Joe Pye, Operations Manager for Trucking at Knight’s Companies, is using local knowledge and an extensive background in the trucking industry to succeed in his new role.
Starting at Knight’s on Sept. 2, 2025, the 51-year-old has a long history in trucking, having worked his way up through various roles at LMR Trucking, Inc., in Charleston. These included the driver, the dispatcher, the operations manager, and finally the vice president.
Unlike a concrete company, however, Joe’s work at LMR Trucking involved the delivery of vehicles across the East Coast.
“We transported vehicles from the Greer Plant to dealerships and the ports. We also transported service members’ vehicles cross-country,” he said.
He became familiar with Knight’s after they installed his new septic tank. After learning of Knight’s purchase of Murray Mines, Joe did some research and learned of the open Operations Manager position.
Shortly after, and following several weeks of careful thinking and prayer, Joe applied for the position and started in September.
“I went from hauling cars to hauling materials,” he laughed.
Originally from Raeford, North Carolina, Joe moved to Charleston in 1989 and worked as a volunteer firefighter through high school before starting his career in trucking.
At Knight’s, Joe oversees the company’s fleet of trucks, their upkeep, maintenance, and driver management. One of the most common challenges his department faces is mechanical upkeep, since trucks – like any other machine – do have issues occasionally. Despite this, he says that he’s seen a marked improvement in company-wide maintenance since he started.
Another everyday mountain to climb is that of trucking efficiency, with traffic being a constant threat to delivery times and speed. As Operations Manager, Joe not only oversees the Lowcountry but also the Columbia and Savannah, Georgia, markets.
“It definitely keeps you on your toes,” he said.
Joe is well-known around the company, with his coworker Sheby Sweet describing him as a genuine, dedicated employee who is always a pleasure to work with.
“Joe really gives back, whether it’s through his work here or volunteering in the community,” Sweet added.
For Joe, the keys to succeeding at Knight’s and all other jobs are patience, humility, understanding, being organized, and the ability to multitask, as you’re often asked to juggle multiple tasks at once.
“I’m very blessed that my wife can handle pretty much everything at the house, so I don’t need to rush home often and can stay focused on my job when I’m working,” he said. “I also see that the leadership team here at Knight’s truly cares about their employees and tries to make them feel appreciated.”
When he’s not at work, Joe enjoys woodworking, spending time with his family, and even started beekeeping with his first hive.
Learn more about Knight’s Trucking at knightscompanies.com/trucking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Joe Pye at Knight’s Companies?
Joe Pye is the Operations Manager for Trucking at Knight’s Companies, bringing decades of trucking industry experience and local knowledge to support the company’s transportation operations.
Q2. When did Joe Pye join Knight’s Companies?
Joe Pye joined Knight’s Companies on September 2, 2025, and quickly became a valuable leader within the trucking division.
Q3. What is Joe Pye’s role at Knight’s Trucking?
As Operations Manager for Trucking, Joe Pye oversees trucking operations, supports drivers, helps improve efficiency, and ensures the safe and reliable delivery of materials and services.
Q4. How does Joe Pye’s experience benefit Knight’s Companies?
His extensive background in the trucking industry provides valuable insight into logistics, operations management, driver support, and customer service, helping strengthen the company’s trucking division.
Q5. Why is Joe Pye’s leadership important to Knight’s Trucking?
Joe Pye combines industry knowledge, practical experience, and leadership skills to help maintain operational excellence, improve team performance, and support continued growth within Knight’s Trucking.