Southeastern Freight Lines is celebrating milestone anniversaries at three of its North Carolina service centres, marking 45 years in Greensboro and Raleigh and 40 years in Wilmington.
The Greensboro and Raleigh terminals both opened in October 1980, becoming the carrier’s 10th and 11th facilities, respectively. Five years later, in October 1985, Southeastern added its 20th centre in Wilmington.
All three locations have since grown significantly, the company said in a news release. Greensboro expanded 57 dock doors and nine associates to 97 dock doors and now employs 183 associates. Raleigh has grown from 20 to 148 dock doors and now employs 115 associates, up from 23 at the opening. Wilmington began with six dock doors and five employees, later relocating to a larger site in 1986 with 41 dock doors and 29 associates.
“Four decades of service is a tremendous milestone for our teams,” said Matt Bowen, fleet’s regional vice-president of operations. “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.”
Nine longtime employees were recognized for their decades of service, including two who have worked 43 years – pickup and delivery driver John Foil (Raleigh) and linehaul driver Jay Hobbs (Greensboro). Others honored include:
- 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; and linehaul driver Phil Morris, Raleigh
Through its Southeastern Serves program, the company’s teams have also contributed to community initiatives, supporting organizations such as The Miracle League of Wilmington, Feed the Hunger, and the Special Olympics of North Carolina.
Founded in 1950, Southeastern Freight Lines is a privately-owned regional LTL carrier now operates 89 service centers across 13 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
