In the competitive world of transportation, where companies often struggle to stay afloat, Wolfpack Transport stands out as a remarkable success story. Founded in Southeastern North Carolina by Wesley Sasser, this trucking company has experienced impressive growth in under a decade. What began in 2016 with a single truck, trailer, and driver has blossomed into a fleet of 34 trucks and 42 trailers, employing 50 drivers and operating around the clock. This expansion occurred even as the trucking industry faced significant headwinds, with approximately 88,000 companies shutting down in 2023 alone. For Wesley Sasser, co-founder of Wolfpack Transport, it’s a testament to more than just hard work; it’s a story rooted in “Faith, Family, and Wolfpack” – the company’s unwavering motto.
Wesley Sasser, founder of Wolfpack Transport, standing proudly in front of one of his company trucks, reflecting his journey from a dream to a thriving transportation business.
Humble Beginnings and a Bold Vision
Wesley Sasser’s journey began in Bladen County, North Carolina, where he was born and raised. His aspiration to launch his own trucking business wasn’t a sudden whim but a long-held passion. Graduating from East Bladen High School, Wesley possessed not only the dream but also the courage to pursue it. This determination, coupled with a strong faith, became the bedrock of Wolfpack Transport.
Initially, Wolfpack Transport was a modest operation, a far cry from the expansive enterprise it is today. However, Wesley, alongside his wife Ashley, approached this venture with a unique partnership and unwavering dedication. Ashley, with her diverse educational background holding five degrees between them and managing family life with four children and a turkey farm, became an integral part of the company’s foundation. Their partnership with Hilton Companies further solidified their trajectory, providing crucial support and resources. Together, they transformed a dream into a tangible reality, building a thriving business from the ground up.
Navigating Industry Challenges and Achieving Growth
Despite operating in a volatile sector, Wolfpack Transport has not only survived but thrived. While many trucking companies faced closures, Wolfpack Transport experienced significant growth, especially in 2023. Wesley Sasser acknowledges the challenges of the $12.9 billion trucking industry but expresses gratitude for the company’s success. He attributes this resilience and expansion to a guiding principle: “Faith, Family, and Wolfpack.” This ethos permeates every aspect of the business, from customer service to driver relations.
According to the Wolfpack Transport website, their mission is “to providing the highest level of service when it comes to bulk transportation.” This commitment is backed by a dedication to “best-in-class late model equipment” and a rigorous focus on “regular maintenance, safety and quality standards.” This emphasis on quality and reliability has earned Wolfpack Transport a strong reputation and a growing client base.
Specialization in Bulk Fuel Transportation
Wolfpack Transport specializes in common carrier services, focusing on bulk transportation, particularly fuel. They don’t own fuel themselves but contract with major distributors to transport it efficiently and safely. Wesley explains, “Everything we do is common carrier… For instance, Circle K or Costco, we pick up their fuel and take it to their location.” Their operations extend across Southeastern North Carolina, serving high-demand locations like Costco stores in Raleigh, Apex, Durham, and Wilmington. The Wilmington Costco, for example, requires three fuel loads daily, while the Raleigh location needs five, highlighting the scale of Wolfpack Transport‘s operations and the critical nature of their service in keeping fuel supplies consistent for high-volume retailers.
Wesley provides an insightful example of the demand, describing the Raleigh Costco’s fuel consumption. With substantial tank capacities – two 20,000-gallon regular tanks and one 20,000-gallon premium tank – they become concerned when levels drop to around 12,000 gallons. This is because they sell an astonishing 2200 to 2300 gallons per hour. This high turnover, driven by Costco’s customer loyalty program, underscores the importance of Wolfpack Transport‘s reliable and timely deliveries.
Facing Perils and Miraculous Escapes
The transportation industry inherently involves risks, and Wolfpack Transport is no exception. Wesley recounts a harrowing incident in February when one of their drivers encountered a near-catastrophe. On a four-lane highway outside Fayetteville, a driver heading the wrong way directly threatened a Wolfpack Transport tanker carrying 8500 gallons of gasoline. In what they believe was a suicide attempt, the driver of the oncoming vehicle created a life-threatening situation.
Thanks to the quick thinking and skillful reaction of the Wolfpack Transport driver, a direct collision was avoided. However, the emergency braking caused the tanker’s rear brakes to drag, igniting the tires. Despite attempts to extinguish the flames, the driver had to retreat from the tanker. Remarkably, emergency services, including hazmat and fire departments, arrived within 90 seconds and extinguished the fire before it could escalate further. Wesley emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event: “The truck didn’t turn over… to this day the driver will tell you that he wasn’t steering that truck. To make a long story very short, it was nothing but a miracle.” This incident underscores not only the risks inherent in fuel transportation but also the skill and perhaps a bit of providence that have been part of Wolfpack Transport‘s journey.
Deep Roots in Bladen County
Wesley Sasser’s connection to Bladen County runs deep. Born just five miles from where Wolfpack Transport operates today, his roots are firmly planted in the local community. His early life was intertwined with the furniture business, a family legacy that began when his grandfather purchased Kinlaw Furniture Store in Elizabethtown in 1954. By 1974, the family had fully acquired the store, which remains in operation today, managed by Wesley’s parents and aunt. Growing up working in the furniture store from the age of 12, Wesley learned valuable lessons about business, customer service, and the importance of hard work – principles that have undoubtedly contributed to the success of Wolfpack Transport.
After graduating college with a business degree, Wesley initially returned to the furniture store. However, a suggestion led him to Campbell Oil, where he began working on August 13, 2006, as a dispatcher for Cape Fear Transport, a division of Campbell Oil. His experience with the Campbell family was formative, but when the company sold its trucking and oil delivery operations, Wesley felt a void. Trucking was in his blood, and he missed the dynamic nature of the industry.
A Leap of Faith and Spousal Support
Feeling unfulfilled and missing the trucking world, Wesley considered a significant change. Encouraged by a colleague, Phillip Peed, he contemplated starting his own trucking company. This idea was a leap of faith, leaving a stable job to chase an uncertain dream. Crucially, he had the unwavering support of his wife, Ashley. Ashley, despite managing a busy household and pursuing her own academic endeavors, recognized Wesley’s entrepreneurial spirit and offered her full encouragement.
Ashley’s support was pivotal. As Wesley described her, “A girl with 3 degrees, three sons, two in diapers, pregnant again and going to college… She never grew weary and she’s a Godsend for me.” Her faith and prayers became a cornerstone of their journey. When Wesley finally decided to pursue his dream, Ashley was not only supportive but had been praying for him, sensing his entrepreneurial inclination even before he voiced his plans.
In June 2017, Wolfpack Transport was officially born, co-founded by Wesley Sasser and Phillip Peed. Leaving his secure position at Campbell Oil was a significant step, filled with uncertainty. However, Ashley’s faith and encouragement fortified his resolve. Even Brian Campbell of Campbell Oil offered his blessing and support, further validating Wesley’s decision. Ashley recalled the initial days as “a big leap of faith,” knowing the challenges of starting a business from scratch, especially without initial capital or equipment.
Serendipitous Beginnings and Rapid Expansion
Despite the initial hurdles, fate intervened in the form of Hurricane Hugo. Costco, needing logistical support during the hurricane response, contacted Wesley based on his reputation and recommendations from his time at Campbell Oil. This opportunity proved to be a turning point. In just 30 days, the income generated from the hurricane relief dispatching was enough to sustain Wolfpack Transport through its critical startup phase.
By October 23, 2017, Wolfpack Transport secured its insurance and hauled its first load. Growth was steady but initially slow. By 2021, they had expanded to four trucks. At this juncture, Wesley and Phillip decided to dissolve their partnership, with Wesley buying out Phillip. Just as growth seemed to plateau, Dean and Jenna Hilton of Hilton Companies stepped in. Recognizing the potential of Wolfpack Transport, they invested in the company in March 2021.
This partnership with Hilton Companies marked a period of explosive growth. With new capital, rebranding, and an influx of new trucks, Wolfpack Transport rapidly scaled up. Today, Wolfpack Transport boasts 34 trucks, 42 trailers, and 50 drivers, operating continuously. Remarkably, their very first driver, William “Buster” Jordan, remains with the company, embodying the loyalty and dedication that define Wolfpack Transport‘s internal culture. The addition of Wesley’s brother, Stanley Sasser, further strengthened the team, coinciding with a significant expansion of their contract with Circle K, adding 22 stores to their service portfolio.
Wesley and Ashley Sasser with Dean and Jenna Hilton, partners in Wolfpack Transport, showcasing the collaborative spirit behind the company's success.
The Wolfpack Way: Faith, Family, and a Strong Work Ethic
The success of Wolfpack Transport is undeniably linked to a combination of strategic partnerships, hard work, and a deeply ingrained set of values. Surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals, maintaining a strong work ethic reminiscent of previous generations, and relying on faith and prayer have been central to their approach. The Sassers and Hiltons have fostered a supportive and caring environment, both within the company and in their community.
Their motto, “Faith, Family, and Wolfpack,” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle that shapes their business philosophy. With ambitious dreams, a clear vision, and unwavering faith, Wolfpack Transport exemplifies a remarkable success story built on solid foundations. From its humble beginnings in Bladen County, Wolfpack Transport has risen to become a significant player in the transportation industry, demonstrating that with the right values and dedication, even in a challenging market, extraordinary achievements are possible.
