Webb Estes quickly took on the role of president of his family’s trucking firm just a week after the arrival of his third daughter.
He humorously mentioned that his father, Rob Estes, CEO of Estes Express Lines, wanted three grandchildren from him before he could assume the position.
“It’s been a busy week,” said the president and COO, “where I have new responsibilities and an exciting year ahead.”
In an interview with Transport Dive, Webb Estes discussed how his 15 years of experience in various roles—driving trucks, working on docks, and managing a terminal—influenced his objectives as president. He shares leadership with his father, who continues as CEO.
Editor’s note: This interview has been condensed for clarity and brevity.
TRANSPORT DIVE: Congratulations on your appointment as president. Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
WEBB ESTES: I’m 39 years old, married, and a father of three. I enjoy soccer and come from an accounting background, having obtained my degree from the College of William & Mary, like my dad. I’ve been with Estes for over 15 years full-time.
How have your past experiences at Estes shaped your priorities as president and COO?
ESTES: A significant takeaway from my various roles is understanding that no one person can handle everything alone. Each shipment involves multiple individuals. I’ve learned to respect all team members for their hard work and appreciate that success is a collective effort.
My primary focus is on caring for our team, knowing that this will translate into better service for our customers. Many of our customers interact with the same drivers regularly, highlighting the importance of personal relationships in our industry. I aim to empower our employees by providing them the necessary tools for success.
How has Estes adapted to tougher economic conditions?
ESTES: Being privately owned and debt-free makes my position easier compared to a public company. I don’t have to satisfy numerous shareholders or secure loans from banks. At Estes, we prioritize long-term planning, focusing on what we need in the next year, three years, or five years.
During the onset of COVID, while many competitors were letting employees go, we chose to offer interest-free loans and sought new business opportunities.
What are the current business dynamics, and how will you and your father approach leadership roles?
ESTES: Last year, we generated nearly $5.1 billion in revenue, with $4.3 billion coming from our LTL division, which constitutes 85% of our income. This segment significantly strengthens our position. We also have a foreign division, EFW, which includes a growing warehousing branch worth $300 million to $400 million, and another, Estes Logistics, specializing in dedicated services, generating around $400 million. My father will take a lead role in those divisions while collaborating with me in the LTL sector.
