The Greensboro and Raleigh service centers both opened in October 1980, with Greensboro serving as Southeastern’s tenth service center and Raleigh as its eleventh. Five years later, in October 1985, the company extended its reach to the coast, opening its 20th service center in Wilmington.

Each location has grown tremendously over the decades:

The Greensboro service center started with 57 dock doors and nine associates and has expanded to 97 dock doors and 183 associates. Raleigh began with 20 dock doors and 23 associates and now operates with 148 dock doors and 115 associates. Wilmington initially opened with six dock doors and five associates before relocating in 1986 to a larger facility with 22 dock doors; it now has 41 dock doors and 29 associates.

“Four decades of service is a tremendous milestone for our teams in Greensboro, Raleigh, and Wilmington,” said Matt Bowen, regional vice president of operations at Southeastern Freight Lines. “Our associates are the core of what we do, and these anniversaries highlight their commitment to delivering outstanding service. We’re proud to serve these North Carolina communities and thankful for the loyal support of our customers.”

To honor this anniversary, Southeastern Freight Lines is recognizing nine longtime associates who have dedicated decades to keeping freight moving across North Carolina:

• 43 years of service: Pickup and Delivery Driver John Foil, Raleigh; Linehaul Driver Jay Hobbs, Greensboro
• 42 years of service: Fleet Services Technician Russ Myers, Greensboro; Linehaul Driver Paul Browning, Greensboro (Retired)
• 41 years of service: Linehaul Driver Melvin Smith, Raleigh
• 40 years of service: Safety Specialist Jackie Mabe, Greensboro
• 37 years of service: Pickup and Delivery Driver Nelson Gurganus, Wilmington; Linehaul Driver Scott Chalmers, Raleigh; Linehaul Driver Phil Morris, Raleigh

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to investing in our people, strengthening customer relationships and continuing to deliver the reliable, quality service our North Carolina communities have come to expect,” Bowen said.

Southeastern Freight Lines’ milestone is a reminder to truck drivers and industry professionals that dedication, community focus, and a strong team culture are what keep regional freight moving efficiently, year after year.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Southeastern Freight Lines

The post Southeastern Freight Lines Marks 40 Years of Service in North Carolina appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

BlueGrace Logistics has announced the winners of its 2024 LTL Carrier Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the logistics industry. This year, Southeastern Freight Lines and Old Dominion Freight Line receive top honors for their exceptional service, operational reliability, and steadfast commitment to delivering value.

A Legacy of Excellence

“Our position as a leader in the LTL industry is built on partnerships with carriers who consistently deliver exceptional results,” said Bobby Harris, CEO. “Southeastern Freight Lines and Old Dominion Freight Line set the standard for operational excellence and customer support, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements with our 2024 LTL Carrier Awards.”

Recognizing Regional Excellence – Southeastern Freight Lines

Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL) has been named Regional Carrier of the Year, a title that underscores their exceptional service throughout the Southeastern region. Known for their reliability and outstanding customer satisfaction, SEFL continues to be a key partner within BlueGrace’s logistics ecosystem.

“SEFL is extremely proud to celebrate 15 years of successful collaboration and partnership with BlueGrace Logistics,” shared Toby Toburen, director of 3PL National Accounts at SEFL. “This milestone is made even more special as we have been honored with their LTL ‘Carrier of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year. Our shared commitment to excellence has been the cornerstone of our enduring relationship. We deeply appreciate the trust and advocacy Bobby Harris and the entire BlueGrace team continue to provide, which has been instrumental in our continued success. Together, we look forward to many more years of setting new standards in the industry.”

Nationwide Leadership – Old Dominion Freight Line

Old Dominion Freight Line was awarded National Carrier of the Year, in recognition of their outstanding LTL services on a national scale. Leveraging an expansive network and advanced technology, Old Dominion has become a trusted partner in handling the complex logistics needs of BlueGrace’s clients across the country.

“We are honored to be again recognized by BlueGrace Logistics as their Long-Haul Carrier of the Year,” said Ed Garner, director of national accounts at Old Dominion. “Our relationship with BlueGrace has grown significantly through their strategic alignment of our service product with clients requiring a true value proposition in nationwide LTL services. We look forward to serving BlueGrace and our mutual clients in the future.”

The Importance of Partnership

BlueGrace Logistics emphasizes the significance of strong partnerships in driving excellence and value in the logistics industry. The 2024 LTL Carrier Awards highlight the vital role carriers like Southeastern Freight Lines and Old Dominion Freight Line play in delivering unmatched service to the company’s customers.

“BlueGrace expresses its gratitude to Southeastern Freight Lines and Old Dominion Freight Line for their unwavering dedication and top-tier service,” the company wrote. “These awards highlight the strength of the partnerships cultivated over time and the significant impact these collaborations have on the logistics industry.”

Source: The Trucker

The post BlueGrace Logistics Honors Outstanding LTL Carriers in 2024 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Tobin Cassels, president of Southeastern Freight Lines, offered heartfelt thanks to those who have contributed to the company’s success over the years. “It is amazing to look back over the last 75 years and reflect on all that our people have contributed, helping shape Southeastern into the organization that it is today,” Cassels shared. “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our loyal customers, talented associates, and industry partners who have dedicated their time, trust, and talents to helping our organization achieve success over the years. We look forward to seeing what the next 75 years will bring.”

A Look Back at 75 Years of Growth

Starting in 1950, Southeastern Freight Lines began as a small operation with a single service center in Columbia, South Carolina, and a tight-knit team of 20 associates. Fast forward 75 years, and the company has transformed into a nationally recognized leader in the transportation and logistics sector.

With 89 service centers across North America, including Puerto Rico and the Sunbelt region, Southeastern has built a reputation for operational reliability, safety, and unmatched efficiency. Today, it boasts a workforce of over 8,500 dedicated associates who contribute to its ongoing success.

President Tobin Cassels reflected on the company’s organic approach to growth, saying, “Consistent, organic growth has always been a key component of Southeastern’s success. Looking ahead, Southeastern remains focused on building upon its strong foundation and continuing to innovate its transportation solutions – with the intent to meet and exceed the needs of every customer, every time.”

Going Beyond Transportation

What makes Southeastern truly unique is its philosophy of service that extends beyond the operational side of transportation. Central to this is the company’s SERVES program, which exemplifies its culture of giving back.

Launched in 2012, the SERVES program has brought together over 10,923 associates, friends, and family members to contribute more than 34,296 volunteer hours across 680+ community projects. These projects range from providing meals to families in need, aiding veteran-focused organizations, and supporting shelters for the homeless and those escaping domestic violence. This steadfast commitment to community underscores Southeastern’s broader mission to create lasting, positive impacts wherever they operate.

Source: The Trucker

The post Celebrating 75 Years of Service Excellence at Southeastern Freight Lines appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.