Rooted in Casper, Wyoming, J.W. Morgan Trucking Inc. reflects a legacy of hard work, steady growth, and strong family values. Since 2001, when Jim Morgan took the leap to start his own operation, the company has grown into a trusted name in Wyoming’s transportation industry. From hauling oilfield production and construction equipment, to supporting uranium and water well operations, their services span a wide range of industries. This versatility keeps them on the move throughout the state and beyond, meeting the needs of clients across a diverse landscape.
A Legacy Born from Hard Work
Jim Morgan’s journey into trucking began decades before J.W. Morgan Trucking Inc. was officially established. “My dad started in the trucking industry during the ‘70s when I was young,” Jim recalls. “I went to work for him when I was 13, helping him work on trucks and eventually driving for him.” After high school, Jim spent time in the oilfield, at Casper College, and later worked 13 years for Sysco as a local driver. In 2001, he bought out his father’s business and officially launched J.W. Morgan Trucking Inc.
What started as a small operation with one employee, has now grown into a thriving family-run business with 11 employees and a fleet that services clients across Wyoming and surrounding states.
From Tarp Covers to a Full Shop
The early years weren’t easy. With no shop of his own and a tin shed for his tools, Jim often found himself working under tarps in the rain, crawling in the dirt to keep trucks moving. “It was pretty tough,” he says. “It took me a few years to get my first shop, and then we built our current shop in 2014. That was a huge upgrade.”
Today, J.W. Morgan Trucking Inc. is very much a family affair. Jim’s son began working alongside him at a young age, earned his CDL at 18, and now helps manage the company. Jim’s wife lends a hand with the office work, his daughter works as a hotshot driver and in the shop, and his daughter-in-law recently joined the team, helping with administrative tasks and giving Jim more time in the shop.
More Than Miles: What Makes It All Worthwhile
Joining the Wyoming Trucking Association (WTA)
In 2014, after facing some compliance challenges during inspections, Jim took his sister’s advice and joined the Wyoming Trucking Association (WTA). He credits that decision with helping him get a better handle on industry regulations and best practices. “Joining WTA helped us understand what we needed to be doing.”
Jim quickly became involved with the association, eventually serving on the Safety Council and rising to current Chairman. “Being part of the WTA has helped us stay informed, offer input before changes happen, and understand what’s coming down the pipeline in terms of legislation and regulation.”
The Role of WTA
Jim is passionate about the role the WTA plays in advocating for the industry and giving them a voice. “People don’t realize how much they do behind the scenes to protect us—from advocating in front of WYDOT, Patrol, and the legislature, to pushing back on excessive and burdensome regulations. That only happens through active membership and involvement to keep this going and make it work.”
Through seminars, DOT training, and regular updates, the association provides vital support to organizations within the trucking industry. “It keeps us up to speed on what’s going on, what’s changing” states Jim, so that he and other businesses alike can stay compliant and competitive.
Looking Ahead
As the trucking industry continues to evolve, Jim sees how times have changed. “The technology has improved everything,” he says, pointing to tools like GPS, Google Maps, and vehicle diagnostics that allow real-time tracking and troubleshooting. “We used to have topo maps to find county roads—now we zoom in on Google Street View to see the road sign.”
“The future looks good for trucking in Wyoming,” Jim states as he feels optimistic about the road ahead. He points to stable oil prices and regulatory factors as key elements that will help keep the industry steady and on track for continued success.
Why He Does It
Ask Jim what he loves most about his job, and his answer comes quickly: the variety. “I get here at 6 a.m., get the guys lined out, do some paperwork, spend time in the shop—I couldn’t do just one thing all day.” He laughs, “Like the saying goes, the great thing about running your own business is you get to choose which 70 hours a week you work!”
