CHATTANOOGA, TN — Patrick E. Quinn, co-chairman and president of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, died at the age of 65, Tuesday December 13, after a battle with brain cancer.

Quinn came into the trucking industry as an attorney and went on to enjoy a 40-year career in trucking, occupying many leadership roles, including a term as chairman of the American trucking Association (ATA).

Quinn, along with business partner Max Fuller, founded U.S. Xpress in 1985, growing the company from a 48-truck start-up to the second-largest U.S. privately owned truckload carrier, with 8,500 trucks and employing more than 10,000 people. U.S. Xpress was regarded as a leader for service, safety and the use of technology.

"The trucking industry has lost one of our finest leaders," said ATA president and CEO Bill Graves. "Pat Quinn was a remarkable man who devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy in support of the trucking industry he loved."

Quinn was a leading advocate for the trucking industry. He served as chairman of the ATA (2005-07) and chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association (2001-02). He was one of the first members of the ATA’s Image and Communications Committee, helping to develop the plan for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

Mr. Quinn is survived by his wife of 43 years, Anna Marie, three children and seven grandchildren. His oldest daughter, Lisa Pate, currently serves as executive vice president and general counsel for U.S. Xpress Enterprises, while his son, Brian, is the vice president and general manager of the company’s international business unit.

“Our industry has lost a real icon," Graves said.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in the name of Patrick E. Quinn to the American Cancer Society.