U.S. Xpress Enterprises co-chairman Patrick E. Quinn has passed away at the age of 65 after battling brain cancer.
U.S. Xpress made the announcement this afternoon.
Quinn’s career spanned 40 years and was highlighted by numerous leadership roles in the industry, including a term as chairman of the American Trucking Assns. (ATA) from 2005-2007.
Quinn, who was a Nebraska native, co-founded U.S. Xpress in 1985 with partner Max Fuller, who is the co-chairman & CEO. The two men guided the company from its beginnings as a 48-truck operation to the nation’s second largest privately owned truckload carrier with 8,500 trucks and employing more than 10,000.
“Pat was a tremendous business partner and he had a real passion for working to make a difference in our industry,” said Fuller, who assumed the majority of Quinn’s duties at U.S. Xpress following his diagnosis earlier this year. “One of the most lasting accomplishments of my career was the business partnership that Pat and I established. We could count on each other to divide up the leadership responsibilities. Both of us knew our strengths, and Pat was a real people person. He excelled in sales and his legal background was very valuable, especially during the first days of the company as deregulation was helping to revolutionize the transportation industry.”
During his chairmanship of ATA, Quinn also served on the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. He was appointed to the committee, which spent two years discussing the future of the nation’s infrastructure, by then Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
“The American Trucking Assns., and the trucking industry, has lost one of our finest leaders. Pat Quinn was a remarkable man who devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy in support of the trucking industry he loved,” said Bill Graves, ATA president & CEO. “U.S. Xpress, Tennessee Trucking Assn., Truckload Carriers Assn, and ATA are all better organizations for having had the benefit of Pat’s involvement and leadership.
“Pat’s participation on the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission was one of many examples where his knowledge and passion for transportation brought him to the forefront in his service to the industry and nation. He will be greatly missed,” Graves added.
“U.S. Xpress is very proud of all the work that Pat did on behalf of our industry. Pat became a respected voice on a variety of transportation-related issues,” said Fuller. “Pat made an endless number of friends over his years in the transportation. To me, Pat was more than a friend. He was a true partner and, most importantly to me, Pat was family. Pat left an indelible mark on U.S. Xpress and our industry. He will be missed.”
Quinn also served as a member of ATA’s Image & Communications Committee, helping develop the plan for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. He also served as chairman of the Truckload Carriers Assn. from 2001-2001.
Quinn also served as treasurer of ATA in 2009, and on the Trade & Transportation Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and he was on the board of trustees at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.
“Pat and I have known each other for nearly 40 years. He has always been a dedicated and articulate representative of our industry and his company,” said ATA chairman Dan England, chairman of C.R. England Inc., Salt Lake City. “Our industry has lost a real icon. I extend my best wishes to his family in their time of great loss. He was a good friend and I will miss him greatly.”
A recipient of the 1997 Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Nebraska, Quinn was an active leader in his local community having served on the board of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and supporting numerous charities and non-profit organizations, including the MaryEllen Locher Breast Cancer Foundation and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.
Quinn is survived by his wife of 43 years, Anna Marie, three children and seven grandchildren. His oldest daughter, Lisa Pate, currently serves as executive vice president and general counsel for U.S. Xpress Enterprises, while his son, Brian, is the vice president and general manager of the company’s international business unit.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in the name of Patrick E. Quinn to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org and click on the donation link.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to view the memorial tribute and share words of comfort with the family.
