About Bennett Family of Companies

From our humble beginnings as a small family business to our exponential growth into a family of companies, our core values have never wavered. As Atlanta’s #1 Woman-Owned Business, “We Care” is a motto that begins with CEO Marcia Taylor and drives every employee, owner-operator, contractor and agent within Bennett to provide outstanding customer service. 

Our commitment to a culture of safety and emphasis on family is unparalleled. Our specialized, innovative, and integrated solutions make us a proven leader in the transportation, distribution, global logistics and supply chain industry.

“We exist to serve people, drive opportunities, make a difference, and honor God in all that we do.”

— Bennett Family of Companies Purpose Statement

Mission Statement

Bennett Family of Companies is dedicated to the principle and philosophy of being a leader in both domestic and international transportation through providing the highest quality service, safety, value and integrity resulting in customer satisfaction. We provide a professional environment to enrich the quality of life for all and fulfill our civic and social responsibility in the communities we serve.

Vision Statement

We are committed to being the leading provider of innovative, integrated solutions specializing in global transportation, distribution, logistics and crane services.

Our Core Values

The foundation on which we live and work everyday.

We're Passionate

We Innovate

We Humbly Serve

We Collaborate

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We’re
Passionate
We
Innovate
We
Humbly Serve
We
Collaborate
We’re Passionate:
  • About Safety, Health & Wellness
  • About Family
  • About Honoring Our Country & Those Who Serve
  • About Continuous Growth & Financial Strength
  • About Supporting Our Communities Through Generous Giving
We Innovate:
  • By Leveraging Our Diversity of Experiences & Ideas
  • By Holding Ourselves Accountable
  • By Promoting an Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • By Encouraging Learning & Development
We Humbly Serve:
  • God
  • Our Employees, Contractors & Their Families
  • Our Customers & Partners With Quality & Excellence
  • Our Communities, Country & The Motoring Public
We Collaborate:
  • With Integrity & Respect
  • With Loyalty & Trust
  • With Empathy & Understanding

Woman-Owned Business Committed to Championing Diversity and Promoting Women

The Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, WBENC-certified transportation and logistics company. Marcia Taylor transformed her once small business into a global enterprise, creating a caring atmosphere that makes employees feel like family. 

As a prominent female in the industry, Taylor is committed to empowering women in the workplace, believing passionately in her Women in the Drivers Seat Program. She constantly pushes forward initiatives to encourage more women to join the trucking industry, breaking down barriers and promoting their accomplishments.

Marcia G. Taylor

Owner/CEO

Family Owned & Operated Since 1974

In 1974, Marcia Taylor and her husband embarked on a journey by acquiring a modest trucking company known as George Bennett Motor Express. At the outset, the company had a small fleet of just 15 trucks. Over the subsequent four decades, a profound connection between Marcia, her children (David Lowry, Danny Lowry, and Lynette Mathis), and their dedicated drivers has blossomed, creating a sense of kinship that extends far beyond the workplace.

This enduring bond has led numerous drivers to remain loyal for over 30 years, a testament to the exceptional treatment they receive, akin to the respect reserved for cherished family members. While Bennett Motor Express has grown substantially, now boasting more than 1,000 drivers, the message remains clear: every individual within the company is valued and appreciated for their vital contribution.

50 Years of Service

Bennett has a long and rich history in the logistics and transportation industry. With over 50 years of service excellence, our past inspires our continued success.

1974

George Bennett Motor Express Acquired

1978

First Drop Deck Trailers Purchased

1980

Bennett Purchases Their First Computer

1980

First Agents Meeting Included: Tom Draper, Betty Kelley, Dan Mitchum, and Ed Scott

1981

A 4000 sq ft Home Office Was Constructed in McDonough, GA

1981

J.D. Garrison, CEO of Bennett Passes Unexpectedly

1986

DriveAway Launches

1988

Bennett Distribution Services Launches

1989

Heavy Haul Division Launches

1993

Bennett Goes Global With Bennett International Transport

1994

Bennett Truck Transport Launches

1997

Owner Operator Charles "Big C" Pressley, Hauls La Quinta's 30,001st Room

2001

Bennett Supports 9/11 Disaster Recovery Efforts by Transporting Refrigerated Trailers

2006

Henry Medical Center Names the Women Center in Honor of Marcia G. Taylor

2007

Bennett Building Systems Launches

2010

Bennett Opens a Drill Pipe and Distribution Center in Houston, Texas

2011

Bennett Establishes a Universal Logo for All Business Divisions

2012

Bennett Awarded Georgia Family Business of the Year

2013

Bennett Recognized as Top 100 Workplaces in Atlanta

2014

Marcia Taylor Named 2014 Influential Woman in Trucking by Navistar and the Women in Trucking Organization

2014

Bennett International Group Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

2015

Bennett Expanded Its Operations To Include Crane and Rigging in May 2015 With Bennett On-Site Services (Boss)

2017

Bennett Delivers Mercedez-Benz Stadium Development Logistics

2017

Bennett Provides Disaster Relief Support For FEMA in Puerto Rico.

2017

Marcia G. Taylor Receives Prestigious Horatio Alger Award.

2018

Bennett Delivers 15,120 wreaths During Wreaths Across America

2018

Bennett Announces Startup of Heavy & Specialized Division

2019

RoadMasters Companies Joins Bennett Family (BTT)

2019

Bennett Motor Express Adds Super Heavy Haul Agent

2020

Changed company name from Bennett International Group, LLC to Bennett Family of Companies

2021

Bennett Expands Its Oilfield Service Capabilities with the Addition of American Eagle, a Division of Bennett Motor Express

2022

Bennett's DriveAway Division Has First Acquisition in Company’s History with Don Ray Drive-A-Way

2022

Bennett Expands Its Technology Service Capabilities with Addition of BridgeHaul

2023

Bennett Ranks No.1 on Atlanta’s Top 20 Women-Owned Firms for Twenty Years

Humble Beginnings

In 1974, J.D. and Marcia Garrison bought a small contract carrier named George Bennett Motor Express, which had two contracts, 15 trucks and 30 trailers.

Turning a Profit

n 1977, just a few short years later, George Bennett Motor Express grossed over $1 million in annual revenue.

Original Drivers and Employees

Drop Deck Gorgeous

In 1978, J.D. and Marcia purchased their first drop deck trailer. Before Marcia could make a payment on the equipment, J.D. had made an appointment with Mr. C.K. Crawford at Ford in Romeo, MI to haul tractors.

Image of Ford Tractors

Computer Power!

In 1980, Bennett stepped into a new decade with the purchase of a Texas Instruments Personal Computer. The salesman said that this would be the first and last computer that Bennett would ever buy.

Early Bennett IT Images

Agents Extravaganza

In 1980, Bennett held its first annual “Agents Meeting” in the back room of the McDonough, Georgia Holiday Inn. This meeting would eventually become our Annual Symposium, a 2 day learning event and recognition banquet held at beautiful facilities like Stone Mountain and the Georgia Aquarium.

Symposium Images

Sudden Loss

J.D. Garrison became very ill and passed away unexpectedly, in 1981. At this point Marcia had to make one of the hardest decisions of her life: close the doors of Bennett or carry on with the vision that had carried them this far. With the support of friends, family and loyal employees the vision was carried into the future.

Building Growth

By 1981, G.B.M.E had outgrown their facilities on Highway 81 in McDonough, Georgia. A few miles from the original location, on Industrial Parkway, a new 4,000 square foot corporate headquarters and repair facility was built.

Corporate Building Images

A New Image

In 1985, George Bennett Motor Express became Bennett Motor Express. The name change was made primarily for convenience, yet began a period of expansion and diversification of the company.

Bennett Jacket

Putting the "Drive" in DriveAway

In 1986, Bennett responded to customer requests for transporting rolling stock by starting a new division, DriveAway. Ted Paul and Gerald Fitzgerald played key roles in establishing services that deliver vehicles from manufacturers to dealers across the US and around the world.

Thinking Outside The Box

Bennett Distribution Services was founded in 1988 as a port services company. The operation was designed to provide marshalling services and support the logistics needs of Bennett Motor Express customers in the Port of Baltimore.

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Marcia Taylor, CEO of Bennett was honored by Venture Magazine in 1988 as the “Female Entrepreneur of the Year”, for the state of Georgia. Her stellar reputation in a male-dominated industry continues to this day.

Oversize Load

In 1989, David Lowry planned and developed the heavy haul division with the support of Elmer Clevenger. How Bennett and David started their Heavy Haul Division is not your typical way of doing business.

Your Highway To The World

In 1993, Bennett went global by establishing Bennett International Transport, a specialized freight forwarding operation designed to meet any need door to door whether ocean, truck, rail, barge or air freight. BIT has expanded worldwide with agents on six of the seven continents.

Delivered With Pride

Seizing an opportunity in the housing boom, Bennett Truck Transport was founded in 1994. Under the leadership of Ted Paul and Danny Lowry, BTT became an industry leader in the transport of manufactured houses and commercial buildings using specialized toter trucks.

Olympic Challenge

Bennett delivered 1,500 transit buses for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga.

Big C"s Big Haul

In 1997, Bennett owner operator, Charles Pressley had the opportunity to haul La Quinta”s 30,001st room across the country. However, Big C never thought this haul would make him a TV star.

Watch the Video

Presidential Invitation

Marcia Taylor was invited to the White House in 1999 to participate with other women during the “Working Women”s Top 500 Women-Owned Business Conference”, where she was recognized in the top 107 out of 500 women-owned businesses in America.

#1 Women Owned Business

2005 marked the first time that the Atlanta Business Chronicle named Bennett the #1 Women Owned Business in Atlanta. The company retains the title today.

Building Our Future

In 2007, Bennett launched a portable storage shed and steel structure manufacturing business. Under Danny Lowry”s leadership, Bennett Building Systems has built high-quality sheds, barns and garages for the consumer market, distributed directly from the factory and retailers across the southeast.

Drill Baby Drill

In 2010, Bennett established a 17 acre oil pipe yard. This service allowed Bennett to provide handling, quality control, and inventory management for our oil industry customers.

One Brand, Many Solutions

As a holding company for a diverse portfolio of businesses, Bennett International Group has had many brands over the years. In 2011, a single Bennett logo unified the brand.

Accolades Pour In

Bennett International Group was recognized with several prestigious industry and community awards in 2012.

Georgia Family Business of the Year

The year 2012 brought accolades to Bennett as we were awarded Georgia Family Business of the Year. This award further demonstrates our commitment to delivering outstanding services consistently to our customers.

Giving Back

In 2012, Marcia and her husband Mike Taylor, started the Taylor Family Foundation, with a mission to invest a portion of all Bennett profits into worthwhile community organizations.

2013 Top 100 Workplaces

Bennett is recognized as one of the Top 100 Workplaces in Atlanta. This award further distinguishes us as a leader in our industry and shows our dedication to our workforce.

Super Heavy Haul Added

Bennett Motor Express adds new Super Heavy Haul agent on West Coast, Contractors Cargo Company.

Celebrating 40 Years

Bennett celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2014. Forty years of dedicated service to our customers.

RoadMasters Companies

Bennett Truck Transport completes asset purchase of the RoadMasters Companies in Athens, Texas.

More Than Just a Transportation Company

Through generous tithes from the Bennett Family of Companies, the Taylor Family Foundation provides funding for various causes that align with our core values and serve the communities we live in. Together, we support and promote family values, senior citizen care, and community initiatives. Each quarter, Bennett donates a percentage of its profits to the Taylor Family Foundation in order to fund grants geared towards these objectives. 

The foundation distributes these funds to causes related to family values, senior citizen care, educational initiatives, healthcare services, and other worthy charitable endeavors. Through this long-term commitment, the Bennett Family of Companies and the Taylor Family Foundation are working together to make a real difference in the communities they serve.

Senior Management Team

Marcia G. Taylor

Owner, Chairwoman, and Chief Executive Officer – Bennett Family of Companies

David Pittman

President, Chief Financial Officer – Bennett Family of Companies

Lee Gentry

Executive Vice President – Bennett Family of Companies

David Lowry

Chief Executive Officer – Transportation Group

Danny Lowry
Danny Lowry

Vice President – Bennett Family of Companies, President – Bennett Truck Transport, Bennett Distribution Services

Lynette Mathis

Vice President – Bennett Family of Companies

Tim Hadden

Chief Information Officer – Bennett Family of Companies, Chief Operating Officer -Transportation Group

Regina Auletta

Vice President of Administration/HR – Bennett Family of Companies

Grant Brooker

General Counsel – Bennett Family of Companies

Gerald Fitzgerald

Board Member – Bennett Family of Companies

Phil Hibbs

Board Member – Bennett Family of Companies

Charles Phillips

President – Bennett Motor Express, LLC

Jim Collins

President – Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging Co.

Tom Woodall

President – Bennett DriveAway

Richard Miller

President – BOSS Crane & Rigging

Jim Utley

Vice President, Government Services – Bennett Heavy & Specialized, LLC

Larry Barnes

Executive Vice President – Bennett Motor Express, LLC

Jodi Penn

Vice President of Quality – Bennett Family of Companies

Kris Rzepkowski

Vice President, Marketing & Communications – Bennett Family of Companies

Ted Gaze

Vice President of Sales – Bennett International Logistics

Keith Copeland

Vice President, Safety – Bennett Family of Companies

Certifications & Associations

Bennett and its operating companies have established a reputation as reliable partners in transportation and logistics services. This success is backed by multiple certifications at the regional, national and international levels from municipal, state and federal regulatory agencies across North America. For customers, this means you can count on Bennett to deliver goods safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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