s the location moved to 1717 Old Dean Forest Road in Pooler, Georgia, where it stands today. Growing from its humble roots, the location now features 58 dock doors and employs 70 associates.
“As we celebrate these incredible milestones in Charleston and Savannah, it’s humbling to look back at the impact and growth we’ve experienced,” said Tobin Cassels, president, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Throughout these 65 years, our quality without question culture and commitment to infrastructure has allowed us to expand and deliver more shipments decade after decade. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers and celebrate more monumental milestones.”
Charleston and Savannah were vital locations as Southeastern expanded to six service centers in the 1960’s. Since then, the company has opened 89 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has been recognized by more than 400 quality awards received from customers and associations for high service standards and innovative trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Garland
New Location Enhances Service Throughout Texas
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 13, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced the opening of a new service center in Garland, Texas. The new facility, located at 3301 W. Miller Road in Garland, features 104 dock doors.
"As the fourth permanent service center location opened in the state within the past 18 months, this opening solidifies Southeastern's continued focus on our customers in the Texas market," said David Turner, regional vice president of operations, Southeastern Freight Lines. "We look forward to providing our 'quality without question' service to even more customers in and around Texas."
To oversee daily operations, Southeastern has promoted Matt Hughes to service center manager in Garland. Hughes has more than 14 years of experience with Southeastern, most recently serving as assistant service center manager in Southeastern's facility in Dallas, Texas.
This is the third service center serving the Dallas Fort-Worth metro area, allowing for earlier deliveries, pick-ups and more flexibility in overall services. It also expands Southeastern's capacity and infrastructure.
The new facility will employ 72 associates from service center managers to pick-up and delivery drivers.
Feeding Children Everywhere Brings Mission to Columbia
Social charity partners with Southeastern Freight Lines to package 40,000 meals.
LEXINGTON, S.C. (January 18, 2017) Today, Orlando-based non-profit, Feeding Children Everywhere shared their mission of empowering and mobilizing volunteers to assemble healthy meals for hungry children to Columbia, South Carolina. Southeastern Freight Lines, a leader in regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, hosted a hunger project, preparing 40,000 meals to be donated to local Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Formed in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Feeding Children Everywhere has grown from a movement conceived around a dining room table to a social charity with a far-reaching impact, mobilizing more than 421,000 volunteers to package 62 million healthy meals for hungry children in 49 countries around the world.
The local hunger project will provide 40,000 healthy meals for hungry children in the community, consisting of lentils, white rice, dehydrated vegetables and pink Himalayan salt. Feeding Children Everywhere works directly with a nutritionist to honor their commitment to provide the healthiest meal possible to children around the world. They provided all of the materials and set up for the hunger project to create an assembly line for volunteers to work together efficiently and make a difference in their community.
“It is truly a dynamic experience to witness,” said Brad Fleming, strategic partnerships manager, Feeding Children Everywhere. “The music is booming, lentils are flying and a sea of Southeastern volunteers in hairnets, transcending across age, race, gender and department are working together to make a tangible difference in the fight against global hunger, with a specific focus on their local community.”
The hunger project was the first “Southeastern Serves” campaign for Southeastern Freight Lines in 2017. The Southeastern Serves program is dedicated to giving back to communities across Southeastern’s footprint by having associates of all levels get involved with providing for the less fortunate.
“Southeastern places a high priority on giving back,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Feeding Children Everywhere allows us the opportunity to serve and engage employees in the cause, providing meals for those at risk in our local community. We encourage other businesses to get involved and make an impact on global hunger.”
In 2016, Southeastern recruited 881 volunteers and logged 2,800 total hours of community service across the Southeast, ranging from volunteering at food drives and soup kitchens, to providing school supplies and doing yard work.
Southeastern Freight Lines Serves 2,800 Hours in 2016
Gives Back Through “Southeastern Serves” Program
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 17, 2017) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its participation in more than 2,800 total hours of community service in 2016 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 needy.
“We are fortunate enough to share our commitment to providing quality service not only to our customers but to less fortunate individuals throughout the communities we serve,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines. “Through the Southeastern Serves program, we are able to give back and strengthen the communities who support us year after year.”
This year, 881 participants, including Southeastern associates and their friends and family members, participated in Southeastern Serves projects ranging from volunteering at food drives and soup kitchens, to providing school supplies and yard work.
Most recently, Southeastern’s Miami service center collected almost 1,700 pounds of food to donate to the Star of the Sea Outreach Mission, serving those in need across 34 locations from Key Largo to Key West, Florida. Additionally, the Greenville, South Carolina service center helped The Pendleton Place revamp their playground this past May, spreading mulch, repairing damaged equipment and creating a barrier so the mulch would not wash away. Over in Texas, 35 volunteers from the El Paso service center cooked a homemade fajita dinner in April for the families living at the local Ronald McDonald House.
“The opportunity Southeastern has to support so many deserving organizations and individuals throughout the year as part of the Southeastern Serves program is humbling. We look forward to the new community service projects that await us in the coming year,” said Heaton.
This is the fifth year for the Southeastern Serves program.
Southeastern Receives Eaton’s 2015 Supplier Excellence Award
Four original employees celebrate 35 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 18, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the 2015 Supplier Excellence Award from diversified industrial manufacturer, Eaton.
The Supplier Excellence Award is presented annually to suppliers based on quality, productivity, cost reduction, innovation and technological advances. Southeastern was selected for providing exceptional quality and on-time performance. In addition, Southeastern was also recognized for its contribution to cost and inventory management, increased capacity for shorter lead times, increased factory productivity, customer service, contingency planning, electronic commerce and waste reduction.
Eaton presented the award to Southeastern at the 2016 Eaton Supplier Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
“As one of 74,000 suppliers globally, being recognized to receive this award from Eaton is a true testament to our commitment to deliver “best in class service” to our customers,” said Tommy Keeton, national account manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “We have a great partner in Eaton and look forward to continuing our work with them for many years to come.”
The Supplier Excellence Award reflects Southeastern’s excellence in the industry and its goal to maintain a “quality without question” culture.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Valdosta Service Center Celebrates 35 Years of Service
Four original employees celebrate 35 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (August 24, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 35 years of quality without question service from its Valdosta, Georgia service center this August.
Located at 2126 West Hill Avenue, the Valdosta service center originally opened for business in August of 1981 and currently features 68 dock doors and employs 75 associates.
The facility is also celebrating the anniversaries of four original team members: Craig Moore, Assistant Service Manager, David Morris, Line Haul driver, and Brett Vincent, P&D driver. All three employees have been with the Valdosta service center since its opening in 1981 and are celebrating 35 years with the company.
“Thirty-five years ago, the Valdosta service center opened its doors and brought a new culture of trucking to the region,” said Algie Grubbs, regional vice president of operations, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since opening, the Valdosta service center has experienced tremendous growth, increasing from its original eight employees and nine dock doors, and we could not be more proud to recognize their growth.”
The Valdosta service center was the 13th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Hazlehurst Service Center Celebrates 35 Years of Service
One employee celebrates 32 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 30, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 35 years of quality without question service from its Hazlehurst, Georgia, service center this June.
Originally opened for business in June of 1981, the Hazlehurst service center, located at 9 Matthews Drive, features 30 dock doors and employs 30 associates.
The service center also recognizes Eric Hester, linehaul driver, who has been with the Hazlehurst service center since 1984 and is celebrating 32 years with the company.
“The Hazlehurst service center has thrived for over three decades in this region, experiencing growth as a direct result of our dedication to putting customers first,” said Vic Burton, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since opening in 1981, we’ve built lasting relationships with our customers and look forward to continuing to provide quality without question service for many years to come.”
Hazlehurst was the 12th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Today, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Baton Rouge Service Center Celebrates 20 Years of Service
Original employee celebrates 20 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 31, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 20 years of quality without question service from its Baton Rouge, Louisiana, service center this March.
Originally opened for business in March of 1996, the Baton Rouge service center, located at 2700 Highway 1 North, features 69 dock doors and employs 48 associates.
The service center is also celebrating Linehaul Driver Barrett Sylvan, an original associate who has been with the Baton Rouge service center since its opening in 1996 and is celebrating 20 years with the company.
“The Baton Rouge service center first opened its doors two decades ago, bringing a new dimension of professional service and trucking culture to the market,” said Dan Poteat, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since opening, Southeastern has expanded numerous times in this region, growing from 19 original employees, expanding from 16 to 69 doors and developing long-lasting relationships with our customers over 20 years of operation.”
The Baton Rouge service center was the 47th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Shreveport Service Center Celebrates 20 Years of Service
Three original employees celebrate 20 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 29, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 20 years of quality without question service from its Shreveport, Louisiana, service center this March.
Originally opened for business in March of 1996, the Shreveport service center features 54 doors and 53 associates.
Three original employees are also celebrating anniversaries at the service center this month. Tim Joyce, pick-up and delivery driver, Richard Laux, linehaul driver, and Ken Bazzell, regional vice president of sales, have been with the Shreveport service center since its opening in 1996 and are celebrating 20 years with the company.
“After 20 years of service in Shreveport, our team is continuing to make a significant impact in our market through the quality without question culture our company operates by,” said Jacob Smith, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Through state of the art equipment and extraordinary service, we have built lasting relationships with our customers and look forward to another 20 years of service in Shreveport.”
The Shreveport service center was the 48th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Augusta Service Center Celebrates 40 Years of Service
Two original employees celebrate 40 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 10, 2016) 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 Augusta, South Carolina, service center this March.
Located at 1040 Edgefield Road, the Augusta service center originally opened for business in March of 1976 and currently features 50 dock doors and employs 57 associates.
Two original team members are also celebrating anniversaries at the service center this month. Steve Weeks, pick-up and delivery supervisor, and Angela Hollar, customer service representative, have both been with the Augusta service center since its opening in 1976 and are celebrating 40 years with the company.
“Four decades ago, the Augusta service center opened its doors and brought a new culture of trucking to the region,” said Keith McDonald, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since opening, the Augusta service center has experienced tremendous growth, increasing from its original eight employees and 16 dock doors, which is a testament to the commitment of our team to provide quality without question service to our customers.”
The Augusta service center was the 8th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ New Orleans Service Center Celebrates 20 Years of Service
Two original employees celebrate 20 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 10, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 20 years of quality without question service from its New Orleans, Louisiana, service center this March.
Originally opened for business in March of 1996, the New Orleans service center, located at 1525 Sams Avenue, features 76 dock doors and employs 75 associates.
The service center is also celebrating Account Managers Kenny Barrett and Richard Furtado, two original associates who have been with the New Orleans service center since its opening in 1996 and are celebrating 20 years with the company.
“The New Orleans service center has thrived for two decades in this region, experiencing growth as a direct result of our dedication to putting customers first,” said Scott Chamberlin, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Through our professional drivers, state of the art equipment and quality without question service model, we look forward to many more years of continued growth and success.”
The New Orleans service center was the 46th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Huntsville Service Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service
Four original employees celebrate 25 years with company
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 24, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 25 years of quality without question service from its Huntsville, Alabama, service center this February.
The Huntsville service center, located at 6630 Swancott Road, originally opened for business in February of 1991, and currently features 37 dock doors and employs 42 associates.
The service center is also celebrating the anniversaries of four original team members, Linehaul Drivers William Byrd, Blake Coleman and Lonnie Toney, as well as Pick-up and Delivery Driver Randy Campbell. All four employees have been with the Huntsville service center since its opening in 1991 and are celebrating 25 years with the company.
“When Southeastern’s Huntsville service center first opened its doors in 1991, it introduced a new culture of trucking in Alabama that has lasted a quarter-century,” said Austin Winters, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Our professional group of associates, state of the art equipment and quality without question service model has allowed our service center to experience significant growth over the years while building lasting, loyal relationships with our customers.”
To assist its services in Canada, Southeastern will support deliveries from its gateway service center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Huntsville service center was the 28th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Montgomery Service Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service
Two original employees celebrate 25 years at facility
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 18, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, is celebrating 25 years of quality without question service from its Montgomery, Alabama, service center this February.
Originally opened for business in February of 1991, the Montgomery service center, located at 5000 Westport Blvd., features 37 dock doors and employs 32 associates.
The service center is also celebrating Linehaul Drivers Jesse Keeble and Archie Blevins, who have been with the Montgomery service center since its opening in 1991.
“As we celebrate a quarter-century of service in Montgomery, it’s incredible to look back at the impact we’ve had on our customers through the quality without question culture our team operates by,” said Jeff Sittnick, service center manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Since opening 25 years ago, we’ve built lasting relationships with our customers and provided quality service through our great associates, state of the art equipment and dedication to putting customers first.”
The Montgomery service center was the 29th service center opened by Southeastern Freight Lines since its founding in 1950. Since then, the company operates 88 service centers spanning 14 states, Canada and Puerto Rico and has undergone numerous upgrades in trucks and trucking technologies.
Southeastern Freight Lines Enhances Canada Cross-Border Delivery Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 9, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced it is now providing seamless, door-to-door cross-border delivery between Canada and the United States.
Southeastern’s enhanced offerings include an international through service for Canadian trade, delivering shipments on its own freight bill. Operating out of Toronto, Southeastern’s Canadian team will streamline operations to service customers between our direct U.S. service area and all points in Canada. Customers will benefit from a dedicated customer service representative located in Canada.
“The new and improved Canada cross-border service is a natural extension of Southeastern’s U.S. brand, focused on bringing the same quality without question service in the states to our Canadian customers,” said Bob Bullock, vice president of international for Southeastern Freight Lines. “After extending services into Kentucky and Ohio in 2015, the Canadian service enhancement comes at a natural time of growth for the company. We look forward to providing quality transportation services with streamlined efficiencies into and out of Canada.”
With Southeastern’s enhanced service, transnational customers will be able to ship between Canada and the U.S., rely on door-to-door delivery, trace shipments from start to end, receive quality without question service, and pay bills directly to Southeastern.
To assist its services in Canada, Southeastern will support deliveries from its gateway service center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized as Expeditors’ 2015 Environmental Partner of the Year
LEXINGTON, S.C. (January 19, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the Expeditors Environmental Partner of the Year Award for 2015 from the Atlanta branch.
Expeditors, a global logistics company, recognized Southeastern for its outstanding service, performance and commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Environmental sustainability is very important to our customers, and we are focused on partnering with companies that share our passion for protecting the environment,” said Cassandra Bellows, district services manager at Expeditors. “We depend on Southeastern to get our cargo from point A to point B, but we also depend on them for consistent low claims, timely freight delivery, accurate and timely event management, freight security and the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.”
Southeastern was selected for the award for its proactive investment in new environmentally-friendly technologies, as well as for its efforts in reducing its overall carbon footprint.
"It is an honor to be recognized by Expeditors, a company that is committed to sustainability, for our efforts to be an environmentally-conscious and resourceful company," said Mike Grauel, regional vice president of sales at Southeastern Freight Lines. "The culture at Southeastern is not only shaped by our commitment to providing outstanding service, but also by our efforts to make a difference in the world we all share.”
Southeastern Freight Lines Serves 2,500 Hours in 2015
Gives Back Through “Southeastern Serves” Program
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 12, 2016) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, recently announced participation of 2,590 total hours of community service in 2015 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 involved with providing for the needy.
“We are committed to share our passion for providing quality service to our customers and to the less fortunate individuals throughout the communities we serve,” said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines. “Through the Southeastern Serves program, we are able to give back and strengthen the communities who support us year after year.”
This year, 840 participants, including Southeastern associates and their friends and family members, partook in Southeastern Serves projects ranging from volunteering at food drives and soup kitchens, to providing school supplies and yard work.
Most recently, Southeastern’s Region II service centers, which include more than 20 facilities operating in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, participated in a region-wide volunteer project assisting Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse® program. Together, the Region II service centers collected over 300 shoeboxes to gift many deserving children across the country.
“The opportunity to support so many deserving organizations and needy people throughout the year is humbling. We look forward to the new community service projects that await us in the coming year,” said Heaton.
This is the fourth year for the Southeastern Serves program.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives Quest for Quality Award 32 Years in a Row
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Sept. 21, 2015) Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been honored with Logistics Management’s 2015 Quest for Quality Award in the South/South Central Regional LTL category. This is the 32nd year in a row Southeastern has received this award.
The Quest for Quality Awards are the gold standard for customer satisfaction and performance excellence for carriers, ports and logistics providers worldwide.
"We are honored to once again be recognized with this award by Logistics Managementand its readers, the industry’s most influential shippers," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Southeastern Freight Lines. "Each year, Logistics Management surveys its readers to evaluate transportation service providers and having been recognized for 32 consecutive years speaks volumes to Southeastern’s commitment to providing quality customer service.”
Logistics Management’s Quest for Quality survey is the most respected third party survey of its kind in the transportation and logistics industry. Transportation service providers are evaluated on performance, value, information technology, customer service and equipment and operations. Please click here to learn more about this year’s awards.
The driving force behind Southeastern’s success is its commitment to adding value throughout all aspects of serving customers and providing “quality without question.” Southeastern’s emphasis on reliable service has resulted in more than 400 quality awards from some of the most respected companies in the United States. These awards reflect Southeastern’s trustworthiness and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Southeastern Receives Sharp Electronics' 2014 LTL Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 8, 2015) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been recognized for its outstanding service performance as the 2014 Sharp LTL Carrier of the Year by Sharp Electronics Corporation, a manufacturer of unique electronic products and solutions.
This is the third year for the award program and Southeastern has been recognized every year. The award is based on three main criteria: cut time performance, EDI 214 urgency and on-time delivery.
“Southeastern Freight Lines has been the top overall rated LTL carrier in our network for three consecutive years,” said Brian S. Yablonski, manager, Logistics Analysis and Transportation at Sharp Electronics. “Southeastern’s attention to our account and the service it provides has been unprecedented and we are grateful to have them as a carrier.”
“We are honored to have been named the 2014 LTL Carrier of the Year by Sharp Electronics and value the outstanding relationship we have developed with them over the last few years," said Trey Fudger, national account manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. "Receiving this award for the third consecutive year shows Southeastern’s dedication to providing top quality service for Sharp Electronics and all of our customers.”
About Sharp Electronics Corporation: Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions, LED lighting and mobile communication and information tools. Leading products include AQUOS® LED TVs, Insight® Microwave Drawer® ovens, Notevision® multimedia projectors and Plasmacluster® air purifiers.
Southeastern Receives BASF’s Supplier of the Year Less Than Truckload Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 27, 2015) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced it received the “Supplier of the Year Less Than Truckload Award” from BASF, the largest chemical company in the world.
This is the third time in the last five years that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Supplier of the Year distinction from BASF.
BASF has several shipping locations across Southeastern’s direct service area. Associates from Pasadena, Texas, to Mobile, Alabama, to Central, South Carolina and multiple locations in between, all played a role in providing first-class service that led to Southeastern’s recognition from BASF.
"We appreciate this honor from BASF, recognizing our commitment to provide our customers the highest quality LTL service, " said Trey Fudger, national account manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. "We take tremendous pride in working with BASF, and we look forward to continuing our long-term partnership."
Fudger and Southeastern’s Senior Vice President of Sales Mike Heaton accepted the award during a recognition ceremony on March 10 in Morristown, New Jersey.
The Supplier of the Year award reflects Southeastern’s excellence in the industry and its goal to maintain its "quality without question" culture.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Lubbock
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Northeastern Texas
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 11, 2015) Southeastern Freight Lines,
the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced the
opening of a new service center in Lubbock, Texas.
The new facility, located at 5701 Elm Avenue in Lubbock, features 37 dock doors.
To oversee daily operations of the new service center, Southeastern has promoted Kelly Brackeen
to service center manager in Lubbock. Brackeen has 14 years of experience in warehousing and transportation,
most recently serving as assistant service center manager in Southeastern's facility in Tyler.
"By expanding our presence with this service center in Lubbock, we will be better positioned
to increase Southeastern's quality of service throughout northeastern Texas," said Brackeen.
"Southeastern Freight Lines has served local markets in Texas with best-in-class performance for several
years and we look forward to continuing that same level of quality service in the Lubbock."
The opening of Lubbock places Southeastern closer to its customer base, which will
allow for earlier deliveries, pick-ups and over all better service.
"We are excited to officially begin operations in the new Lubbock service center,
helping to better serve our customers in the region," said David Turner, regional vice president of
operations, Southeastern Freight Lines.
The new service center will open and begin operations on May 11.
Southeastern receives Lowe's top carrier award for the 8th straight year
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Mar. 19, 2015) - 
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named Lowe's LTL Carrier of the Year for 2014. In addition, Southeastern also received Lowe's Platinum Service Award for 2014, which is the highest award designation possible for the home improvement retailer.
This is the eighth year in a row that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Platinum distinction by exceeding all four service goals set by Lowe's.
Lowe's measures carriers each week on meeting four primary objectives including on-time and claim-free deliveries - two of Southeastern's primary operational objectives. Consistently exceeding all four standards earns the Platinum level recognition.
A continuous quality improvement process is the bedrock of Southeastern's leadership in the industry. Through this framework, Southeastern measures every aspect of its business and strives to satisfy every customer completely, becoming more efficient in the process. Southeastern monitors data through the process every day to recognize any trends that fall outside of the goals, working with customers and the entire supply chain to address issues before they become problems.
"We appreciate this honor from Lowe's and value the outstanding relationship we have developed over the years," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We absolutely welcome and thrive on being measured by our customers. Exceeding Lowe's standards for eight straight years is a testament to the commitment our employees have in the quality improvement process."
All customers benefit from Southeastern's industry-leading performance, including 99.4 percent of next-day shipments delivered on time, 99.9 percent of shipments handled free of shortage or damage, and a 99.4 percent invoice accuracy measure.
Southeastern Freight Lines Expands Services Across Kentucky
Expansion Provides Quality Without Question Transportation Services throughout the Sun Belt
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 09, 2015) Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced it is expanding its business across the Sun Belt region, opening four new service centers in Kentucky in response to a growing customer service need.
Strategically positioned across the state, Southeastern's new service centers in Lexington, Louisville and Bowling Green, Kentucky, as well as Cincinnati, Ohio, will provide quality transportation services with streamlined efficiencies for customer shipments throughout the Kentucky and Cincinnati areas. The new service centers will maximize delivery performance and minimize travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers.
"Expanding into Kentucky is a natural extension of Southeastern's footprint. After just recently celebrating 2014 revenue of $1 billion, the expansion comes at a natural time of growth for the company," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Southeastern Freight Lines. "Having served in local markets across the Sun Belt with best-in-class performance for many years, we look forward to expanding the quality customer service we're known for throughout the region by meeting customers' needs in Kentucky."
The new locations are as follows:
- 1025 Goodwin Drive in Lexington, KY, featuring 24 dock doors
- 2220 S. 7th Street Louisville, KY, featuring 48 dock doors
- 2570 Russellville Road in Bowling Green, KY, featuring 22 dock doors
- 5770 Este Avenue in Cincinnati, OH, featuring 40 dock doors
The new facilities will employ more than 40 associates, from service center managers to pick-up and delivery drivers. They are scheduled to open and begin operations on March 2.
Southeastern's Fritz Missel Receives Plunkett-Stoioff Award at South Carolina International Trade Conference
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 16, 2014)
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Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced Fritz Missel, International Business Development Manager at Southeastern Freight Lines, has received the 2014 Plunkett-Stoioff Award. The award was presented at the 41st Annual South Carolina International Trade Conference (SCITC) in Charleston, South Carolina.
Each year, the Plunkett-Stoioff Award recognizes one logistics professional from the trucking or maritime community in South Carolina who epitomizes the level of professionalism and character the SCITC wants its members to embody.
Missel joined Southeastern in 2005 after retiring from 25 years of service at Roadway.
"Fritz has an impeccable reputation not only within Southeastern where he leads international sales efforts in the Charleston market, but also among the industry community," said Keith Huggins, regional vice president, Southeastern Freight Lines. "Fritz is a proud embodiment of the SCITC and we are honored to call him a member of the Southeastern team."
The Plunkett-Stoioff Award is named for two of the founding members of the SCITC. John Stoioff, one of the award's namesakes, retired from Southeastern Freight Lines in 1991.
Southeastern Freight Lines is a long-time supporter and participant of the SCITC.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives Quest for Quality Award 31 Years in a Row
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 13, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been honored with Logistics Management's 2014 Quest for Quality Award in the South/South Central Regional LTL category. This is the 31st year in a row Southeastern has received this award.
"We are delighted to again receive this award," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president at Southeastern. "Logistics Management surveys its readers to evaluate transportation service providers and being recognized consistently for 31 years is a true testament to Southeastern's commitment to providing quality customer service."
Logistics Management's Quest for Quality is the most respected third party survey of its kind in the transportation and logistics industry. Each year this survey evaluates and measures transportation service providers, determines relevant criteria when customers select a provider and examines performance measurements to meet customer expectations. Attributes evaluated include performance, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment and operations. Please click here to learn more about this year's awards.
The driving force behind Southeastern's success is its commitment to adding value throughout all aspects of serving customers and providing "quality without question." Southeastern's emphasis on reliable service has resulted in more than 400 quality awards from some of the most respected companies in the United States. These awards reflect Southeastern's trustworthiness and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Southeastern Freight Lines Earns 2014 NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 22, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was recognized as a 2014 Carrier of the Year by NASSTRAC in the Regional-Southeast category.
In its annual Carrier of the Year Awards program, NASSTRAC recognizes carriers that have demonstrated excellence in transportation. Southeastern was graded on a quantitative scale in five key areas, including customer service, operational excellence, pricing, business relationship and leadership/technology.
"Being recognized by NASSTRAC as a regional Carrier of the Year for the third year in a row validates the Quality Without Question culture that runs throughout Southeastern," said Mike Heaton, a SEFL senior vice president. "This award illustrates the commitment of Southeastern and our employees to provide the highest quality service to all of our customers."
The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Lafayette Area
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Louisiana
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 12, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a relocated service center in Carencro, Louisiana, in response to growing business in the region.
The new Carencro service center, located at 4230 NE Evangeline Thruway, will employ 43 associates and features 5,000 square feet of office and warehouse space and 45 dock doors.
As shipments continue to grow in the region, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments throughout Louisiana.
"By expanding our presence with this service center in the Lafayette area, we will be better positioned to provide Southeastern's quality without question service to local markets throughout Louisiana," said Scott Slagle, service center manager for Southeastern Freight Lines in Carencro. "Southeastern Freight Lines has served local markets in Louisiana with best-in-class performance for several years and we look to continue this quality service in Carencro for many years to come."
The new service center will enhance delivery performance and reduce travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers. In addition, the new service center boasts many sustainable and unique features, including a generator, motion detectable lighting and LED swing arm lighting.
The additional capacity of the new service center also permits Southeastern to handle more freight supporting existing and future customers, with room for business growth.
The new service center will open and begin operations on May 12.
Southeastern Freight Lines Goes Mobile with Onboard Technology
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 5, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its more than 2,850-tractor fleet now features a new, upgraded onboard mobile system that increases efficiencies by seamlessly integrating new custom applications to improve its already industry-leading customer service. The system is known as Blu.2 and is provided by PeopleNet, a leading provider of onboard technology in the trucking industry.
The revamped onboard technology enhances customer service and the safety of its drivers' environment by utilizing applications that incorporate the location, navigation, vehicle performance, and other data surrounding a truck and its route. For example, Southeastern's fleet services department can now monitor the health of vehicles while they are on the road, sending advanced notifications if service may soon be required or alerting the maintenance team if a truck experiences an issue such as overheating.
"With the advanced Wi-Fi capabilities of our newly adopted mobile technology, automatic relays of information are continuously sent through the server, such as vehicle mileages and pick-up and delivery information," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development, Southeastern Freight Lines. "This opens the door for Southeastern to better monitor its fleet by being able to collect data instantaneously across our onboard mobile system's telecommunications network."
The new onboard technology comes in a mobile device and accommodates the carrier's customized fleet management applications, including electronic driver logs and driver vehicle inspection reporting solutions.
With a strong technology infrastructure, Southeastern is able to collect and mine data to support its mission of customer service excellence.
"In the fast-paced LTL industry, our drivers need to be able to access company and client data quickly and at any time during their journeys," said Vick. "This system-wide upgrade allows Southeastern's drivers to enhance customer service by providing readily available information and applications, while also providing new opportunities for applications to be added in the future."
Southeastern has been a leader in innovation across the fleet industry for the past 22 years by consistently upgrading its onboard technology to meet market demands, including prompt inventory, short-order scheduling, swift customer response, internet tracking and mobile computing. This is the fifth generation of updates to Southeastern's onboard technology system.
Southeastern receives Lowe's top carrier award for the 7th straight year
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Mar. 17, 2014)
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Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named Lowe's Platinum Carrier of the Year, the highest award designation possible for the home improvement retailer.
Southeastern is the only carrier LTL carrier to receive this Platinum-level award in consecutive years. This is the seventh-year in a row that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Platinum distinction by achieving all four goals set by Lowe's.
"Lowe's measures carriers each week on meeting four primary objectives including on-time and claim-free deliveries - two of Southeastern's primary operational objectives. Consistently exceeding all four standards earns the Platinum level recognition.
A continuous quality improvement process is the bedrock of Southeastern's leadership in the industry. Through this framework, Southeastern measures every aspect of its business and strives to satisfy every customer completely, becoming more efficient in the process. Southeastern monitors data through the process every day to recognize any trends that fall outside of the goals, working with customers and the entire supply chain to address issues before they become problems.
"We appreciate this honor from Lowe's and value the outstanding relationship we have developed over the years," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We absolutely welcome and thrive on being measured by our customers. Meeting Lowe's standards for five straight years are a testament to the commitment our employees have in the quality improvement process."
All customers benefit from Southeastern's industry-leading performance, including 99.4 percent of next-day shipments delivered on time, 99.9 percent of shipments handled free of shortage or damage, and a 99.4 percent invoice accuracy measure.
Southeastern Receives Echo Global Logistics' 2013 Regional Carrier Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Mar. 18, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the 2013 Echo Global Logistics Platinum Award for Outstanding Regional LTL Carriers Service. Echo recognized Southeastern as a regional LTL carrier with outstanding service, performance and commitment to their clients and employees.
The award is based on various categories of qualitative and quantitative metrics, covering quality of client communication, invoice accuracy, claims, responsiveness, ecommerce and web capabilities, employee training and development.
The regional carrier award reflects the excellence of Southeastern in the industry and their commitment to a continuous quality improvement process. Southeastern strives to satisfy every partner completely through measuring all aspects of the business relationship. "The Southeastern review process includes daily data monitoring and working with clients and employees to address any issue that are identified through their processes," stated Echo Global Logistics Vice President of LTL Carrier Relations, Mark Redini.
"We are honored to have received this award from Echo for the second year in a row and value the outstanding relationship we have developed with Echo over the years," said Southeastern Senior Vice President Mike Heaton. "This industry recognition highlights the commitment of Southeastern and our employees to serve Echo and all of our third-party logistics clients."
About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, based in Chicago, is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, delivered on a proprietary technology platform, serving the transportation and logistics needs of its clients. Echo maintains a web-based technology platform that compiles and analyzes data from its network of over 24,000 transportation providers to serve its clients' shipping and freight management needs. Echo procures transportation and provides logistics services for clients across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, construction, consumer products and retail. For more information on Echo, visit: www.echo.com.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Jacksonville, FL.
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 20, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a new service center in Jacksonville, Fla.
The new Jacksonville service center, located at 3335 Edgewood Ave., features 125 dock doors, 22,000 square feet of office space and more than 19,000 square feet of warehouse space. Ten of the doors are dedicated for serving international customers in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands.
As shipments continue to grow, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the Jacksonville area. The new Jacksonville service center replaces a previous facility and provides capacity to accommodate future growth.
The new service center will enhance delivery performance and reduce travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers. In addition, the new service center will boast many unique features, including an appointment warehouse, maintenance shop with eight truck bays, 16 line-haul bunkrooms for road drivers, and an integrated air system, allowing the easy filling of air bags that block and brace shipments to prevent freight from shifting during transit.
"With the addition of this service center in Jacksonville, we will be even better positioned to provide Southeastern's quality without question service to the local market," said Marty Coffey, service center manager for Southeastern in Jacksonville. "Southeastern Freight Lines has provided the Jacksonville market with 'best-in-class' performance for many years. With the opening of the new Jacksonville service center, our customers in the market will benefit even more from the added capacity with improved pickup and delivery times."
The Jacksonville service center employs 158 associates and is continuing to hire pickup and delivery drivers and freight handlers.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives Expeditors' 2013 Performance Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 2, 2014) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the Expeditors Performance Carrier of the Year Award for 2013.
Expeditors, a global logistics company, recognized Southeastern's service center in Charleston, S.C. at the first annual Expeditors Vendor Appreciation Day for its outstanding service, performance and commitment to Expeditors' customers.
The award recognizes Southeastern for its commitment to on-time delivery and customer service; highlighting Southeastern's electronic data interchange (EDI) initiatives that allow for timely updates of delivery progress. Southeastern first started working with Expeditors out of its Charleston service center in May of 2013.
"We are honored to be recognized by Expeditors after just six months of doing business together and look forward to continuing to build on our relationship," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president, Southeastern. "This industry recognition highlights the commitment of Southeastern and our employees to serve Expeditors and all of our third-party logistics clients."
All customers benefit from Southeastern's industry-leading performance, including 99.4 percent of next-day shipments delivered on time, 99.9 percent of shipments handled free of shortage or damage, and a 99.4 percent invoice accuracy measure.
Southeastern Freight Lines Serves 1,300 Hours in 2013
Gives Back Through "Southeastern Serves" Program
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Dec. 13, 2013) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced its participation in 1,323 total hours of community service this year 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.
"Our commitment to serving has enabled the company to build a unique culture of customer service, and we are now taking that serving mentality to less fortunate individuals throughout the communities we serve," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president at Southeastern Freight Lines. "Through Southeastern Serves, we are able to give back and strengthen the communities who have supported us over the years."
This year, 572 Southeastern associates across 17 service centers and support center divisions participated in Southeastern Serves projects ranging from volunteering at food drives and soup kitchens, to providing school supplies and yard work.
These projects were with more than 15 various organizations including the San Antonio Foodbank in San Antonio, Texas, Resurrections in Lexington, S.C., Coats for the Cold in Knoxville, Tenn., Georgia Sheriff's Youth Homes in Dalton, Ga. and the Charlotte Rescue Mission in Charlotte, N.C.
"Southeastern is committed to providing quality service both inside and outside of the business," said Heaton. "We are humbled to have had opportunities to support so many deserving organizations as part of the Southeastern Serves program and we look forward to growing our community service endeavors in the coming years."
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives Quest for Quality Award 30 Years in a Row
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2013) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been honored with Logistics Management's 2013 Quest for Quality Award in the South/South Central Regional LTL category for its outstanding dedication to executing service improvements and continuing to meet increasing freight demands. This is the 30th year in a row Southeastern has received this honor.
"We are honored to receive this award for the 30th year," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president at Southeastern. "Being recognized for a prestigious award such as Quest for Quality consistently for 30 years is a true testament to Southeastern's commitment to providing quality customer service."
Logistics Management's Quest for Quality is the most extensive market research study conducted in the transportation and logistics industry. Each year this survey evaluates and measures transportation service providers, determines relevant criteria when customers select a provider and examines performance measurements to meet customer expectations. Attributes evaluated include performance, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment and operations. Please click here to learn about this year's awards.
The driving force behind Southeastern's success is its commitment to adding value throughout all aspects of serving customers and providing "quality without question." Southeastern's emphasis on reliable service has resulted in more than 350 quality awards from some of the most respected companies in the United States. These awards reflect Southeastern's trustworthiness and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Monroe, La.
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Louisiana
LEXINGTON, S.C. (August 5, 2013) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a service center in Monroe, La. in response to growing business in the region.
The new Monroe service center, located at 309 Charleston Ave., features 4,160 square feet of office space and 13,620 square feet of dock space including 45 dock doors, will initially employ 14 associates.
As shipments continue to grow in the region, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the Monroe area. Having previously served this market out of Shreveport, La., the new service center in Monroe will put Southeastern closer to its customers in the Monroe area.
The new service center will enhance delivery performance and reduce travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers. In addition, the new service center will boast many sustainability features, including energy-efficient LED lighting with light controlled sensors and energy-efficient ratio heating, ventilation and air conditioning with electronic control thermostats.
"With the addition of this service center in Monroe, we will be even better positioned to provide Southeastern's quality without question service to the local market," said Jacob Smith, service center manager for Southeastern in Monroe. "Southeastern Freight Lines has provided the Monroe market with "best-in-class" performance for many years. With the opening of the Monroe service center, our customers in the Monroe market will benefit even more from the added capacity with improved pickup and delivery times."
The new service center will open and begin operations on Aug. 12.
Southeastern Freight Lines Earns NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (April 26, 2013) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was recognized as a 2013 Carrier of the Year by NASSTRAC in the Regional-Southeast category
Southeastern's national service partner Dayton Freight Lines was also recognized as a 2013 Carrier of the Year in the Regional-Midwest category. To ensure exceptional transportation outside of its core territory, Southeastern Freight Lines uses a network of outstanding service providers.
"Recognition by NASSTRAC as a regional Carrier of the Year is a testament to the Quality Without Question culture that runs throughout Southeastern," said Mike Heaton, a SEFL senior vice president. "This recognition highlights the commitment of Southeastern and our employees to provide the highest quality service to all of our customers."
The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.
Southeastern receives Lowe's top carrier award for the 6th straight year
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 20, 2013)
- Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named Lowe's Platinum Carrier of the Year, the highest award designation possible for the home improvement retailer.
Southeastern is the only carrier LTL carrier to receive this Platinum-level award in consecutive years. This is the fifth-year in a row that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Platinum distinction by achieving all four goals set by Lowe's.
"Lowe's measures carriers each week on meeting four primary objectives including on-time and claim-free deliveries - two of Southeastern's primary operational objectives. Consistently exceeding all four standards earns the Platinum level recognition.
A continuous quality improvement process is the bedrock of Southeastern's leadership in the industry. Through this framework, Southeastern measures every aspect of its business and strives to satisfy every customer completely, becoming more efficient in the process. Southeastern monitors data through the process every day to recognize any trends that fall outside of the goals, working with customers and the entire supply chain to address issues before they become problems.
"We appreciate this honor from Lowe's and value the outstanding relationship we have developed over the years," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We absolutely welcome and thrive on being measured by our customers. Meeting Lowe's standards for five straight years are a testament to the commitment our employees have in the quality improvement process."
All customers benefit from Southeastern's industry-leading performance, including 99.4 percent of next-day shipments delivered on time, 99.9 percent of shipments handled free of shortage or damage, and a 99.4 percent invoice accuracy measure.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in South Houston, Tx.
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Texas
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 21, 2013) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a second service center in Houston, Texas in response to growing business in the region
The new facility, located at 7313 East Orem Dr. in South Houston, features 15,000 square feet of office space, a 9,800 square foot appointment warehouse and 125 dock doors. The facility will provide improved delivery performance and decreased travel time between centers and Southeastern customers. In addition, the new facility will boast many sustainability features, including a solar panel field that will generate one-third of the facility's power and a 10,000 gallon rain water harvesting system to conserve water.
"By adding this service center in South Houston, we will be even better positioned to provide Southeastern's quality without question service to the local market," said Garrett Elrod, service center manager for Southeastern in South Houston. "Southeastern Freight Lines has provided the Houston market with "best-in-class" performance for many years. With the opening of the South Houston service center, our customers in the Houston market will benefit even more from the added capacity with improved pickup and delivery times."
Southeastern has seen double-digit shipment growth each year for nearly a decade in this region. As the business continues to grow, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the South Houston area. The ability to traffic freight through two locations in areas with heavy traffic congestion will help to ensure on-time delivery standards and other measures of efficiency that lead the industry.
The South Houston Service Center will employ over 100 associates in the Houston area. The new facility will begin operations on Feb. 25 and will celebrate its grand opening on April 11.
Southeastern Receives Brunswick Bowling 2012 Crown Club Supplier Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 3, 2013) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was recognized with the 2012 Brunswick Bowling Crown Club Supplier Award for its outstanding service and support for innovation to Brunswick bowling products.
Of the award's 10 recipients this year, including suppliers of raw materials, manufacturing components and services, Southeastern was the only asset-based transportation company to receive the award.
"Southeastern Freight Lines and their national accounts manager, Terrell Hixon, has been a carrier for our Ball Plant in Reynosa, Mexico, for the past four years," said Jeff Cavalier, director of operations, Brunswick Bowling. "They have provided 99 percent on-time delivery along with zero claims through their McAllen, Texas service center servicing our facility in Pharr, Texas. Their service has been seamless to our customers and they have also helped us reduce our cost in the Northeast, along with improving our service to our customers."
The 2012 Crown Club Supplier Award reflects Southeastern's excellence in the industry and its steadfast commitment in providing the most optimal delivery experience to its customers.
"We are honored to have received this award from Brunswick Bowling and truly value the outstanding relationship we have developed with them over the years," said Mike Heaton, senior vice president, Southeastern. "This recognition highlights the commitment of Southeastern and our employees to continue serving Brunswick Bowling and all of our customers to our best ability."
About Brunswick Bowling & Billiards
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation has been a leader in the recreation business for more than 160 years. Founded in 1845 to make billiards tables, Brunswick Corporation is the leader in bringing Genuine Ingenuit™ to everything it makes. Brunswick Bowling & Billiards, one of the largest operators of full-service bowling and family recreation centers in North America, is a full-line supplier of bowling equipment, supplies and consumer products, and designs billiards tables and accessories. For more information, visit our Web site at www.brunswickbowling.com.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Fort Worth, Tx.
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Texas
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 18, 2012) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leader in regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a service center in Fort Worth, TX in response to growing business in the region and to improve service to current customers.
The new facility, located at 5300 Martin St. in Fort Worth, features 15,000 square feet of office space, a 10,000 square foot appointment warehouse and 125 doors. The facility will provide improved delivery performance and decreased travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers. This service center will primarily service the greater Fort Worth area.
"We are excited to better serve the local market by adding this service center in Fort Worth," said Matt Bowen, service center manager for Southeastern in Fort Worth. "This service center will lighten the load on our Dallas service center and thereby ensure top notch customer service and delivery times to our Fort Worth customer."
Southeastern has seen double digit shipment growth each year for nearly a decade in this region. As the business continues to grow, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the Fort Worth area.
"At Southeastern, we are proud of our 99 percent on time delivery and this service center allows us to continue rapid growth without compromising customer service to our valued Fort Worth customers," said David Turner, regional vice president of operations for Southeastern.
The Fort Worth Service Center will employ over 100 individuals, including 10 new hires from the Fort Worth community.
Southeastern adds Document Retrieval to its Mobile Site
LEXINGTON, S.C. (October 5, 2012) - Update! Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, introduces a mobile website for smart phones and tablets to enable on-the-go access to shipment tracking, routing guide, services, news, and document image retrieval for customers. Customers now have mobile access to documents such as bills-of-lading, proof-of-delivery, weight certificates, and other documents from their mobile devices.
A leader in technology for the trucking industry, Southeastern has offered tracked shipping through their website for more than 15 years and shipment tracking through a dial-in connection for more than 25 years. The new mobile website takes Southeastern's tracking capabilities one step further by offering the same services to customers and employees with easy access from mobile devices.
The mobile website also provides Southeastern employees with the ability quickly check routing information for quick replies to customer questions.
"We have always prided ourselves on using technology to improve customer service, and this mobile website is just another example," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We tailored the mobile website for the most popular website services for the limited amount of space on smart phones. We have received a great deal of positive feedback and plan to expand functionality to provide even more customer service through this mobile site."
Adoption of the system has been rapid, as Southeastern received nearly 3,000 tracking inquiries in the first 10 days after the site's launch.
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Louisiana
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Sept. 13, 2012) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leader in regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a service center in Lafayette, La. in response to growing business in the region and to improve service to current customers.
The new facility, located at 1038 Walker Road, Lafayette, LA, 70506, has 28 doors and will provide improved morning delivery performance and decreased travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers. This service center will primarily service the Lafayette and Alexandria areas.
"We are excited to better serve the local market by adding this service center in Lafayette," said Lafayette Service Center Manager Scott Slagle. Slagle has been with Southeastern for more than 18 years in Florida, Texas and now Louisiana.
Customers in the area were previously served through the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles service centers. "At Southeastern, we are proud of our 99 percent on time delivery and this service center allows us to continue rapid growth without compromising customer service to our valued Lafayette and Alexandria customers," said Mike Moss, regional vice president of operations for Southeastern.
In the past year, Southeastern has seen an 8-10 percent increase in shipments in Lafayette. As the business continues to grow, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the Lafayette area.
The Lafayette Service Center will employ 30 individuals, including 26 new hires from the Lafayette community. The new facility will officially open on Sept. 17. Southeastern plans to celebrate Associate Appreciation Week and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in conjunction with this opening.
Additional Capacity Enhances Service throughout Arkansas
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Sept. 13, 2012) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leader in regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a service center in Jonesboro, Ark. in response to growing business in the region and to improve service to current customers.
The new facility, located on a 3-acre site at 3218 Industrial Dr. in Jonesboro, has 20 doors and will provide improved morning delivery performance and decreased travel time between service centers and Southeastern customers. This service center will primarily service the northeast Arkansas area.
"We are excited to open this new facility for Southeastern Freight Lines and look forward to establishing our world class service and culture in this new market," said Phillip Woodall, Jonesboro Service Center Manager.
Customers in the area were previously served through three other area service centers. "We pride ourselves with providing unmatched customer service, responsiveness and 99 percent on-time delivery. This new service center is another example of our efforts to grow without compromising customer service to our valued Jonesboro customers." said David Turner, Regional Vice President of Operations at Southeastern Freight Lines.
In the past year, Southeastern has seen an increase in Jonesboro shipments. As the business continues to grow, this new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the Jonesboro area.
The Jonesboro Service Center will employ thirteen individuals, including four new hires from the Jonesboro community. The new facility will officially open on Sept. 17, 2012. Southeastern plans to celebrate Associate Appreciation Week and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in conjunction with this opening.
Southeastern Freight Lines proud to be among corporate partners with volunteer staff and financial support
LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 19, 2012) - Resurrections is a helping hands ministry that hosts a lunch every Saturday in downtown Columbia, offering a hot meal and welcoming environment to those in need. Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider headquartered in nearby Lexington, will partner throughout the year to feed Columbia's homeless and hungry.
Resurrections, a non-profit organization, is supported entirely through donations and volunteer staff and hosts the weekly Saturday lunches at the Kelly Suggs Law Center in downtown Columbia. Without Resurrections and the donations of time, money and food from the Columbia community and companies like Southeastern, the homeless in downtown Columbia would have no consistent place to eat on Saturday.
"Our lunches are truly an effort of the community to help the community," said Larry Nichols, director at Resurrections. "The efforts of Southeastern have been a true blessing to Resurrections and those we serve. Southeastern's culture of community service and commitment by employees to the communities they serve is something they live in both word and action, and to see this company spirit flourish at our Saturday lunches has been truly remarkable and rare."
Resurrections provides a full meal with hot dogs, fruit, chips, cookies, drinks and other food that is often homemade by volunteers, every Saturday, rain or shine, even on holidays. "Those we serve often tell us that if we were not there, they would not eat," added Nichols.
"Southeastern is humbled to support the Columbia local community by partnering with this generous organization," said Mike Heaton, a senior vice president at Southeastern Freight Lines. "Resurrections is a natural fit with the service culture we strive for at Southeastern in everything we do, and the Resurrections mission is the perfect opportunity for us to give back for the many blessings we have as individuals and as a company. We encourage other area businesses to learn more about the Resurrections ministry and opportunities for support."
About Resurrections
Resurrections serves hot dogs on Saturdays to Columbia's homeless and hungry when traditional soup kitchens are closed. Each Saturday, Resurrections serves between 125 and 250 meals. Resurrections accepts donations of time, money or food from the community to make these lunches possible. One hundred percent of funds go directly to support this community effort with no paid volunteers. For more information, please visit Resurrections.
Southeastern Receives Echo Global Logistics' Carrier Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 15, 2012) - Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the Echo Global Logistics' Carrier Award. Southeastern was recognized for the award for its excellence in carrier rankings for categories including quality of service, customer service and overall responsiveness.
To determine award winners, Echo surveyed more than 400 associates, grading carriers based on service metrics such as timeliness and claims performances, as well as standards that include ease of doing business, customer service and creativity.
The award reflects Southeastern's excellence in the industry and commitment to a continuous quality improvement process. Southeastern strives to satisfy every customer completely through measuring all aspects of its business. "The review process includes daily data monitoring and working with customers and employees to address any issue that becomes apparent through this data," stated Echo Global Logistics' Vice President of LTL Carrier Relations, Mark Redini.
"We are honored to have received this award from Echo and value the outstanding relationship we have developed over the years," said Southeastern's Senior Vice President Mike Heaton. "This recognition highlights the commitment of Southeastern and our employees to serve Echo and all of our third-party logistics customers."
About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, based in Chicago, is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, delivered on a proprietary technology platform, serving the transportation and logistics needs of its clients. Echo maintains a web-based technology platform that compiles and analyzes data from its network of over 24,000 transportation providers to serve its clients' shipping and freight management needs.
Southeastern Freight Lines Earns NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (April 3, 2012) - Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was recognized as a 2012 Carrier of the Year by NASSTRAC in the Regional-Southeast category.
NASSTRAC's award program recognizes providers using a scale consisting of customer service, operational excellence, pricing, business relationship, leadership and technology. NASSTRAC, the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, has been providing advocacy and education for shippers and carriers for more than 50 years.
Southeastern's service partners were also recognized as winners in their respective region: A. Duie Pyle (Northeast), Dayton Freight Lines (Midwest) and Oak Harbor Freight Lines (West). To ensure excellent transportation outside of its core territory, Southeastern Freight Lines uses a network of excellent service providers.
"We are honored to be recognized by NASSTRAC as a regional Carrier of the Year," said Mike Heaton, a SEFL senior vice president. "We are also pleased that each of our service partners were also winners. Our partner alliance gives us the ability to provide best-in-class transit times throughout the nation. We appreciate this acknowledgement of our commitment to service excellence from NASSTRAC."
The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.
Southeastern Exceeds Quality Standards Five Years in a Row!
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 26, 2012)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named Lowe's Platinum Carrier of the Year,
the highest award designation possible for the home improvement retailer.
Southeastern is the only LTL carrier to receive the Platinum-level award. This is the fifth-year in a row that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Platinum distinction by achieving all four goals set by Lowe's.
Lowe's measures carriers each week on meeting four primary objectives including on-time and claim-free deliveries - two of Southeastern's primary operational objectives. Consistently exceeding all four standards earns the Platinum level recognition.
A continuous quality improvement process is the bedrock of Southeastern's leadership in the industry. Through this framework, Southeastern measures every aspect of its business and strives to satisfy every customer completely, becoming more efficient in the process. Southeastern monitors data through the process every day to recognize any trends that fall outside of the goals, working with customers and the entire supply chain to address issues before they become problems.
"We appreciate this honor from Lowe's and value the outstanding relationship we have developed over the years," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We absolutely welcome and thrive on being measured by our customers. Meeting Lowe's standards for five straight years are a testament to the commitment our employees have in the quality improvement process."
All customers benefit from Southeastern's industry-leading performance, including 99.1 percent of next-day shipments delivered on time, 99.9 percent of shipments handled free of shortage or damage, and a 99.4 percent invoice accuracy measure.
Southeastern Freight Lines Earns LTL Carrier of the Year Award from Schneider Logistics
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Dec. 14, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services,
was recognized as an LTL Carrier of the Year by Schneider Logistics, Inc. for the second consecutive year. Southeastern was one of 16 carriers to
earn this award for 2011.
Schneider Logistics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schneider National, Inc., manages over $1.8 billion in transportation, operates 8.7 million square feet of warehouse facilities and has contract relationships with more than 11,000 transportation providers including Southeastern Freight Lines.
Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL) has long recognized that third-party logistics companies (3PLs) such as Schneider Logistics appreciate the service commitment that SEFL provides all of its customers. SEFL has developed technology solutions to position the company as an ideal partner with 3PLs. Communications systems that incorporate 3PL tracking numbers, match pickup information to each shipment and report the status of shipments in real time are helping advance relationships with 3PLs.
"We appreciate Southeastern's consistent high-quality service," said Sara Warrens, purchasing manager for Schneider Logistics. "Our Carriers of the Year perform a valuable service for us and represent the top one percent of the carriers moving freight for Schneider Logistics."
Additional criteria to determine award winners include carrier scorecards (service, communication and claims), multiple account support, overall volume and safety.
"We are very pleased to be recognized as an LTL Carrier of the Year by Schneider Logistics," said Mike Heaton, a SEFL senior vice president. "We have made a commitment to be the best provider and partner to 3PLs in our industry with the same driving commitment to excellence that we provide for all of our customers. We appreciate this acknowledgement of our commitment and service from Schneider Logistics."
About Schneider Logistics, Inc.
Schneider Logistics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Schneider National, Inc., is a leading supply chain management provider for domestic and
international shippers. The company provides Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, domestic China and Port Logistics solutions through
its transloading, warehousing, distribution, port dray and Inland Logistics Management services.
A $3.1 billion company, Schneider National has provided logistics and transportation expertise for over 75 years. For more information about Schneider Logistics, visit www.schneider.com.
Southeastern Freight Lines Named LTL Carrier of the Year by The Home Depot
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a leader in regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named LTL Carrier
of the Year for 2011 by The Home Depot?, the nation's largest home improvement retailer. This is the second year in a row that
Southeastern has won this distinguished award.
Southeastern led in all of The Home Depot's performance requirements which include on-time delivery and electronic shipment
status metrics. In addition, The Home Depot specifically referenced Southeastern's continual efforts to help the company
with special projects to improve their shipping system.
"Our company's dedication to quality, technology and customer support is the reason we have earned this award," said Dennis Brittain,
national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. "We value our relationship with The Home Depot and appreciate this recognition
of our people's efforts."
The award was recently presented to Southeastern at The Home Depot's Executive Carrier Council awards banquet.
About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,246 retail stores in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. In fiscal 2010, The Home Depot had
sales of $68.0 billion and earnings from continuing operations of $3.3 billion. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates.
The Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and
Standard & Poor's 500 index.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives DuPont Sourcing & Logistics Award for Outstanding Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 19, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has received an Outstanding Service Award from DuPont that is based on a number of service quality measurements. The award was presented at the DuPont Truck Carrier Safety and Security Conference.
DuPont's Outstanding Service Awards recognize carrier performance and safety excellence for package and bulk truck services rendered in 2010. Southeastern was recognized in the LTL Services category.
To determine award winners, DuPont measured service quality including safety considerations such as distribution incidents, customer quality service incidents, shipment tendering refusals, freight claims, strategic partnerships and shipment volumes.
"We truly appreciate this recognition from DuPont," said Mike Heaton, a senior vice president for Southeastern Freight Lines. "As this award demonstrates, we're proud that DuPont and all of our customers value the commitment to quality service that is the cornerstone of our company and culture."
Southeastern Freight Lines' Investment in Service Center Density Continues to Pay Off
Planning for the future prevents "choke points," results in fast deliveries
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Oct. 6, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has established a robust infrastructure of 76 service centers to strategically support shipment processing throughout the Sunbelt, providing customers with reliable on-time delivery for more than 99 percent of all next-day shipments.
Southeastern's reliability is rooted in its long term strategy to build a robust network of service centers that meet future facility requirements, preventing any "choke points" in the system that would delay rapid delivery of freight.
Businesses are more focused than ever on establishing regional distribution centers to get their goods to market as quickly as possible, optimizing inventory levels and elevating the need for next day delivery. Southeastern's strategy is to monitor shipping trends and plan a decade or more ahead to acquire land for service centers where future capacity needs are projected.
"Companies are positioning their products closer to their clients. As the carrier partner for our customers, our regional focus in the Sunbelt is providing reliable and rapid delivery that is necessary to support our customers' evolving business needs," said Mike Heaton, a Southeastern senior vice president.
Southeastern's investment in this infrastructure ensures an adequate number of dock doors and parking spaces at each service center to prevent choke points, which occur when space limitations prevent freight from being processed in a timely manner. The company's unrivaled customer service measurements for on-time delivery and extremely low number of claims are a testament to the importance of dense freight volumes and adequate capacity for more direct loading.
"The Sunbelt has seen immense population growth over the last few decades, and that trend continues today," Heaton said. "By analyzing trends and shipment volumes, we're able to develop long-range plans to determine future facility requirements and achieve our goal of avoiding choke points at all costs."
Southeastern's direct loading capabilities far exceed the industry average and are stronger than any other LTL competitor. With 76 service centers across the Southeast, almost two-thirds of all freight for Southeastern customers is transferred directly from the original location to the destination location - rather than having to go through mid-point consolidation centers. Direct loading adds speed to shipping times and decreases the number of damage claims.
In large metropolitan areas, a key to achieving these measures of success is having multiple service centers strategically located to address traffic flow challenges. In Atlanta, for example, Southeastern has three service centers in suburbs surrounding the city. Earlier this year, Southeastern opened a second service center in Charlotte, N.C. with 122 doors.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives 2011 Quest for Quality Award
LEXINGTON, S.C. (August 31, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was honored with Logistics Management's 2011 Quest for Quality Award in the South/South Central Regional LTL category. Southeastern has earned this prestigious award every year since its inception.
"This award is particularly meaningful because of the fact that the results are determined by the readers of Logistics Management," said Mike Heaton, a senior vice president for Southeastern. According to Logistics Management, 4,575 logistics and supply chain decision makers placed their votes this year. "We're happy that our customers are pleased with our services, and we are continuing to increase efficiency to ensure total customer satisfaction."
Logistics Management's Quest for Quality is the most extensive market research study conducted in the logistics industry. Each year this research evaluates and measures transportation service providers, determines relevant criteria when customers select a provider and examines performance measurements to meet customer expectations. Attributes evaluated include performance, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment and operations. Please click here to learn more about this year's awards.
The driving force behind Southeastern's success is its commitment to adding value throughout all aspects of serving customers and providing "quality without question." Southeastern's emphasis on reliable service has resulted in more than 300 quality awards from some of the most respected companies in the United States. These awards are a testament to Southeastern's trustworthiness and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives LTL Carrier of the Year Award from Rheem Water Heating
Southeastern awarded second year in a row
LEXINGTON, S.C. (July 25, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, has earned the 2010 LTL Carrier of the Year award by Rheem Water Heating Division for the second year in a row.
Additionally, Southeastern received the LTL Carrier of the Quarter award for all four quarters of 2010.
"Rheem Water Heating Division is pleased to once again recognize Southeastern Freight Lines for their outstanding commitment to quality service," said Ray Roldan, Division Logistics Manager of Rheem Water Heating Division. "Throughout the entire year of 2010, Southeastern's delivery performance to our customers was outstanding. Their ability to respond to stringent requests and still be flexible provided the true partner that Rheem and our customers have come to expect."
Rheem Water Heating determines its LTL Carrier of the Year and Quarterly LTL Carrier award recipients using a point system based on four key metrics: on-time performance, customer satisfaction, billing accuracy and freight claims.
"We are honored by this recognition from Rheem Water Heating Division," said Terrell Hixon, national account manager at Southeastern Freight Lines. "This is an outstanding achievement and we are grateful to our associates for providing the level of customer satisfaction that makes this award possible."
About Rheem Manufacturing Company
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta. In its 86th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar and hybrid heat pump water heaters; whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters; indoor air-purification products; and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company's premium brands, including Raypak, Ruud and Rheem, have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality. Rheem is the official heating, cooling and water-heating supplier to Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Kevin Harvick, Inc. (KHI) and is a primary sponsor of RCR's No. 29 Sprint Cup Series car and KHI's No. 33 Nationwide Series car and Camping World Truck Series No. 2 truck. Harvick was named Nationwide Series "Driver of the Decade" in 2010.
Southeastern Freight Lines Named BASF LTL Carrier of the Year
Southeastern recognized for excellence in transportation
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 30, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, has received the BASF 2010 LTL Carrier of the Year Award for demonstrating excellence in transportation. In 2010 Southeastern delivered 20,000 shipments to BASF, the world's leading chemical company.
The LTL Carrier of the Year Award is given to BASF carriers based on a series of measurements including customer satisfaction, on-time delivery, billing accuracy and safety. Southeastern was chosen as the top performer and was also recognized by BASF for a companywide commitment to excellence with a "can-do" attitude.
"We are honored by this recognition from BASF," said Mike Heaton, Southeastern's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "This is an exceptional achievement and is a testament to the dedication our associates have every day to provide customers with the best service in the industry."
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of about £63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available in its Social Media Newsroom at newsroom.basf.com.
Southeastern Freight Lines Meets the Needs of 3PL Providers
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Mar. 17, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has long recognized that third-party logistics companies (3PLs) are performing valuable services for customers and has developed technology solutions to position the company as an ideal partner with 3PLs to provide services to shippers and consignees.
The importance of mutually beneficial partnerships with 3PLs has continued to grow for Southeastern and the entire industry, and systems that incorporate 3PL tracking numbers, match pickup information to each shipment and report the status of shipments in real time are helping advance relationships with 3PLs.
"While other carriers are still adapting to the new reality of 3PL partnerships, we have made a commitment to be the best provider and partner to 3PLs in our industry with the same driving commitment to excellence that we provide for all of our customers," said Braxton Vick, Southeastern's senior vice president of corporate planning and development.
Supporting unique tracking numbers is one example of technology advancements incorporated into Southeastern's communications infrastructure to support the business relationships with 3PLs. Third-party logistics providers assign unique tracking numbers to each shipment, which is required on all documentation, such as status reports and invoices. Southeastern has built the capability to match the 3PL tracking numbers to Southeastern's tracking information and invoices through its electronic data interchange (EDI) system, automatically reporting the unique tracking numbers on all shipments tracked for all customers through the web-based reporting and bill of lading systems.
Southeastern links the 3PL tracking numbers to pickup information, enabling Southeastern to report shipment status based on the tracking numbers. Southeastern also reports when and why a shipment is not picked up, such as if the freight was not available for the scheduled pickup. Automating this service through the EDI system has many benefits, including the ability to notify the shipper of the status immediately via e-mail, text messages or telephone and aggregate all shipping information for 3PLs to view electronically.
Odyssey Logistics & Technology, an innovative provider of logistics services based in Danbury CT, agreed to test a new web-based pickup status system developed by Southeastern. The new system improves the automation of "back-office" pickup status reporting common in the 3PL industry. Pickups are entered into Southeastern's website by Odyssey which transmits the request to a routing system at Southeastern. The system then delivers the request directly to the pickup driver on a given route. The driver updates the pickup with the actual shipment information once the pickup is made. More importantly, the driver also updates the system when a shipment is not made due to one of 14 different reasons such as: shipper closed, shipment not ready, or shipper not aware of shipment, etc. "While providing shipment status information is common in the LTL industry, providing a reason why a shipment is not picked up is a new and innovative application for the 3PL industry," says Bob Messemer, Director Logistics Procurement with Odyssey.
Southeastern Freight Lines Opens New Service Center in Charlotte, N.C.
Additional Capacity Enhances Services Throughout the Carolinas
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Feb. 7, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a leader in regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces the opening of a second service center in Charlotte, N.C. in response to growing business in the region.
The new facility, located on a 30-acre site at 11700 Steele Creek Road, has 123 doors and a full maintenance shop, providing additional transportation capacity for the region and Charlotte's growing south side. The new service center supplements the existing service center in North Charlotte at 4524 Reagan Drive. The ability to traffic freight through two locations in areas with heavy traffic congestion helps maintain on-time delivery standards and other measures of efficiency that lead the industry.
"We will better serve the local market by adding this service center in South Charlotte's industrial area," said Joe Don Ross, regional vice president of sales for Southeastern Freight Lines. "Having two Charlotte facilities will enable us to better manage the growing traffic congestion challenges in this major metropolitan area, similar to our company's approach in Atlanta and other areas with rapid growth. Southeastern now has the largest freight capacity of any LTL company in Charlotte."
During the past year, Southeastern has seen an increase in shipments in Charlotte. As business continues to pick up, the new service center will help Southeastern streamline efficiencies for customer shipments in the Charlotte area and improvements at other busy service centers in North Carolina and South Carolina including Hickory, Columbia, Greenville and Florence.
"While almost all pick-up and delivery services already happen as scheduled, over 99 percent of the time, businesses in these cities will see improved service including earlier appointment times and faster deliveries," said South Charlotte Service Center Manager Brian Schulz. "The South Charlotte Service Center will also create a ripple effect of improvements for the entire region."
The South Charlotte Service Center has 140 employees, bringing the total number of Southeastern Freight Lines employees in Charlotte to 340. The new facility, which opened Jan. 31, also features energy efficient lighting and HVAC units.
Southeastern Freight Lines Launches Southeastern Logistics Solutions
New services include truckload, flatbed and expedited delivery across the nation for companies and 3PLs in need of rapid delivery solutions
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 4, 2011)
Southeastern Freight Lines is launching a new subsidiary, Southeastern Logistics Solutions, that will provide expedited service and multi-modal transportation services across the nation through strategic capacity partnerships.
Initially, the primary focus for Southeastern Logistics Solutions (SLS) is in the truckload service areas of dry van, temperature controlled reefer, flatbed, and intermodal rail. SLS will also oversee and manage all expedited products that require partnership capacity outside of the Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL) LTL network. Over time, SLS will introduce additional transportation services including cartage, drayage, air freight, residential delivery and import distribution.
"For more than 60 years, our customers have valued the outstanding LTL services of Southeastern Freight Lines. Being the best LTL provider in the Sunbelt will remain and always be our top priority, and we continually strive to improve our core LTL services," said Tobin Cassels, president of Southeastern Freight Lines. "At the same time, we recognize that a number of our customers have additional needs for a partner with the ability to provide all modes of transportation, and we want to always be positioned to say 'yes' to their transportation needs regardless of service type."
"The full solutions we are bringing to the market align with the same service quality and culture that Southeastern Freight Lines customers have trusted for years," said Mike Moss, president of Southeastern Logistics Solutions. "We're carefully establishing a group of dependable capacity partners that will give us the ability to offer this broad range of services across the nation."
Mike Moss brings more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry to lead Southeastern Freight Lines' subsidiary Southeastern Logistics Solutions. Moss has a broad background providing executive leadership in the industry, previously serving as president and chief executive officer for FedEx Freight-West and FedEx National LTL. He has developed and launched many industry leading services throughout his career.
SEFL will offer these services for customers, including third-party logistics companies. SEFL's sales and service center leadership teams have received thorough training to equip them with the knowledge and expertise to serve as single-source representatives of all Southeastern Freight Lines and SLS service offerings.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Commitment to Employees Enables Strong Rebound from Recession
No-Layoff Policy Leaves Strong Foundation Intact as Business and Hiring Ramps Up
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2010)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, has emerged from the recession with a strong foundation intact due to maintaining its no-layoff policy and is now hiring more than 900 employees in 2010 as business levels rebound.
The commitment to employees has enabled the company to build a culture of customer service excellence over its 60-year history, and everyone in the company takes pride that even in the midst of a challenging economy, the company set new performance records for customer service, reliability and employee safety.
"Not only were we successful at avoiding layoffs, but we also maintained wages for employees and kept all benefits in place," said Mike Heaton, a senior vice president for Southeastern Freight Lines. "Now as the economy recovers and orders increase, we have experienced employees ready to serve our customers and maintain our high standards. In addition, we're only hiring around 900 people instead of the many more that we would have had to hire and train if we had laid off employees like other companies in the trucking industry."
The trucking business is a bellwether for economic conditions. As businesses and consumers spend more, increased shipments of products and materials are required. While remaining conservatively optimistic, Southeastern is finalizing shipment projections for next year and preparing to order new equipment and expand facilities that need additional capacity to support growing business activities.
When the economy began to erode in 2008, Southeastern formed a "Keep Our People Working" task force to maintain the no-layoff commitment. The task force developed strategies for each service center with a goal of keeping all employees working while also maintaining all benefits and wage levels.
From reducing costs for outsourced services to refurbishing trucks instead of buying new ones, the task force successfully found creative ways to keep people working. For example, an hourly rate system was adopted temporarily in which companies could lease a truck and a driver. Employees were also put to work in other roles, such as drivers working in the maintenance shop to refurbish trailers and perform other maintenance work.
Although costs were cut, Southeastern upheld its high standards of service and safety. In fact, last year Southeastern saw the lowest accidents per million miles and the lowest total injuries per 200,000 hours in the past decade. Southeastern also continued to raise performance benchmarks including transit time, shipments per claim, invoicing accuracy, P&D cost ratio and dock efficiency.
"I am very proud of what Southeastern has been able to accomplish amid the economic challenges that our customers and the entire economy faced during the recession," added Heaton. "Our dedicated employees make this all possible, and it is our commitment to them that has put us at a great advantage as we look to begin our largest wave of hiring since 2006."
Southeastern Freight Lines Provides Customers New Estimated Time of Delivery Service
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Aug. 31, 2010)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, is introducing a service feature new to the LTL industry: Estimated Time of Delivery (ETD). Southeastern can now estimate the delivery of a shipment within a two-hour window and provide this information to customers via the Internet, PDAs and mobile phones.
Previously, customers could visit various reports online to see that a shipment was out for delivery, but they had to call the service center to get an estimate of when the shipment would be delivered. This was usually a "guesstimate" of when the driver would be in the area based on experience. While not always accurate, this was the best that could be done given the technology available.
The new ETD feature is supported by the information technology investments made by Southeastern over the past decade. Southeastern's Synergy Routing System designs the most efficient route for freight delivery, taking into account customer addresses, appointment times and even the fact that right turns are faster than left turns. Using this data and standard handling times associated with the volume of freight, Southeastern is able to develop a schedule of estimated delivery times. A plus/minus one hour window is added to the computed delivery time to allow for traffic or customer delays.
Once a window of time is established, Southeastern's Laser Dispatch System provides real-time data communications that show the actual route start time along with the arrival and departure times at each customer stop. This information corrects the original schedule, if necessary, and if a delay impacts the schedule outside the two-hour window, the system automatically adjusts the subsequent deliveries accordingly. The ETD is then displayed on the status report which can be viewed by the customer and service center associates.
"In today's market, providing customers with the information they need when they need it is just as important as moving the freight, and our customers can always count on Southeastern to be at the forefront of transportation technology," said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development for Southeastern Freight Lines. "By making the best use of our onboard computer technologies, satellite and terrestrial communications, geo-coding tools, sophisticated software and the Internet, we are able to keep our customers updated with the most accurate information available."
Southeastern Freight Lines is Recognized by Hastings
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 28, 2010)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was recently honored by Hastings Entertainment Inc. as their Distribution Center Vendor Partner of the Year.
Southeastern has been a partner with Hastings for more than four years. Because of the superior service and competitive pricing, Southeastern has grown from serving approximately 20 stores to serving 69 Hastings stores.
Southeastern Freight Lines Expands Savannah Service Center
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 21, 2010)
Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, announces an expansion of its Savannah Service Center.
The addition of 20 freight doors, boosting the total to 58, improves Southeastern’s efficiency and provides room for future growth.
"It’s great to see Southeastern investing in the Savannah shipping and receiving community in what have been very challenging economic times," said Chip Hawkins, a manager with the Georgia Ports Authority.
The remodeled service center features a completely reconstructed office, a dock upgraded with the latest high-efficiency lighting, and new electronic security features. The on-site maintenance facility has also been remodeled with new lighting and technology updates.
"We are all very proud of our renovated service center to serve the needs of businesses," said Mike Nations, service center manager. "We are certainly equipped to be the ’biggest and the best’ in the Savannah market."
Southeastern Freight Lines Offers Next-Day Service Between Oklahoma City and Odessa Service Centers
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 15, 2010)
Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, is now offering next-day service between its Oklahoma City, Okla. Service Center (OKC) and its Odessa, Texas Service Center (ODS). This new capability will allow Southeastern to provide overnight service for customers who ship or receive in this lane.
"The majority of our customers in this area are in the oil industry," said Dean Baker, regional vice president of sales for Southeastern Freight Lines. "Our customers, especially those in the oil field market, have requested next-day service, and now that the economic state of the oil business is improving, we’re positioned to fulfill their needs."
One such customer is Balon Corporation, manufacturer of ball, swing check and needle valves for the oil and gas industry. Balon was the first customer of Southeastern’s OKC Service Center and has been a loyal customer since then.
"Balon has been pleased with Southeastern’s proven reliability. Our oil field equipment is time-sensitive, so next-day service is a good fit for our industry," said Larry Wedman, traffic manager for Balon Corporation. "I have an obligation to Balon and our customers to ensure products are shipped on time, and it’s comforting to know a service-oriented company like Southeastern is dedicated to making that happen."
Southeastern Freight Lines Named LTL Carrier of the Year by Andersen
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 30, 2010)–Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, has been named LTL Carrier of the Year by Andersen Corporation, the largest window and door manufacturer in North America.
Southeastern led all categories of Andersen’s measurement, including on-time delivery, claim-free deliveries and billing accuracy. In addition, Andersen specifically referenced Southeastern’s excellent customer service and operations performance.
"Our company's dedication to quality is the reason we have earned this award," said Mike Redden, national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines. "We value our relationship with Andersen and appreciate this recognition."
The award was presented to Southeastern at Andersen’s carrier conference awards banquet March 10.
About Andersen
Andersen Corporation is the largest window and door manufacturer in North America, and the Andersen brand is the most recognized and most used brand in the window and patio door industry. The privately owned company was founded in 1903 and has a strong history of commitment to its business partners, employees, community and environmental stewardship. Andersen employs more than 10,000 people and markets products throughout North America and in South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.andersenwindows.com.
Masco Corporation Names Southeastern Freight Lines Carrier of the Year
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 1, 2010) – Southeastern Freight Lines, a regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider, has been named 2009 Carrier of the Year by Masco Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products.
This is the fourth time that Masco has tapped Southeastern for the award. Each year Masco Corporation gives the Carrier of the Year award to an LTL partner that earns the highest score based on survey results from Masco’s operating companies. Survey criteria include: billing accuracy, claims processing, delivery reliability, local terminal support, sales effort, transit times and Web site capabilities.
Terrell Hixon, national account manager for Southeastern Freight Lines, works closely with Masco Corporation. "Southeastern appreciates this award from Masco Corporation, one of our larger, long-time clients. The credit goes to our associates and their keen attention to detail," said Hixon.
About Masco Corporation
Headquartered in Taylor, Mich., Masco Corporation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family, including Behr Paint, Delta Faucets, Hansgrohe bath and kitchen fixtures, KraftMaid and Merillat cabinets, Brasscraft plumbing supplies, Liberty Hardware decorative hardware items, Milgard Windows and Verve lighting systems. Masco is also a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products through Masco Contractor Services and Masco Home Services. Visit www.masco.com for more information on the Masco family of brands.
Southeastern Freight Lines Achieves Best–Ever Safety Records
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Nov. 24, 2009) – Regional less–than–truckload (LTL) transportation services provider Southeastern Freight Lines announces its outstanding year–to–date safety records. Thanks to Southeastern’s associates, the "total accidents per million miles" frequency was 1.9 as of August, compared to 4.6 in the year 2000.
In addition, Southeastern Freight Lines has had only four injuries per 200,000 hours year–to–date, compared to 10.7 in the year 2000. These best–ever company results for preventable accidents and injuries can be attributed to intensive training and Southeastern’s Quality Improvement Process.
"We have strict hiring standards, and every driver – no matter how experienced – must pass a skills test for us before they’re allowed on the road," said Bill Bennett, director of regulatory compliance at Southeastern. "Our associates are trained to be responsible and make the right decisions, and their commitment has enabled our company to achieve these safety results."
Southeastern’s in–house trainers and safety managers offer less–experienced drivers a three–month training process that includes 100 hours behind the wheel before they become certified to drive alone. Annual skills tests reveal each driver’s weaknesses, which are addressed through ongoing custom training programs. Southeastern also teaches a defensive driving course to all drivers annually.
Every aspect of business at Southeastern is measured to produce data–driven decisions. The company’s formal Quality Improvement Process keeps associates aligned to achieve the company’s objectives each day. From training programs to quality improvement work groups for solving specific operational issues and strategic planning, the process teaches each person that they are responsible for safety. Southeastern executives recognize drivers’ safe driving records and years of service at annual Safety and Service meetings.
"We provide the training and resources for our associates to be successful and safe," said Bennett. "We would like to extend our thanks to our truck drivers and also to mechanics, dock workers and many others who work behind the scenes to improve these metrics each year."
Southeastern Freight Lines Selects Innovative Software Engineering’s Electronic Driver Logs Software Application for Fleet Wide Deployment
LEXINGTON, S.C. (September 22, 2009) – Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, has selected Innovative Software Engineering (ISE) as its provider of electronic driver logs. ISE Electronic Driver Logs is a full featured FMCSA 395.15 compliant application that will automate DOT Hours of Service record keeping and improve efficiency in Southeastern fleet operations.
"We chose ISE Electronic Driver Logs for its ease of use, FMCSA compliance and off-the-shelf features which allowed for quick implementation using our existing hardware," said Braxton Vick, Senior Vice President, Southeastern Freight Lines. "ISE’s responsiveness and transportation technology experience makes them an invaluable partner in rolling out an electronic driver logs application across our entire fleet nationwide. ISE took the time to understand our existing applications and workflow to customize their product to fit seamlessly with our operations and our mobile communications hardware."
ISE Electronic Driver Logs consists of a mobile driver interface, a web interface and an adaptable communications channel. The mobile interface automatically records driving status, calculates available driving time and notifies the driver of his compliance status. Data is stored in the mobile touch-screen display for up to 8 days for roadside inspection and team drivers are fully supported. The web interface provides the capability to view, edit and print driver logs. Other reporting features include driver time, mileage summaries, real-time driver availability, violations and log edit auditing. The communications channel supports cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite networks.
Adopting ISE Electronic Driver logs reduces costs by eliminating the manual processing of paper logs, allowing dispatchers to efficiently schedule resources and help maintain driver compliance. Eliminating paper logs in the cab and providing real time driver feedback promotes higher driver satisfaction, improved productivity and increased driver retention.
"ISE’s off the shelf Electronic Driver Logs application is a perfect fit for telematics service providers and fleets such as Southeastern looking to increase their productivity." said Hass Machlab, President, ISE. "It has been our pleasure to work with Southeastern to custom integrate our application into their existing system providing a competitive advantage for them and their customers."
About ISE
ISE is a leading full-service software development and systems integration firm
providing business strategy, program management, systems engineering, software
development and quality assurance services. ISE specializes in developing telematics
solutions, enterprise mobility applications and custom software tailored to customers’
unique needs. Customers come from a wide range of industries including communications,
education, telematics, transportation and health care. More information can be found
on the company’s web site at www.iseinc.biz.
Southeastern Freight Lines Setting Customer Service Records
On-Time, Claim-Free Deliveries Among All-Time Highs in the Trucking Company’s Performance Measurements
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Aug. 31, 2009) – While many trucking companies are struggling amid reduction in services and widespread layoffs during one of the worst economic recessions for the industry in history, Southeastern Freight Lines has been expanding services and setting all-time company records for the performance measurements that matter most to customers.
The company has traditionally led the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry in service performance goals for on-time and claim-free deliveries, and these are just two of many service goals that Southeastern is continuing to improve upon even in today’s challenging environment.
So far this year, the company meets its scheduled delivery 99.2 percent of the time, exceeding the company record of 98.95 percent of last year. In addition, the company averages 455 shipments before a claim for damage is filed, exceeding the company’s record of 345 shipments per claim last year. The company is also setting records in driver safety, pickup and delivery (P&D) cost, dock efficiency and load average.
"The foundation of Southeastern’s success is trusted and reliable service, and this is achieved first and foremost through our commitment to our employees," said Mike Heaton, a senior vice president for Southeastern. "We attribute this success to excellent employee morale, which is at an all-time high."
Last fall, Southeastern executives developed a "Keep Our People Working Task Force" to determine how the company could continue its practice of never laying off an employee. Strategies include finding creative ways to give everyone enough hours as well as reducing expenses - all conducted with a commitment to not erode customer service.
Heaton said that the company is committed to avoiding layoffs and is perhaps the only company to avoid layoffs in the LTL trucking industry. Employees recognize and appreciate the company’s commitment, resulting in an even greater focus on operational excellence and customer service goals. "The company’s leadership founded the company almost 60 years ago on the core value of being committed to our employees, knowing that in turn, they will take care of our customers. That heritage continues to benefit our company and customers today," he said.
While other companies are cutting expenses in ways that often degrades service to customers, Southeastern has continued to invest in the future, such as expanding service into Mexico and providing customers with "real-time" shipping status reports. Investments in dock management systems reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, making the company very competitive in pricing.
Southeastern Freight Lines Recognized by Eaton as a Premier Supplier Award Winner
LEXINGTON, S.C. (June 19, 2009) – Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, was honored as a premier supplier by diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation as part of the company’s supplier recognition program.
Southeastern is the only transportation company to win a Premier Supplier award this year. The company received recognition from Eaton in the Logistics supplier category based on quality, productivity, cost reduction, innovation and technological advances. Eaton’s logistics suppliers handle the transportation of goods inbound from the supplier and outbound to customers, as well as indirect package transportation.
“Our innovative technologies help customers manage power more efficiently, effectively and safely,” said Craig Reed, senior vice president – Supply Chain Management, Eaton Corporation. “Top-notch suppliers, like those recognized through this awards program, help us ensure we are meeting our commitments to our customers.”
Eaton chose Southeastern as an award recipient due to its exceptional quality and on-time performance.
“At Southeastern, each employee is involved in measuring every aspect of our business so we can satisfy our customers completely,” said Tommy Keeton, national account manager at Southeastern Freight Lines. “Eaton has been a customer for nearly 20 years, and we are pleased that they are satisfied with our performance.”
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 75,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Southeastern Freight Lines Underscores Value of Customer Service in a Recession
LEXINGTON, S.C. (May 5, 2009) – While a commitment to customer service is paramount at all times, it is even more vital to business success during a recession.
Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of less–than–truckload (LTL) transportation services, is stretching to maintain, and even enhance, customer service during today’s economic turmoil.
With many carriers going out of business in the past year, and many other companies implementing massive layoffs and service reductions, Southeastern has adopted a company–wide focus to avoid layoffs and reduce costs without eroding customer service.
In fact, the company has expanded service into Mexico and domestically, and continued an aggressive investment in technology, most recently providing customers with real–time shipping status reports via e–mail or text message. All these measures are founded on the principle of always striving to enhance customer satisfaction.
"By serving our customers at record levels, we’ve actually been able to enhance customer relationships in today’s difficult economy," said Mike Heaton, vice president of sales and marketing for Southeastern Freight Lines. "For example, when a competitor refused to pick up freight for a Greenville, S.C. company over the Christmas weekend in order to save money, we stepped up and delivered an additional 200,000 pounds that weekend. We are now handling 100 percent of the company’s business."
Southeastern’s President Tobin Cassels refuses to accept the conventional wisdom of slashing service to cut costs in a recession. "You never want to back off of your service efforts in a downturn. We believe in adhering to our fundamental commitment to our employees and their ability to set the industry’s gold standard providing service to our customers," Cassels said.
"We’ve learned the value of looking at the long–term business objectives. Many companies immediately start laying people off and cutting costs in order to maintain short–term success during a recession. However, we know that if our employees and customers are confident that we are going to take care of them during downturns, they will be more loyal than ever when business comes back," he said.
Southeastern’s customers value the commitment to service. Steve Palmer, Lowe’s vice president of transportation, said, "Their consistent delivery performance, their ability to customize information systems to Lowe’s needs, and their dependable and responsive management team creates a business relationship that will continue to grow with Lowe’s. Southeastern is one of the cornerstones of our program."
The long–term approach to building a strong corporate culture and operational processes while investing in the business has built a support infrastructure to more easily add new services to deliver on the company’s customer service commitment, even during a recession. For example, a network of 76 service centers in the Southeastern United States enabled a recent expansion of services to the entire state of Alabama, and investment in information technology made it possible to add real–time notification of shipping status.
"Our long–term strategy of investing in technology affords us the ability to save costs while introducing new services," said Braxton Vick, Southeastern’s senior vice president of corporate planning. "The use of dock management systems reduces labor costs. Route planning systems reduce mileage and related fuel and labor costs. These and other systems bolster efficiency to make us very competitive in pricing, and the consistency of our services helps us continue to meet and exceed customer expectations."
Southeastern Now Serves All Points in Alabama Direct
LEXINGTON, S.C. (March 16, 2009) – Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services, today announced that it has expanded direct service to the entire state of Alabama.
Previously, Southeastern used a partner carrier to deliver freight to a few small cities and towns near the Mississippi state line, but now Southeastern is delivering to those areas directly with next-day service, in most cases, to all destinations within the state. Nine service centers, five of which are located in Alabama, serve the state.
"Serving is the lifeblood of our organization, and if there’s a way we can better serve our customers, we make it happen," said Richard Bogan, regional vice president of operations for Southeastern. "At a time when other carriers are cutting back service to save costs, we are investing to provide even better service to customers to be the premier carrier in the state of Alabama and throughout the Southeast. By simplifying the routing needs for our customers to deliver freight to the entire state of Alabama, we’re removing obstacles for our customers."
Southeastern’s direct loading capabilities far exceed the industry average and are stronger than any other LTL competitor. With 76 strategically placed service centers across the Southeastern United States, almost 80 percent of freight for Southeastern customers is transferred directly from the original location to the destination location – rather than having to go through mid-point consolidation centers.
The network of service centers and the density of geographic coverage enable Southeastern to successfully meet its customers’ needs, achieving measurements including 99.2 percent of shipments delivered on time – far and away the industry’s leading benchmark. Direct loading also decreases mistakes and damage claims.
Southeastern Freight Lines Named Regional LTL Carrier of the Year by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Jan. 13, 2009) – Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less–than–truckload (LTL) transportation services, has been named 2008 Yamaha Regional LTL Carrier of the Year by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. This is the first year Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. has given this award.
"We have worked with Southeastern Freight Lines for more than 10 years and we recognize their high performance when working with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. and its unique transportation needs," said Richard Benavides, Transportation Manager in the Logistics Division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. "With consistently strong performance metrics, Southeastern should be recognized as an outstanding strategic partner for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.”
Southeastern’s formal Quality Improvement Process motivates employees to continuously improve to satisfy customers. This unique process, which consists of training programs, various teams such as recognition teams and individualized quality workgroups, frequent strategic planning meetings, and the use of statistical process control, was established to eliminate costly waste and errors and create a better value for customers.
"We took the extra step to help resolve issues at pool distribution, and Yamaha found this to be above and beyond what any other carrier had provided them," said Lisa Davis, National Account Manager at Southeastern Freight Lines. "We appreciate and value this recognition from Yamaha.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is a leading distributor and manufacturer in the motorsports market, with the most diversified line of such products in America. Its ever–expanding product offerings include motorcycles, outboard motors, ATVs, side x side vehicles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel, and much more. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan–based Yamaha Motor Corporation, Ltd., founded in 1955. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha–motor.com.
Southeastern Freight Lines Earns Partners in Quality Award from Moen
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Dec. 8, 2008) – Southeastern Freight Lines, the leading provider of regional less–than–truckload transportation services, is a recipient of this year’s Moen Partners in Quality (PIQ) Award.
This is the 14th consecutive year that Southeastern has earned this esteemed award – more than any other Moen carrier. The award measures numerous quality objectives for all Moen truckload (TL) and less–than–truckload (LTL) transportation carriers, including on–time delivery and billing accuracy.
"We selected Southeastern once again because of their strong commitment to customer service," said Jay Merrell, manager of domestic transportation at Moen, Inc. "Southeastern is a trusted business partner and has continuously excelled in all of our measurement categories. Our long–standing partnership with Southeastern enables Moen to provide excellent service to our customers."
Southeastern is one of only two LTL carriers to earn Level 3 partner status, the top level of recognition.
"We appreciate this recognition and our business partnership with Moen," said Tommy Keeton, national account manager at Southeastern Freight Lines. "It’s clear that our dedication to customer service excellence and our unique Quality Improvement Process continue to pay off for our customers and our company. This acknowledgement reinforces our desire to satisfy our customers completely."
Moen, Inc., headquartered in North Olmsted, Ohio, offers a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed, stylish and affordable kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, showerheads, and stainless steel sinks that are always on–trend for residential and commercial applications.
Southeastern Freight Lines Expands Operations to Mexico
LEXINGTON, S.C. – October 15, 2008 – Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less–than–truckload transportation services, has expanded international operations to Mexico.
Southeastern serves 12 states in the Southeast and Puerto Rico and has a network of service providers to ensure transportation services in the remaining 38 states, Canada and the Virgin Islands – and now Mexico.
The four shipping options for Mexican freight offered by Southeastern include a border–only service, door–to–door service, one–stop shop service or the option of clearing customs at the destination.
“More companies doing business in Asia are again considering manufacturing in Mexico, due to longer transit times, high fuel costs, labor challenges and its proximity to the U.S. market,” said Bob Bullock, vice president of Southeastern Freight Lines international operations. “Southeastern has been very successful in its partnerships with best–in–class service providers that align with our commitment to quality service and company culture. We’re using the same approach with regional partners in Mexico to provide shipping solutions to and from Mexico for our customers.”
To assist in its expanded operations, Southeastern has opened a new service center in Laredo, Texas with 46 doors and a 30,000–square–foot warehouse.
“This facility gives us the infrastructure and capacity to grow and service our customers like never before,” added Bullock.
Southeastern customers can choose one of the following four levels of service:
- Domestic Border Service. Consists of transporting goods from any of Southeastern’s service areas in the United States to the consignee’s Mexican customs broker in Laredo, Texas.
- Door–to–door with broker provided by consignee. Originates in the United States and delivers directly to Mexican destination with the border–crossing service provided by the consignee’s nominated customs broker.
- Door–to–door with broker provided by Southeastern. Consists of managing the entire supply chain from the moment Southeastern picks up the shipment until it arrives at its final destination in Mexico.
- Mexican in–bond shipments (En Transito). Option to bypass the border and clear in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey by the consignee’s nominated broker, thus eliminating the border.
Southeastern Freight Lines Expands it’s Infrastructure in Texas
November 9, 2007––––Southeastern Freight Lines is pleased to announce their continued expansion in Texas. Southeastern opened a new service center in Wichita Falls on November 5, 2007.
This expansion is indicative of Southeastern Freight Lines’ long–term commitment to the Texas market. The opening of the Wichita Falls service center brings Southeastern’s total number of service centers to 75. This additional service center allows Southeastern to enhance the service already provided to it’s Texas customers.
Southeastern Freight Lines is the nation’s twelfth largest less–than–truckload trucking company and is a leader in technology applications in the regional LTL transportation industry. Southeastern, was founded in 1950, and specializes in next–day service in the Southeast and Southwest and operates service centers in twelve states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Southeastern Freight Lines is currently providing over 99.1% on–time service in next day lanes. A formalized quality improvement process began in 1985, and the company’s dedication to process improvement is evidenced by over 290 quality awards received from customers and associations.
Southeastern Freight Lines’ Wichita Falls facility is located at 1911 Sheppard Access Road, Building 6, Wichita Falls, TX. For more information on Southeastern’s Wichita Falls service center, please contact the facility by phone at 888–922–7335 toll–free, 940–720–0376 local or by fax at 940–720–0763.
Southeastern Freight Lines Receives Ryder’s Quality Carrier of the Year Award
Southeastern was presented with the Ryder Carrier Quality Award for the year 2006, in the LTL Southern Regional Carrier service category. This is the tenth year that Ryder has presented a formal quality award, and the ninth year Southeastern has been the recipient. Ryder is a Fortune 500 company providing leading–edge transportation, logistics and worldwide supply chain management solutions.
Ryder’s quality process allows them to measure key performance indicators, for the purpose of selection and growth with the carriers who can best deliver superior service and value to their clients. The qualifications for this award are based on a quantitative scorecard with points given on a variety of metrics, including on–time service, claims performance, customer service, technology, economic value and innovation.
Southeastern Freight Lines opens new service centers in Texas and Arkansas
COLUMBIA, SC, May 1, 2007––––Southeastern Freight Lines is pleased to announce their continued expansion in Texas and Arkansas. Southeastern has opened a new service center in Sherman, TX. This facility is located at 4070 North Loy Lake Road. The account manager can be reached at 877–949–7335.
Southeastern also announces the opening of a new service center in Texarkana AR. This facility is located at 3201 East 50th Street. Contact the account manager at 877–919–7335.
With the additions of these service centers, Southeastern Freight Lines is now able to service ALL points in Oklahoma as well as additional cities in Texas and Arkansas.
Southeastern is a privately–held trucking company, specializing in next day and second day service in the Southeast and Southwest, now operating 74 service centers in twelve states and Puerto Rico. Southeastern Freight Lines, founded in 1950, has over 6,800 associates and is a leader in technology applications in the regional LTL transportation industry. The company’s dedication to process improvement is represented by over 285 quality awards received from customers and associations.
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