Cox Trucking - Company History

Parke Cox Trucking Company Inc. 4250 South River Road St. George, UT 84790 Phone: 435-628-0886 Toll Free: 800-242-0886

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Welcome to Cox Trucking

Company History

COMPANY HISTORY

PARKE COX TRUCKING COMPANY, INC., (PCT) is a family owned trucking company that has been in business for over 60 years. In 1947 the first truck was literally made out of the parts taken from a U.S. Government shipping crate, thus it became Parke Cox Trucking.

In 1946, following World War II, Parke Cox was discharged from the Army Air Force. Returning home, Parke found a stagnant economy that offered few jobs and little business opportunity. Some looked at this as a time of economical drought; yet Parke saw it as a moment of opportunity. Parke discovered the U.S. Government was selling an army surplus of trucks at a very low cost. Parke and his wife Emily took advantage of this and drove cross-country to Warren, Ohio to pick up their new truck. Upon arriving in Ohio, to their surprise they found their truck was still in crates, and unassembled. Having no other choice, they put it together. Ten days later with their new "White" truck assembled, the Cox's headed home to Utah at the top speed of 42 mph. Parke recounts, "At that speed it was a long trip."

Parke’s qualities of unwavering determination in the face of overwhelming adversity and hardship have proven to be very useful assets to the new Parke Cox Trucking Company, Inc. These standards which Parke and the Cox family are known for, are still cornerstones of the company today.

By the early 1950’s, the company had expanded and was hauling meat and produce to the Midwest. By 1969, PCT entered into an agreement with a local St. George company that soon became our only client. This proved to be a successful, profitable arrangement that lasted twenty years. However, by 1989 it became apparent this customer was having difficulties. It was decided that PCT needed to diversify. PCT applied for and received its ICC operating authority in 1987, and became a fully independent trucking company. Through the years, PCT has experienced steady growth and presently our fleet includes over 60 trucks and 100 trailers within two divisions comprised of dry vans and flatbeds. We currently employ approximately 80 employees in the greater St. George area.

Parke Cox Trucking can be considered a true family company. Parke and Emily were joined by their two sons in the business: Don, after he graduated from the University of Utah in 1985 with a degree in Business; and Dave, who joined the company full time in 1990 after having spent 15 years at Moore Business Forms and having achieved management authority there. Both Don and Dave, being “raised in the business,” are thoroughly familiar with every aspect of trucking and felt confident enough to purchase the company from Parke and Emily in 2004.

During the past decade, Don has been actively involved in Utah’s trucking industry. It began when he was asked to serve as President of Southern Utah’s Trucking Association (SUTA). Don enjoyed this opportunity and soon realized the importance of being involved. He eventually worked his way up to becoming the President of the Utah Trucking Association (UTA) where he served from 2006 to 2008. During that time Dave supported him by taking on more of the day to day operations and administrative functions of the company. Today both brothers serve on the Utah Trucking Association Board of Directors.

In 2007 Parke Cox Trucking Company, Inc. celebrated its 60th year in business. PCT feels very comfortable where we are in today’s industry. By having great employee’s that share the brother’s commitment to remain loyal to our customers and provide an un-matched level of service. Our company is in a good position to handle an ever changing industry and economy. We look forward to continuing our slow, steady growth for years to come.