Early Life
Jerry Moyes was born in January 1944. He graduated from Weber State College, where he studied business with a minor in accounting. His father, Carl Moyes, was a truck driver, which inspired Jerry to enter the trucking industry. In 1966, he founded Swift Transportation with his father, Carl.
Rise to Success
Swift Transportation began with a single truck, hauling steel and cotton. Under Jerry Moyes' leadership, the company expanded significantly. Swift went public in 1990, marking a key milestone with approximately $125 million in revenue. By 2016, Swift had grown to approximately $4 billion in annual revenue with nearly 20,000 trucks. The company merged with Knight Transportation in 2017 to form Knight-Swift Transportation.
Key Business Strategies
Moyes focused on fleet expansion and acquisitions, growing Swift through strategic purchases like Cooper Motor Lines. He emphasized disciplined cost management and customer service. His business model focused on regional freight, recognizing the importance of adaptability in the trucking sector.
Philanthropy
Jerry and his wife, Vickie, have supported causes in their community. They have invested in pediatric care in Phoenix's West Valley.
