Case Study

How Lew Thompson & Son Trucking Transformed Agricultural Transport for a Leading Poultry Provider

How Lew Thompson & Son turned a struggling 120-truck fleet into a stable operation.

Summary

In 1949, a company was founded that would grow into one of the top poultry producers in the United States. For decades, they supplied poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products with pride. But behind the scenes, their transportation operations were quietly becoming a growing concern.

Billing was inconsistent. Service disruptions were becoming too frequent. Management turnover left their teams scrambling, and innovation—so crucial in a fast-moving industry—was nowhere to be found. Frustration mounted. They needed a change. More than anything, they needed a partner who would bring stability, reliability, and fresh ideas to the table.

That’s when they turned to Lew Thompson & Son Trucking.

The Challenge

The customer faced critical operational challenges with their incumbent transportation provider:

• Inconsistent billing practices

• Frequent service disruptions

• High management turnover

• Lack of innovation

These issues threatened operational efficiency and animal welfare. The customer needed a partner who could ensure reliable service, drive continuous improvement, and deliver operational peace of mind.

The Solution

Lew Thompson & Son Trucking partnered with the customer to deliver a seamless transition and enhanced reliability. Key highlights included:

• Smooth transition of a 120-truck fleet with no service disruptions

• 95% driver retention within the first 90 days

• Strong collaboration with customer leadership to ensure the right team was in place

• Continuous presentation of new ideas to support operational improvements

• Specialized equipment on standby to meet critical needs

• Improved billing practices and service reliability

The Results

Over a 90-day transition period, Lew Thompson & Son Trucking successfully transitioned a 120-truck fleet without any service disruptions, retaining 95% of the drivers to maintain operational consistency. They established five domiciles across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma to better serve the customer’s network. Operational improvements were seen across all areas, from the management of feed, live-haul, chicks, eggs, and poultry-fat tanker shipments to more reliable billing practices and service execution. Through continuous innovation and transparent communication, Lew Thompson & Son built a strong, trust-based partnership that significantly improved service quality and operational stability.

Why It Matters

Lew Thompson & Son Trucking delivered more than just transportation — they provided a foundation for the customer’s growth, stability, and innovation. By solving operational inefficiencies and ensuring consistent service, they became a trusted extension of the customer's business.

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