Fast 15: Joey Palmer

Joey Palmer’s already a 10-year veteran at USA Truck, having started there as a temporary, part-time employee while in college.

After attending the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith for several years, he earned a bachelor’s degree from John Brown University’s organizational management program.

He worked his way through college and up through the ranks to his present position, which he’s held since May 2010.

“I’ve held nearly every frontline role you can have, from driver recruiting to frontline operations,” Palmer said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to make it to where I am today.”

His responsibilities entail overseeing about 30 office personnel and more than 1,000 drivers as part of the company’s day-to-day trucking operations.

When he started with USA Truck, he admits, he didn’t know anything about transportation.

“But it becomes addictive,” he said. “The people, the pace, the accomplishment meshed well with my personality and my strength. That’s who I am.”

The transportation business is all about relationships, Palmer said, with customers, drivers and office workers.

“I enjoy building those relationships and satisfying our drivers and customers,” he said. “It’s something I realized early on I loved to do.”

His down time revolves around relationships with family and friends. With three young children and one on the way, Palmer has coached soccer, T-ball, softball and basketball.

He and his wife also donate to the Sebastian County Emergency Shelter.

Originally from Spiro, Okla., Palmer said he grew up in a single-parent household, watching his mom work multiple jobs and long hours to provide for him and his brother.

“I made a decision early in life to have that same work ethic to take care of my family,” he said.

His drive also comes from the strong bonds he’s built over the years with many of his co-workers.

“I consider them my family,” he said, “and I want to give all of them my best effort, and for the shareholders as well.”

— Serenah McKay