Southern Express was founded in 2010 by two local professionals with strong southern roots and a commitment to exceptional customer service. After working together for more than 12 years at a privately-owned motorcoach company, Bruce Bechard and Vance Hoover became dissatisfied with corporate policies that lacked consistency and client focus. They underwent six different buyouts during their last nine years and decided it was time for a change. Recognizing a need in the market, the duo partnered in a venture that would allow them to utilize their experience and industry contacts. General Manager Bruce and Operations Manager Vance created a motorcoach company dedicated to the client experience where decisions were made locally and giving back to the community was a priority. They focused on building a reputation of the highest caliber by hiring and training the best drivers and support staff. For several years, Southern Express continued to grow both in the number of employees and the size of its fleet.

Then in March 2020, COVID-19 trickled into North Carolina, shutting the company down almost overnight. The effects of the global pandemic have been, and are still, devastating to the travel industry. Southern Express was forced to furlough its team for an entire year as absolutely nothing was moving in the motorcoach industry. In fact, approximately 40% of these companies nationwide closed their doors. Due to Vance’s strategic planning and his loyal team members, Southern Express did not lose any of its fleet and is now coming back online, slow but steady.