Southeastern Freight Lines Marks 45 Years in Hazlehurst

Southeastern Freight Lines is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its service center in Hazlehurst, Georgia, which originally opened in 1981 as the carrier’s 12th location. The facility currently employs 27 associates and serves as a key component of a regional network that has grown to include 89 service centers across 13 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This milestone underscores the importance of terminal longevity and consistent service quality in the competitive less-than-truckload (LTL) market.

The Hazlehurst terminal, located on Mathews Drive Highway, reached its 45-year milestone after first opening its doors on June 29, 1981. Originally established as the 12th service center in the Southeastern Freight Lines network, the facility now employs 27 associates. It operates as part of a much larger infrastructure that includes 89 service centers spanning 13 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, demonstrating the carrier's significant expansion since the terminal's inception.

Vic Burton, the service center manager, credited the facility's long-term success to the company’s 'Quality Without Question' service philosophy and a strong internal culture. Burton emphasized that the dedication of the associates has been central to building the terminal's reputation within the Hazlehurst community. According to Burton, the focus on strengthening customer relationships through 'above and beyond' service has been the primary catalyst for the location's growth over the past four decades.

The anniversary celebration also served as a platform to recognize veteran personnel, including linehaul driver Jody Holton, who has been with the company for 34 years, and pickup-and-delivery driver Mike Selph, a 30-year employee. In addition to its freight operations, the Hazlehurst team maintains a presence in local philanthropy through the Southeastern Serves volunteer program. Recent community initiatives have included supporting Habitat for Humanity and coordinating donation drives for firefighters battling wildfires in south Georgia.