Estes Express Lines Rincon Terminal Recognized as Terminal of the Year

September 12, 2025

Estes team celebrates a home run victory after being named Terminal of the Year in their baseball-themed company competition.

RINCON, GA – Estes Express Lines’ Rincon terminal has been recognized as Terminal of the Year, earning top honors among more than 200 terminals nationwide in the company’s second annual competition focused on operational efficiency.

The initiative, developed by Tim Hoechst, Corporate Manager of Terminal Operations, uses a baseball-style bracket system to encourage engagement and continuous improvement. Terminals advance based on performance measures such as load factor, bills per trailer, dock efficiency, stops per driver, delivery exceptions and on-time service results. Rincon remained undefeated throughout the competition, ultimately claiming the top spot.

“What started as a fun idea to build engagement has turned into a meaningful way to create consistency and efficiency across our operations,” said Tim Hoechst, creator of the baseball-themed program. “The Rincon terminal’s performance is a great example of how creativity and teamwork can drive results.”

The Rincon terminal is home to 95 employees whose collective efforts are central to its success. Under the leadership of Terminal Manager Jason Mincey, along with team leaders John Cheeks and Chris Nelms, the entire staff rallied around the competition.

From operations on the dock to drivers on the road, every team member contributed to improving efficiency and sustaining the terminal’s undefeated run. This success stems from the strong team culture — guided by grounded, humble leadership, that culture has set the tone for growth and consistency.  The recognition became more than just an award — it symbolized camaraderie and the power of working together toward a common goal.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the teamwork and dedication of our employees here in Rincon,” Mincey said. “Our staff truly embraced the competition and found new ways to improve efficiency while supporting one another. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

“On behalf of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, I want to congratulate the entire Estes Rincon team on this outstanding accomplishment,” said Brandt Herndon, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. “Being named Terminal of the Year is a tremendous honor, and it highlights the dedication, talent and pride that these employees bring to their work every day. We are thrilled to see their hard work recognized at the national level.”

Estes shared news of the recognition across its company network, highlighting Rincon’s achievement as an example for terminals nationwide.

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