Joe Donald’s Journey with Baggett Transportation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Joe Donald graduated from college in 1984 with hopes of spending time at the beach and skiing. However, his grandfather, William Sellers, had different plans for him.

“My grandfather gave me seven days off,” said Donald, now the president of the company. “I showed up here the day after Labor Day in 1984 and have been here ever since.”

A Family Legacy

This wasn’t Donald’s first experience with Baggett Transportation, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. He began working at the company during high school in the late 1970s, performing various tasks like changing tires and sweeping trailers.

Founded by Jess Baggett in Birmingham in 1928, the company initially hauled dynamite for local coal companies. In the mid-1930s, Sellers became involved with Baggett and gained a small stake in the business. Today, it remains a family-owned operation, with Donald leading as the only son of one of Sellers’ daughters.

Coping with Change

After Sellers passed away in July 1990, Donald wasn’t immediately ready to take the helm. A key figure during this transition was Robert Nunnally, the company’s accountant, who managed operations until Donald was prepared to assume an executive role in the late 1990s. Though Donald’s mother is still alive, she is not involved in the company.

Adapting After 9/11

Baggett Transportation had long partnered with the Department of Defense, but the events of September 11, 2001, forced a shift in their business model. “9/11 changed everything,” said Donald. “We could no longer store sensitive materials and began direct shipping with no stops, monitored by satellite.”

Focus on Team Drivers

Today, approximately 50% of Baggett’s business comes from the DOD, with 60% of nearly 100 trucks operated by teams. Donald noted that finding qualified team drivers can be challenging. Team drivers require more scrutiny, as they must adhere to strict monitoring by the government.

A Collaborative Work Environment

Donald emphasizes a family-oriented work culture at Baggett, having shifted from formal to a more casual dress code. “When I started, it was coats and ties for men. Now we wear khakis and collared shirts, and jeans on Fridays,” he shared. With a younger, energetic staff, he expresses hopes of increasing non-DOD revenue, aiming for over $40 million in sales this year.

“We enjoy working together,” Donald concluded, highlighting the camaraderie that he believes is the backbone of Baggett’s ongoing success.