Southland Transportation Co. began operations on January 2, 1988 in Dobson, NC.  The company started by hauling automotive components from North Carolina to Ford and Chrysler plants in Michigan and returning with coil steel.  The company started with three company trucks and one owner operator.  Southland expanded its fleet by adding owner operators, and serving more automotive plants.  In 1991 Southland began hauling furniture to the Chicago area for Klaussner Furniture in Asheboro, NC  and candles to the customers of Candle Corp of America in Elkin, NC.  About 50% of the companies present business is from the automotive industry and 25% from the furniture industry.  Southland now serves over 180 customers each month between North Carolina and the entire 48 states.