About
HISTORY
H. E. “Spook” Whitener started out as an owner-operator of his own trucks in 1955. In 1976, he started Midwest Farm Lines in Springfield, MO, which quickly expanded as its reputation for dependability, efficiency, and excellent customer service grew. By 1982, business had grown to a level that prompted H.E. to increase the scope of the company to offer better service to a greater number of customers and Trailiner Corporation was founded. “Spook” was joined by his daughter, Brenda Keithley, his wife, Liz and Larry Sanner who filled important roles in the then small company. Coming to the company later, his granddaughter, Amber Edmondson completed the management team and ensured the family business will continue into the future. Through the efforts and dedication of the entire group, Trailiner has grown into a national corporation providing excellent service to customers across all 48 states.
Today’s Trailiner management team offers over a century of collective experience in transportation and traffic management. We are well-equipped to meet the needs of our customers along with the needs of our drivers. By maintaining our long history of excellence Trailiner will thrive and continue to grow far into the future.
OUR TEAM
Trailiner is a success because we provide premiere service to our customers. Shippers are truly concerned with meeting or exceeding the needs of their customers, so is Trailiner. We constantly evaluate ourselves to provide the highest possible level of customer satisfaction. To maintain the high level of service you expect, our operation is maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
H.E. “Spook” Whitener
Founder & Former CEO
H.E. “Spook” founded Trailiner in 1976 after having owned and driven trucks for 20 years himself. He saw an opportunity for growth in the transportation industry in the Springfield area with its easy access to I-44. More than 40 years later the company is still going strong with a great outlook for the next 40 years. Now retired, Spook looks forward to seeing his legacy continue.
Brenda Keithley
Chairman of the Board
H.E. Whitener’s daughter, Brenda came to work at Trailiner in 1977 in the payroll department. Since that time she has held many positions throughout the company. She currently serves as the Accounts Receivable Manager. Brenda also serves as the Chairman of the Board ensuring that Trailiner continues to be a family organization for many years to come.
Amber Edmondson
President & CEO
Amber came to Trailiner in 1999 at the urging of her “Pa” Spook to work in Accounts Receivable while she was completing her degree in Business. Upon completion of her degree, Amber’s role expanded into learning all aspects of the family business. Now President & CEO, she keeps her finger on the pulse of every part of the business, working to position the company for future opportunities and growth.
Farley Kutzner
Vice President of Sales & Operations
Starting out as a driver in 1977, Farley has been at Trailiner nearly since the beginning. Eventually moving into dispatch, he has cultivated relationships with drivers and customers alike. This blend of experience makes him uniquely suited to oversee both sales and operations.
Jodie Whitener
Operations Manager
Jodie is the nephew of founder and former CEO “Spook” Whitener. He came to work for his uncle when he was only 16-years old. Since that humble beginning changing tires, he spent years running his own trucks, and eventually came to dispatch in 1990. Managing the operations department since 2000, he knows the trucking business as well as anyone in the organization.
Farley Kutzner
Janice Johnson
Mike Clairday
Steve Grace
Jodie Whitener
Dawn Detherage
Brady Edmondson
Josh Whitener
Tom Shelton
