After a trucking industry career spanning more than 45 years, of which 35 were in the chemical tank business, James Suttles has retired. He began in the industry in the 1950s as a driver for Cothran Transfer Co. In 1972, he purchased his first truck, worked as a lease operator with Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, and relocated to Alabama. Four years later, Suttles Truck Leasing Inc was formed with the purchase of 25 tractors. By the early 1980s, Suttles acquired its own authority and continued to lease equipment to Chemical Leaman and Matlack Inc. By 1999, Suttles Truck Leasing's operating profile included 500 tractors and 800 trailers. At the end of 1999, Dana Transport Inc acquired Suttles Truck Leasing. James Suttles remained active in the operation of the company the past eight years.
Ortwin Nast has joined the executive team of the Hamburg, Germany-based Hoyer Group as its new chief executive officer. He and Dr Michael Lukarsch will manage the business of the transport and logistics company. Since 1998, Nast was chief executive officer of HTS International GmbH, a company of the Haniel Group. Thomas Hoyer, managing director, will assume chairmanship of the advisory board and the shareholders' meeting of the Hoyer Group.
Jim Buchanan has joined Quality Carriers Inc as director of trailer leasing and sales. With more than 20 years of industry experience, he will be based at Quality Carriers' corporate offices in Tampa FL.
Chip Watkins has returned to work at his family's company, Atlanta GA-based Watkins Associated Industries Inc, as chairman of the board of Highway Transport, Sunco, and Land Span. This position formerly was held by his father, Buz Watkins, who will now serve as vice-president of Watkins Associated Industries. Most recently, the younger Watkins served as president and chief executive officer of FedEx National LTL.