The History of B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc.
As told by Ruth F. Williams and other family members
The year 2008 not only marked our 50th Anniversary, but also a testament to our service. After a half a century, we can still say that we have our first customer. BR Williams began with a handful of people and two 1958 B-61 Mack Tractors. Today, in the 21st century we have grown to a fleet with over 165 tractors and expanded our services to warehousing, program management, crate manufacturing, and Brokerage/LTL services. Our four distribution facilities are located in the Southeast.

While maintaining our core values of honesty, integrity and service we believe that we will not only exceed our years of service, and remember the people who built the company that we have become. Billy R. Williams and Ruth Williams began a trucking business in Oxford, Alabama on July 27, 1958 with their first route destined for Boston, Massachusetts. Several adversities such as fires, thefts and road side hazards often prevented them from moving forward but they decided to persevere. In 1965, the business was granted authority by the I.C.C. and they began operating as a contract carrier. Business went on as usual and then one tragic night, a fire erupted in the terminal which led to the death of the owner Mr. Billy R. Williams. He and another employee were fatally burned while going through the facility trying to save the records and statements from the growing business.

Mrs. Williams mourned her husband’s death and was left with a small business and all of the losses uninsured. It can be truly said that the business was salvaged out of the ashes. She decided to continue with the business (though being a teacher in the 60’s) to bring honor to her husband’s name. In 1966, the company was incorporated and Mrs. Williams was installed as the first President on August 1st.

Though Mrs. Williams was a strong leader, she leaned on the assistance of Mr. Bill Watson to help guide the business for over 38 years. Together they continued an unmatched partnership until 1992. Mr. Williams’ son-in-law, Gregory D. Brown , Chairman of the Board, and daughters Dee Brown, President, and Kaye Perry, Vice President, continue to run the business celebrating and honoring their history. The future is our focus, and we are thankful for the friends, customers and partners that have been so loyal to our mission.