Big G Express Inc – A Unique Trucking Company Owned by the Drivers

You know Big G Express, Inc. has a unique history. Brothers Jack and Pat Marsh founded the company in 1995, extending the well-known Goggin Truck Line, which was one of the oldest truck carriers in Tennessee. Starting out with six trucks and twelve trailers they rapidly expanded. In 1998, they were joined by David Nolan and Patty Corley. This partnership continued for 14 years with expanded growth along the way.

It was in January of 2009 that they changed to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which allows the partnership and its employees to equally share in the operation and ownership. The Board of Directors is comprised of Jack and Pat Marsh, Patty Corley, David Nolan, and President Randy Vernon. Currently there are more than 500 employee owners.

This company's headquarters are located in Shelbyville, Tennessee and currently it has more than 384 tractors and 850 trailers and, in 2003 added a 50,000 square foot warehouse and a PGE Logistics facility. In 2004, they added Electronic Data Interchange capabilities, which made their customer service more effective with things such as invoicing, shipment status, and so forth more effective.

The company's Kenworth and Volvo trucks average less than 3 years old and have the very latest tractor interior innovations. These vehicles have a 10-speed auto-shift and a 400 HP ISX Cummings-1,650 ft/lb of torque, and a premium stereo system. All vehicles have an air-slide suspension and an air-slide 5th wheel and trailers have an air assisted tandem slide. A Qualcomm satellite-tracking system is used for load monitoring.

The ESOP plan (Employee Stock Option Plan) has a retirement program in which the company makes all the contributions. This stock value has increased 94% since originated. There is also vacation pay, seven paid holidays, stop-off, loading/unloading, and layover pay. One unusually feature regarding this company is that each driver is assigned a personal dispatcher, which makes it easy to convey and resolve any driver's concerns.

There are per diem rates for both solo and team drivers, a safety and compliance bonus, and an automatic pay increase every six months. In addition, there is a recruiting bonus and a fuel and performance bonus is paid every six months. Low cost medical and life insurance is available, as well as paid disability insurance, and guest passenger program. The company is pet friendly.

Employment with this company is extended to non-union company drivers and there is a 2-day driver orientation training session prior to employment. Drivers are also expected to take part in safety programs that are held weekly and periodically. The company has the slogan, "Commitment to Safety" which is supported with extensive maintenance and driver refresher programs.

To obtain employment with this company a driver must be at least 21 years old, have a good MVR/driving record, and have six months recent OTR experience. The starting cents-per-mile is based on the number of years the employee has been driving. Their site states that solo drivers average 2,700 miles per week and teams average 4,500 miles per week.

Because this company is composed of driver-owners it is apparent that many of the problems encountered with companies owned by non-drivers is avoided. A research of truckers' reviews has found no previous employee complaints against this company.