DOING BUSINESS THE RIGHT WAY
Conducting business THE RIGHT WAY means treating our employees, customers, and suppliers with the highest level of dignity and respect.
About BHS
Our Mission
Bennett Heavy and Specialized, LLC is committed to delivering best-in-class hazardous materials transportation services focused on safe, dependable, and professional drivers who consistently outperform our competition by providing a superior service at a competitive price.
Our Vision
To grow at a steady and responsible pace and to be recognized and admired as a market leader because of unsurpassed customer service and dedication to our employees, contractors, and business partners.
Our History
In June 2012, Bennett Heavy & Specialized, LLC (BHS) received federal approval to become a HAZMAT carrier. The first BHS HAZMAT contracts centered around the shipment of commercial rocket motors and launchers in support of privatized space programs. The experience gained within this market fueled Bennett’s desire to enter the Ammunition and Explosives market for both commercial and United States Department of Defense customers.
By February 2018, Bennett became the first carrier in nearly 20 years to receive approval from the Department of Defense and the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) to transport ammunition and explosives. BHS was the first carrier to undergo evaluation using newly established, much more stringent standards, and is now a pace-setter in the industry.
In April 2019, Bennett moved to expand our hazmat footprint and enter the Department of Energy (DOE) market. Having a local approval to service the customers needs also highlighted the need to expand that to a national approval status. BHS applied for national approval and after undergoing DOE’s Motor Carrier Evaluation Program, received National Carrier status in January 2020.
The exponential growth of Bennett’s Heavy and Specialized Division has provided our customers with the unique opportunity to add capacity in an extremely tight market while also acquiring a carrier with a laser focus on safety and customer satisfaction.
1974
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.
1977
Turning a Profit
In 1977, just a few short years later, George Bennett Motor Express grossed over $1 million in annual revenue. Growth was made possible with the support of loyal owner-operators like J.W. Jackson and Willie Balliet, dedicated family members, and the company.
Original Drivers and Employees
1978
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. Specialized trailer configurations opened the door to the agricultural machinery business, which would become a major factor in the growth of George Bennett Motor Express.
Image of Ford Tractors
1980
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. Three months later Regina (Foster) Auletta was entering Fuel Tax entries so quickly that the electronics burned out. Bennett has since bought several more computers and technology has become a part of everything we do.
The first computer that Bennett purchased.
The beginning of the IT Department at Bennett.
1980
Agents Extravaganza
n 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.
The 1997 Symposium Awards Ceremony. From left to right Bill Ford, Marcia Taylor, and Len Johnson2007 Bennett Annual Symposium breakout session.2010 Bennett Symposium Awards Banquet dinner at Stone Mountain.2011 Bennett Symposium Friday night reception at the World of Coke.
1981
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.
1981
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.
1985
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.
1986
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.
1988
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.
1988
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.
1989
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.
"I (David) made a sales call on Jetway in Ogden, Utah. They asked me how many double drop extendables we had. Instead of saying, "what"s that?" I asked "How many do you need?" To get the job, we ended up buying a double drop extendable from Trail King in South Dakota, deadheaded to Utah, picked up the load, and hauled it to Detroit".
1993
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.
1994
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.
1996
Olympic Challenge
Bennett delivered 1,500 transit buses for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdFwhPD0l8w
1997
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfu9W08t4d4
1999
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.
2005
#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.
2006
The Marcia G. Taylor Women's Center
Henry Medical Center names the women's center after Marcia G. Taylor.
2007
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.
2010
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.
2011
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.
2012
Accolades Pour In
Bennett International Group was recognized with several prestigious industry and community awards in 2012.
2012
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.
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.
2013
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.
2014
Celebrating 40 Years
Bennett celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2014. Forty years of dedicated service to our customers.
2014
2014 Influential Women in Trucking
Marcia Taylor named 2014 Influential Woman in Trucking by Navistar and the Women in Trucking Organization.
2015
Expanding Operations
Bennett expanded it's operations to include crane and rigging in May 2015 with Bennett On-Site Services.
2017
2017 Horatio Alger Award
Atlanta Transportation Executive and Renowned Philanthropist Marcia G. Taylor to Receive 2017 Horatio Alger Award.
2017
Lending A Helping Hand
In 2017, Bennett provided disaster relief support for FEMA in Puerto Rico.
2017
Mercedez-Benz Stadium
In 2017, Bennett delivers Mercedez-Benz Stadium logistics.
2018
Bennett Heavy & Specialized
In 2018, Bennett announced the startup of Bennett Heavy & Specialized division.
2018
Wreaths Across America
In 2018, Bennett delivered 15,120 wreaths during Wreaths Across America.
2019
Super Heavy Haul Added
Bennett Motor Express adds new Super Heavy Haul agent on West Coast, Contractors Cargo Company.
2019
RoadMasters Companies
Bennett Truck Transport completes asset purchase of the RoadMasters Companies in Athens, Texas.
Culture
Bennett’s core values form the foundation on which we live and work everyday. Regardless of how large we become, we will continue to preserve and practice the values that have shaped our corporate culture for more than 45 years.
LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS DELIVERED SAFELY
Headquartered in McDonough, Georgia, Bennett International Group provides innovative logistics and transportation for companies across America. We offer a suite of trucking and specialized logistics services, from flatbed and step deck trucking, driveaway, manufactured housing transport and RV delivery to 3PL/4PL logistics, customs brokerage and warehousing. Every day we put over 46 years’ experience in the industry and a network of over 3,000 owner/operators, agents, and employees to work providing the safest, and best possible service to all of our business partners.
To learn more about the Bennett family of companies, please visit Bennett International Group, LLC.