The Fred Taylor Company was founded in 1959 by Fred Taylor with just $95 in operating capital. However, Taylor was able to secure the support of several faithful suppliers who believed in his ability to succeed. One of these key supporters was the C & S Bank, now known as Bank of America. The bank provided the company with its first commercial loan of $1,000 to assist with payroll expenses, and has continued to support the company through loans for both equipment and real estate purchases throughout its 50-year history.

Another faithful supplier was Associates Financial Corporation, now known as G.E. Capital Solutions. This company provided financing for the Fred Taylor Company’s first retail truck sale, which also represented the first commercial truck financed by Associates when they entered the transportation finance arena. G.E. Capital Solutions has continued to finance equipment for the Fred Taylor Company over the years.

Today, the Fred Taylor Company has grown into one of Georgia’s largest privately held transportation and warehousing firms, with five operating divisions and over 20 company-owned facilities in Georgia and Alabama. In 2008, the company’s combined revenues were $89 million. The company’s largest division, Interstate NationaLease, and its subsidiary, Interstate Distribution Services, operate 18 locations providing full-service truck and trailer leasing and rental, dedicated contract carriage, and a range of maintenance contracts and repair services. Some of their notable customers include Georgia Pacific, Frito Lay, Pet Dairies, and several of the region’s largest manufacturers and distributors.

In addition to its transportation and warehousing services, the Fred Taylor Company also owns and manages over a million square feet of commercial warehouse space in Albany and Thomasville through its division, Interstate Warehouse Services. This division serves a diverse group of customers, including Proctor and Gamble, MillerCoors Brewing Company, Ball Corporation, Owens Illinois Glass, and Packaging Corporation of America, among others.

Through its association with JFT Properties, the Fred Taylor Company also owns and manages commercial and residential real estate holdings in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. These holdings include industry-specific facilities as well as retail shopping centers and commercial office space.