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March 22, 2022

James Group finds success growing relationships

By Brenda Beveridge

For over 50 years, the James Group International Inc. — founded by John A. James, chairman — has been a global provider of logistics, supply-chain management and e-commerce services serving 48 states in the United States and over 25 countries.

The company went from one truck and less-than-stellar annual sales to become the highest volume truckload carrier for major original equipment manufacturers, or, OEMs, by hauling more than 2,000 truckloads of cargo weekly. But over the years, the company has transitioned into a full supply-chain solutions provider.

Leading the company for further expansion are John A. James’ two sons — CEO Lorron James and President John E. James.

The three main companies of the James Group are Renaissance Global Logistics LLC, Five Crowns Trucking LLC and Magnolia Automotive Services LLC or MAS.

The latter company includes a partnership between Toyota Tsusho America Inc.’s Automotive Division and provides tire and wheel assembly services for Toyota at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi Inc. facility in Blue Springs, Mississippi, as well as for Toyota and Mazda at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA Inc. location in Huntsville, Alabama.

“I see us growing our relationship with our partners at Toyota Tsusho America and within Toyota, as well as our other customers at Mazda [Motor Corp.], Ford [Motor Co.], GM [General Motors Co.] and Stellantis [NV],” Lorron James said. “A lot of our customers’ confidence in us comes from us having a good balance within our customer base, as well as our core competencies. No supplier should be heavily reliant on just one customer. In five years, I’d like for Toyota to see us as a preferred supplier among its entire supply base — not only because of what we do for them, but [also] because we handle as much work and responsibility for numerous other customers.”

As Magnolia and the James Group grow, he understands the need to create their own opportunities by not only expanding companies but also by getting certified.

“MAS was established in 2011, but our parent company, the James Group, was founded 51 years ago by my father John A. James,” he said. “He broke down barriers by taking the Interstate Commerce Commission to the U.S. Supreme Court to gain operating authority to haul parts for Ford Motor Co. His case is what inspired the [Motor Carrier Regulatory Reform and Modernization Act, more commonly known as the] Motor Carrier Act [of 1980], which was signed by President Jimmy Carter.

“OEMs that are dedicated to working with [minority business enterprises or] MBEs like ours are important for the sustainability of diversity in our industry,” Lorron James continued. “We, in turn, continue to create opportunities in underserved communities, as well as expose our customers to diverse initiatives.”

To learn more about james group international, visit jamesgroupintl.com.