In the high-stakes world of heavy haul and specialized freight transport, one company has carved out a reputation that is equal parts muscle and meticulousness.

Founded in 2006 by brothers Jonathan and Thomas Ivy, Southern Transport has grown from a grassroots family operation into an industry-leading heavy-haul provider, renowned for its unwavering commitment to safety, best-in-class driver performance, and deployment of state-of-the-art equipment—setting the standard for the future of heavy haul trucking.

While many trucking companies operate under the radar, Southern Transport thrives in the spotlight—specifically in the logistical pressure cooker where time-sensitive, oversized, and high-value loads must be moved across challenging routes and terrain. Based in Kilgore, Texas, but operating across the U.S., Southern Transport delivers not just freight but peace of mind— offering clients a turnkey, fully integrated solution from start to finish.

A Company Born from Grit and Vision

The origins of Southern Transport are deeply rooted in family and perseverance. When Jonathan and Thomas Ivy launched the company nearly two decades ago, they didn’t inherit a business or step into a legacy—they built one. The Ivy brothers were hands-on from the beginning: hauling loads, handling dispatch, and maintaining equipment. That do-it-yourself spirit still courses through the company today, even as it has scaled to serve clients on a national level.

This early foundation created something invaluable: an unshakable sense of ownership and pride in doing things the right way. According to Jacob Elliott, director of transportation, that mindset has never left.

“Jonathan and Thomas still come into the office every day. They know every employee’s name. They’ve driven the trucks, they’ve done the hard miles, and they’ve never lost touch with that,” Elliott says. “That leadership style is what drives the culture here. There’s no disconnect between the office and the field.”

Precision, Planning, and People

Southern Transport has built its brand not only on the ability to move large and complex loads but also on its capacity for precise planning and flawless execution. At the heart of that capability is a deeply collaborative team culture. Every department—from safety and dispatch to maintenance and crane operations—is involved in strategic planning well before a load ever hits the road.

“Proactive, not reactive—that’s our operating mantra,” says Elliott. “We plan every detail in advance. Before any job begins, we hold a full pre-job meeting that includes shop personnel, drivers, escort crews, dispatch, and safety staff. That cross-functional planning is where we win.”

Unlike many operators who subcontract major components of their services, Southern Transport provides a completely in-house experience. Whether it’s coordinating crane services for lifting massive components, surveying routes for infrastructure risks, or ensuring permit compliance across multiple states, Southern Transport owns the entire chain of operations.

This one-call, one-team model gives clients a streamlined experience that cuts down on risk, confusion, and delays. It also means Southern Transport maintains total quality control from the first consultation to final delivery.

A Standout Project in West Texas

Few examples capture the Southern Transport approach as powerfully as a recent compressor station relocation project in West Texas. The job required lifting and moving major infrastructure from an active site to a new location—requiring coordination of heavy haul transport, crane services, route surveys, and tight scheduling.

The client faced two significant hurdles: logistical complexity and time constraints. They needed a team that could manage every moving part without delay or miscommunication. Southern Transport stepped in with a complete project package.

“We weren’t just the carrier—we were the solution,” Elliott explains. “From cranes and rigging to transportation and logistics planning, we took full ownership. The result? We completed the job in half the anticipated timeframe.”

Such outcomes are not the exception but the expectation at Southern Transport. Every successful delivery builds on a legacy of trust—and the company takes that responsibility seriously.

Safety Is Not a Department—It’s a Culture

The heavy haul industry is inherently dangerous. From massive loads requiring special permits to infrastructure challenges like bridges, overpasses, and road weight limits, risk management is non-negotiable. At Southern Transport, safety isn’t treated as a checkbox or regulatory burden—it’s woven into the very DNA of the company.

The company’s recent certifications—ISO 9001 for quality management systems and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety—are proof of that commitment. These certifications require stringent internal processes, frequent audits, and a documented safety-first philosophy.

But Southern Transport doesn’t just meet these standards—it lives them.

“We work hard to keep a tight loop between our safety team and everyone else,” says Elliott. “Drivers, dispatchers, escort crews—we’re all aligned. And our owners lead by example, which reinforces that culture every day.”

Drivers, in particular, are not just operators—they’re the face of the brand. That’s why the company invests heavily in training, mentorship, and ongoing education. Each driver understands not only the mechanics of their role but also the strategic decisions that go into planning each haul.

“We aren’t just teaching people how to drive a truck,” Elliott says. “We’re teaching them how to solve problems in real time, how to assess risk, and how to be ambassadors for our brand.”

The People Behind the Power

A company can have the best equipment and the most advanced logistics software, but if it doesn’t invest in its people, it won’t succeed. Southern Transport understands this better than most.

The company is built on a culture of promotion from within, mentorship, and skill development. Many employees—including Elliott himself—have risen through the ranks from entry-level roles to positions of leadership.

“I started out inspecting trucks and learning the ropes in the yard,” Elliott recalls. “Over time, I was given more responsibility, more trust, and more opportunity. That’s how it works here. If you’re willing to put in the time, the company invests in you.” Today, Elliot holds multiple fleet management certifications from the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA), which have helped him develop his career as an emerging leader in professional fleet management.

This investment in people also extends to recruiting new talent. Southern Transport prioritizes attitude and integrity over simply checking boxes. If a candidate shows grit, humility, and a desire to learn, they’re often brought on board and trained from the ground up.

“We can teach skills,” says Elliott. “But we can’t teach character. That’s what we’re really hiring for.”

A Fleet Built for Today and Tomorrow

Of course, even the best people need the right tools. That’s why Southern Transport continually reinvests in its fleet and equipment. Whether it's 13-axle trailers, extendable decks, dual-lane dollies, or cutting-edge load monitoring systems, the company maintains a best-in-class arsenal of heavy haul assets.

Southern Transport also stays ahead of the curve when it comes to infrastructure changes and OEM requirements. As manufacturers evolve their equipment specs and transport needs, Southern Transport updates its fleet accordingly—often faster than the competition.

“Our maintenance teams are constantly auditing our equipment,” says Elliott. “They work with OEM reps, stay ahead of new requirements, and make sure our gear is always up to date. That gives our clients confidence that we can move anything they need, anywhere they need it.”

Weathering the Industry’s Headwinds

Like any sector, the heavy haul industry faces macroeconomic pressures: driver shortages, supply chain volatility, regulatory changes, and fuel costs. But Southern Transport has turned many of these challenges into opportunities by staying nimble, keeping operations lean, and maintaining high standards for client service.

Perhaps the most persistent challenge is infrastructure limitations—from low bridges to weak roadbeds and outdated permitting systems in rural areas. Southern Transport meets these head-on with pre-planning, site surveys, and on-the-ground recon before any move.

“When we say we’re proactive, we mean it,” Elliott emphasizes. “We’ve driven routes in advance. We’ve worked with local municipalities to remove signage. We’ve coordinated police escorts across multiple jurisdictions. That’s the level of planning we bring to the table.”

Bigger Loads, Higher Stakes

The future of heavy haul transportation is going to be bigger— literally. As industrial equipment continues to scale in size and complexity, the need for elite heavy haul carriers will only grow. Elliott sees this as an opportunity to further cement Southern Transport’s leadership in the space.

“We’re already seeing loads get longer, wider, and heavier,” he says. “That means more planning, more engineering, and more communication. But it also means more chances for us to stand out as the best.”

To meet that growing demand, Southern Transport is investing in new talent pipelines, expanded service offerings, and strategic partnerships that will allow the company to maintain its growth trajectory without losing the personal touch that made it great.

A Legacy of Trust. A Future of Innovation.

At its core, Southern Transport is about more than just moving freight. It’s about building relationships, empowering people, and setting new standards for what a heavy haul company can be.

Whether you're a Fortune 500 energy firm relocating industrial components or a local construction company with oversized loads, Southern Transport brings the same level of care, professionalism, and passion to every job.

And while the equipment may get bigger and the logistics more complicated, the company’s core values—integrity, excellence, safety, and service—remain unchanged.

Because at Southern Transport, they don’t just haul loads. They deliver trust.