Powell To Leave Usa Truck Board

Van Buren-based USA Truck, Inc. announced today Robert M. Powell will retire from his position as Chairman of the Board and as a member of the Board of Directors effective May 4, 2011, the day of the annual meeting of stockholders. 

Powell has served as Chairman of the Board since 2000 and was CEO between 1988 and 2007. He has been a director of the company since 1983. 

Powell is a legend in Arkansas trucking circles. He was one of the original participants in the group that acquired the company from Arkansas Best Corp. in December 1988 after a hostile takeover bid. Prior to that, Powell had been employed for twenty-eight years by ABF Freight System, Inc., a national trucking company and a subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corp.

USA Truck CEO Cliff Beckham said, "Bob Powell is a true visionary and recognized leader in the transportation industry. He has been a valuable contributor to our company since it was founded and has been a continuous source of sound advice."

The company’s board of directors unanimously elected Terry A. Elliott to succeed Powell as Chairman of the Board.

Elliott has served as a director of the company since 2003 and currently serves as the chairman of the audit committee.  He served as Chief Financial Officer of Safe Foods Corp., a food safety company in North Little Rock from July 2000 to August 2009 and served as a director of Safe Foods from 2000 to 2003. Elliott was also a director of Superior Financial Corp. before it was sold to a private banking interest.