Storey Trucking: A Company Built on Farming Roots, Driven by A Team That’s Like Family
How We Got Our Start
Eric Storey was 5 years old when he was first introduced to trucks, truck driving and freight. It was the mid-1960s and his father, Paul Storey, needed to get his potato crop to market from his Alabama farm. To do that, he bought a couple trucks, and that’s how Storey Trucking began. Paul and his team delivered potatoes all across the Southeast. When the crop ran out, they had idle trucks, so they started hauling freight.
More than 50 years later, now with Eric Storey at the helm, we maintain a fleet of more than 100 trucks, each one hauling refrigerated dry goods back-and-forth from the Southeast to destinations across the western United States.
Our experience, integrity and solid track record have earned us a reputation as one of the nation’s leading transport companies in both temperature-controlled and dry products.
Expansion to Chattanooga
Based in Henagar, Alabama, we have expanded exponentially over the years, opening a second location in the logistics hub of Chattanooga. Our drivers based out of either location deliver goods between the Southeast and western United States. But our interpretation of success isn’t defined by profitability or even growth, although we’ve had an ample amount of both. Measuring employee satisfaction, customer relationships and maintaining stability are most important when quantifying our achievements.
“Our business was built out of a farming family where everyone shows up every day and knows they have a job to do. There’s a level of respect there that we’re really proud of,” says Eric Storey. “The most rewarding part of this industry is the people who make it.”
Although times have changed since the mid-1960s, that one thing remains the same: our core principle of people first.
“We take care of our drivers, so they can take care of our customers,” says Eric. “We have customers that have been using our company for 30 plus years and drivers that have been here longer than that. If the Storey name is on the side of the truck that you’re driving or your product is in, you’re a part of our family.”
The Team Creates the Storey Trucking Difference
A single truck or 100, we have always worked to ensure our drivers have the best equipment and the best support possible.
Our team includes dispatch operators with more than 80 years of combined dispatch experience as well as mechanics, technicians, back-office support and more. The goal of each of these team members is to provide Storey drivers out on the road with the best equipment and support possible, so they can quickly and safely run their routes and return home.
“This is a great organization filled with people that really care about doing the best job they can,” says Eric. “At Storey, you are not known by the truck you drive. You are known because of who you are, and you are supported by a team dedicated to upholding the legacy of the family business.”
What Our Team Has to Say
We could tell you more about who we are, but we think it’s best that you hear it directly from our team. We asked them to explain the Storey difference, in their own words. Get to know our team members, what they like about working with us and what they like to do in their free time. Having more time for the things and the people you love, is just one part of the Storey difference.
Beverly Allday
Payroll and Billing Clerk
Beverly processes driver settlements and freight bills and has been with us for 11 and a half years. When the company she was working for went out of business, she found a new home with us.
“Working for Storey is a pleasure,” says Beverly.
“We are all dedicated to doing our best for the company. They treat us as a part of their family. Though they may not always agree with us on certain facets of our job, they are willing to listen and do what they can to make things compatible.”
Beverly says the Storey Trucking difference is that we all care for each other, and it’s true! We all work hard to treat each other with respect no matter your position on our team.
“I believe Storey is striving to improve the overall outlook of trucking companies and drivers, by maintaining up-to-date equipment and urging drivers to be presentable in their hygiene, clothing and manners when dealing with customers,” says Beverly.
When Beverly isn’t working, you can catch her gardening and tending to her flowers, reading or gathering with friends and family.
Pedro Bloodworth
Director of Safety
Our safety director Pedro likes that Storey Trucking truly cares about our drivers and employees, and he plays a key role in putting our words into action.
“Drivers are our number one priority,” says Pedro. “Everyone works as a team to make sure the drivers have the equipment and the information they need to be able to deliver the loads they are booked on.”
Pedro oversees the safety and compliance of all of our professional drivers, and he joined our team because he liked the growth plan we have in place. Safety is at the core of his work but when is off the clock, he enjoys spending time with his family, going to church functions and activities and watching his Georgia Dawgs!
Chastity Smith
Accounts Receivable and Employee Benefits
Ask Chastity about the Storey Trucking difference, and she’ll shoot it to you straight.
“We are not your ‘ordinary’ trucking company,” say Chastity. “You’re not just an employee. You’re family. I like that Storey Trucking is a family-oriented, laid-back environment, and that we feel appreciated.”
Chastity was looking for an opportunity to grow and has been with us a year and a half now. She processes accounts receivable and manages employee benefits. She’s also an important part of our administrative team.
“Working at Storey is great. It’s never a dull moment,” says Chastity. “Every day is different, and it’s a great work environment. We treat everyone with respect, and everyone is important in their role to make Storey successful.”
When Chastity isn’t managing the books, you can find her thrifting, doing crafts and other projects and spending time with her family.
Christi Bailey
Payroll/Billing Specialist
The Storey reputation drew Christi to work for us. She’s been with us for a few months and processes payroll and manages billing for our Chattanooga office.
“Working at Storey Trucking is the best job I’ve ever had,” says Christi. “Storey is like a big family, and we have a great atmosphere and co-workers.”
We should note, we didn’t make her say it, but Christi says one of her favorite things is how awesome her boss is.
“I wished everyone could experience a great boss! It really makes you appreciate your job,” says Christie.
Out of the office, Christi enjoys spending time with family and friends, and she’s been a great addition to our team.
Nicole Shierk
Special Projects and Systems Integrations
Storey Trucking is an honest, driver-focused, customer-driven company. Those are Nicole words, which we think speak volumes. She helps us keep going by troubleshooting and providing support for all of our software and software integrations.
“There are few people blessed enough to work in an environment that supports employee growth, appreciates all levels of their team and supports an overall positive and pleasant work environment,” says Nicole.
What Nicole wishes others would know about the trucking industry is that it’s hard work and that it entails a great deal more than driving a truck. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family.
Debbie Pyle
Payroll/Billing Associate
Debbie ensures our OTR drivers are paid when they complete their trips as well as our shop personnel and California drivers. She’s worked with us for two and a half years and likes our flexible, work/life balance. Asked about our team values, Debbie says compassion and fairness are at the top.
“Storey goes out of the way to recognize and adjust for a driver’s life occurrences. The staff will work with new drivers to help them adjust and fit in with our culture. I’ve seen drivers needing more experience be partnered with an experienced driver to be given a chance to learn and grow,” says Debbie.
When it comes to fairness, Debbie says we are constantly reviewing industry standards to remain competitive and provide fair pay to drivers, and she’s right. We also pride ourselves in not micromanaging our drivers.
“Drivers are treated as intelligent, responsible people who are capable of planning and executing their duties,” says Debbie.
On her days off, Debbie likes to go antique shopping and browse yard sales, sometimes driving around just to see what’s out there. But like many on our team, Debbie says spending time with her family is at the top of her list.
Jackie Nichols
Dispatch Team Lead
One thing you’ll hear often is that at Storey Trucking, they know you by your name, and that’s what Jackie will tell you too.
She’s been with us for nearly five years, and she says it “feels like home.”
Jackie plans all of our loads out of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico for our Chattanooga and Henagar offices, and she dispatches loads for our Henagar location.
Lashell Peoples
Local Payroll & Dispatcher
Lashell has worked with us for two years and ensures loads dropped off by solo and team drivers at our yard are delivered in a timely manner.
She also assists in helping them find local loads when needed and makes sure local drivers’ payroll is processed.
“The opportunity to learn about trucking in a small family environment drew me to work for Storey,” says Lashell.
“But don’t let the small town fool you. A lot of work goes on at this small-town trucking company!”
Outside of work, Lashell enjoys swimming, reading, boating and family time.
Wayne Hawk
Operations/Dispatch
If you really want the complete story on Storey Trucking, then Wayne is the man to talk to as he’s stuck with us for 31 years.
Primarily, he dispatches outbound loads, but he also assists with appointments, ratings, scouting equipment, customer relations and maintaining driver satisfaction.
Wayne says that despite growth and changes, “we are still a small family business at heart.”
“It can be chaotic one minute and quiet the next, but each day is different, and I like the people I work with,” says Wayne. “Our values are integrity, honesty and a solid work ethic. This not only applies to our shippers and receivers but to the drivers as well.”
When Wayne is not in the office supporting our drivers on the road, you’ll find him working on various projects around the house.
Suzanne Barker
Dispatch Team Lead
Suzanne has been with us for almost 2 years and we are thrilled to have her on our team. She’s normally at the Chattanooga office where she works on keeping both the drivers and customers happy.
“I’ve never been at a company in the trucking industry where the drivers and the customers are equally as important,” says Suzanne. “It’s nothing I’ve ever experienced with another company. They are so kind, heartfelt and feel like a family.”
“You’re not a number. Here they know your voice; they know who you are when you pick up the phone,” says Suzanne. “It’s not because we are small. I think everyone cares more here.”
When Suzanne is not working, you can find her cruising thrift stores or garage sales for that needle in a haystack. She says what’s junk to someone is treasure to another.
Dakota Crosslin
Driver Recruitment
The man behind recruiting and retaining Storey’s amazing team is Dakota. He left brokerage during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been at Storey Trucking for over 2 ½ years now.
Dakota says Storey is a fun environment and no two days are ever the same, there’s always something to keep you on your toes.
“When something doesn’t go according to plan, you have a team behind you and everyone pitches in and picks up the pieces,” says Dakota. “At the end of the day its logistics, its trucking, there going to be issues. If something does happen, you don’t just have one person, you have a team of people who are going to help you.”
When Dakota isn’t working you can find him somewhere in the woods, fishing or hanging out with his dog.
Tina Cisco
Transportation Dispatcher
August of 89’ Tina joined the Storey Trucking team and hasn’t looked back. As a dispatcher, she handles the back hauls from out west and she’s one of the biggest supporters of drivers.
“Truck drivers get a bad reputation on the road, but they are just doing their part in getting product across the country,” says Tina. “I love my drivers. I have a good relationship with all of them and I try to do what’s best for them.”
Tina says the Storey Trucking team is one big family.
“Its kind of like our home away from home,” says Tina. “We’re small and family oriented, you’re a person not just an employee. We have good relationships with each other.”
Tina loves to spend time with her family. She has two children and three grandchildren, so if she’s not working, she’s spending time with them.
Cindy Brown
Operations - Registration/Inspections
With over 20 years in trucking, Cindy has called Storey Trucking home for over 11 years now. She loves the trucking industry because she gets still gets challenged and she finds it fulfilling.
“I’ve made a lot of wonderful friends at Storey and we have a great team here,” says Cindy. “We are more like a family and group of friends. Everyone works as a team.”
From her time at Storey she can tell you, its changed, in a good way.
“We’ve evolved as the trucking industry has evolved,” says Cindy. “We are doing things that we didn’t do 10 or 11 years ago and its making the work experience, the job, more satisfying and fulfilling.”
When not working, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family, walking, music/concerts, great food and time spent at home.
Josh Story
Shop Lead
When our team says working at Storey is like working with family, sometimes we mean it quite literally. Josh joined the family business over 13 years ago and says working with his family is the best part.
“Our core values focus on making sure our drivers are taken care of and stay happy. Most of the drivers have mine and Eric’s personal cell number, and we want them to see we are just as involved as they are with the day-to-day operations. We stay true to always being there to help our employees if needed,” says Josh.
As our shop lead, Josh ensures trucks and trailers are repaired in a timely manner to help our drivers keep on rolling. Sometimes, he even meets drivers offsite and drives the truck to them.
“We know everyone by name, and all of us have been behind the wheel of a truck,” says Josh. “Every job our drivers do, from delivering local loads to pulling a load out west and back, we’ve all seen the work from their point of view. It helps us better understand our drivers and what it is like on the road.”
While Josh admits the lines between work and home are blurred, when he is off, he enjoys getting to spend time with his wife Crystal.
Sharivea Jones
Dispatcher/IT Coordinator
Sharivea ensures that everything runs smoothly by coordinating with customers, providing precise logistics for drivers and coordinating delivery times. She says Storey is focused on collaboration, continuous improvement and trust, all of which are upheld by open lines of communication.
“It is possible to find good trucking companies that truly care about their drivers, and Storey is one of them,” says Sharivea. “The employee retention proves that Storey is a great place to work.”
Sharivea thinks common misconceptions about the industry are that driving doesn’t require any physical or mental effort and that it’s a “man’s world.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Drivers work exceptionally hard. It is a very demanding job,” she says.
When she’s off the clock, Sharivea likes to take her children on last-minute mini-road trips and adventures around town.
Tim Miller
Finance Director
After seeing an established company with deep roots in the communities where it operates, Tim knew he wanted to work with Storey. As finance director, he is responsible for our long-term financial health and growth. He oversees accounting operations, produces reports and analyzes how to improve or change current practices to increase efficiency.
Though he’s worked in the industry for a decade, Tim says working at Storey has offered a fresh perspective, and he likes the blend of new technology with time-honored processes.
“Storey Trucking exists to take care of the drivers, mechanics and office staff,” says Tim. “The culture at Storey goes much deeper than the average company. It’s a family of committed and caring employees working together.”
Tim points to the fact that Storey has been a dependable and trusted trucking provider for nearly 60 years and is still owned and operated by the Storey family.
“I honestly believe that the owners are here for one simple purpose – they genuinely want to take care of their drivers,” he says. “When you see the Storey tagline of ‘The Human Side of Logistics,’ it’s not just lip service. The leadership means it wholeheartedly.”
Tim says it’s easy to overlook the value created by professional truck drivers in our everyday lives. He wants people to know that drivers are hardworking and dedicated to delivering essential goods across the nation both safely and on-time.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with his son, playing video games, reading, relaxing at home and traveling.
Experience the Storey Difference
If you or someone you know is ready to drive for a team that’s like family, we welcome you to apply to drive with us.