James R Smith Trucking

12/22/2025

We are so excited to introduce the newest member of the Smith Family, Charles Lynn Smith.

December 19, 2025
7lb 7oz
20 inches

Congratulations to parents, Noah & Makenzie and big brothers Caseton & Wyatt! Charles is also the grandson of Alan & Tracey Smith and the great-grandson of James R. Welcome to the family little one! ❤️

12/13/2025

WHY CLOSE INSTEAD OF SELL?
When the Smith Family decided it was time to retire and embrace the next chapter of their lives, they faced a more difficult decision than they anticipated: whether to sell or close the business. Selling could potentially bring greater financial gain and allow their father’s legacy to continue in a visible way. Yet, it also meant entrusting their father’s hard-earned reputation to someone outside the family.

After much reflection, James R’s three children realized they could not bring themselves to hand the reins to anyone beyond their family. Passing the business to the next generation seemed logical, but each grandchild has their own passions and goals—ranging from nursing and machinist work to marine biology. While the grandchildren were willing to make sacrifices, the siblings wanted their children to pursue their own dreams without obligation.

With that understanding, James R’s children made the heartfelt decision to close the business, sell the equipment and terminal, and bring to a close 70 years of dedication and hard work. They extend their deepest gratitude to every person who has touched their lives along the way.

12/12/2025

How James R. Smith Met Hank Williams Jr.

The short version is simple: they met through mutual friends.
The long version tells the story of a friendship that shaped both of their lives.
From the mid-1960s until his passing in 2022, James R. Smith kept a second home in Florida. In the early 1970s, he became close friends with a neighbor in Panama City, Dixie Hatfield—a talented DJ and gifted musician. One year, Dixie invited James R. to travel with him to Nashville for a DJ Convention.
At that convention, Dixie introduced him to Merle Kilgore, the well-known musician and songwriter who happened to be an old friend of Hank Williams Jr. Merle later introduced James R. to Hank, and the two hit it off immediately over their shared love of hunting and fishing.
Not long afterward, Hank—frustrated with his management at the time—told James R., “If you can get trucks from one place to another, you can do the same thing with my bus.” Before long, Hank left Nashville and moved in with James R. and his family in Cullman, Alabama.
From there, James R. stepped fully into the entertainment world, managing additional artists and expanding his influence within the music industry.

11/21/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Fun Fact: Trucks have wind resistance so strong it can pull a small car forward.

11/20/2025

We’d like to invite all of our truck drivers to join us tomorrow, Friday, November 21st, for a Thanksgiving Lunch here at the office.

This is our way of saying thank you for everything you do. We appreciate your hard work, dedication, and the long hours you spend keeping things moving.

Location: Office
Time: 11:30

11/19/2025

11/14/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Fun Fact: Most semis get about 6.5 miles per gallon of diesel.

11/07/2025

After 70 Incredible Years…

This year marks 70 years in business, a milestone that fills us with pride, gratitude, and a touch of bittersweet emotion. Our business was founded by our father, whose hard work, integrity, and dedication built the foundation we’ve been blessed to continue. Though he has since passed away, his spirit and values have guided us every step of the way.

After much thought, we’ve decided it’s time to close this chapter and step into retirement. Our last day of operation will be December 31st, marking the end of an amazing 70-year journey.

To our employees, customers, drivers, and friends—thank you for being part of our story. Your loyalty, friendship, and support through the years have meant more than words can express.

As we say goodbye to this chapter, we do so with full hearts and endless gratitude for everyone who has been part of our family’s legacy.

With much appreciation,
Teressa Smith Quick,
Kellie Smith Emerson,
James Alan Smith

11/07/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Fun Fact: Semis take about two football fields to stop when fully loaded.

11/05/2025

Truckers...be on the lookout for these potential signs of human trafficking! 🚩
🚩Lack of knowledge of whereabouts
🚩Not in control of ID/passport
🚩Restricted or controlled communication, not allowed to speak for self, being watched or followed
🚩Any mention of making a quota or having a pimp/ daddy
🚩Signs of branding or tattooing of trafficker's name (often on the neck)
If you're seeing signs like these or others that are suspicious...please do the following:
📞If you are seeing a crime in progress, please CALL 911 FIRST! 📞..after that, or if you're not sure what you're seeing and need to report a tip, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-888-3737-888 (US)
1-833-900-1010 (CAN)
The hotline is also useful to call if you need to call on behalf of someone for victim services.
SHARE this post to spread awareness and - who knows - potentially save a life!!