Transportation 2024: WEBB ESTES

A family man, Estes follows in his great-grandfather’s footsteps leading Estes Express Lines, the largest privately owned freight carrier in North America. In January 2023, he was promoted to president and COO, succeeding his father, Rob Estes, who is now board chairman and CEO.

The 93-year-old Estes Express has acquired 24 terminals from the former transportation provider, Yellow, after the Tennessee-based company’s bankruptcy. Also, in April, the business opened three terminals in South Carolina, Nevada and New Jersey, and added more than 130 tractors and 6,000 trailers to its less-than-truckload (LTL) fleet of 10,000 trucks as part of the acquisitions. The company employs more than 23,000 people.

Meanwhile, Webb Estes is making headway on running his company sustainably, including acquiring 12 electric trucks and 300 electric forklifts. The company also is working with Watershed Technology to complete its first carbon footprint study so it can analyze emissions data. It is part of a Virginia Tech initiative to improve supply chain resiliency and sustainability.

A William & Mary alum, Estes joined the company full time in 2007.