About us

Allan Parnell as a young boy

Building the American Dream

Mister “P” Express is a true American Dream story, built by Allan Parnell, a mischievous, charismatic, and determined young man born in Adair County, Kentucky, alongside his five brothers and one sister. He attended a one room school and worked on the family farm, before attending Adair County High School’s first consolidated class.
In the 1950s, Parnell moved to Louisville and started working at General Electric. He attended night school at the University of Louisville and graduated from GE’s three-year management training program.
Years later in 1983, he took another chance and started working in sales for a trucking firm. He says he knew working in trucking was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He worked his way up to president of two different trucking firms before taking the biggest leap of faith of his life – starting his own company – Mister “P” Express, in 1987, with his wife, Bunny Parnell, and daughter, Cynthia Parnell Collier (Cindy), at his side.
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Allan Parnell working at GE

Allan & Bunny Parnell in the early 1990s

“Things got so bad in 1991 that my wife suggested we close,” said Parnell. “Even in those dire times, though, my belief still flickered, so I chose prayer for guidance before giving up. For two years I attended prayer meetings at six o’clock every morning, asking the Lord to direct me, and promising I’d work as hard for Him as I possibly could.” Times were so tough in the early days, that Parnell became a licensed auctioneer to supplement the payroll at the company. Now, he still uses his auctioneering skills, but donates his time and talents to various philanthropic fundraisers, such as the Kentucky Humane Society, USA Cares, and Kosair for Kids.

Excellent Customer Service - our specialty from the beginning

Allan and Cindy built the company on excellent customer service – a pillar that still stands strong in the family business nearly 40 years later. In the early days of the company, Cindy says she felt like a woman working in a man’s world in the trucking industry. Some people wouldn’t return her calls, others wouldn’t take her seriously. She realized one of her many strengths that made her stand out against her male counterparts was her excellent customer service.

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Allan and Cindy posing in front of a Mister “P” truck, 1990s

Allan and Cindy in the 1990s, smiling in front of one of Cindy’s homemade motivational signs: “Treat all of our customers like they are special!”

She started making loaves of pumpkin bread in her kitchen at home, delivering them to customers and potential customers. It was a thoughtful act that showed she was willing to do whatever it took to get a smile, earn trust, and build relationships.
37 years later, Cindy still enjoys making pumpkin bread, and Mister “P” Express is still firmly built on superior customer service, winning numerous awards for it. Mister “P” Express has team members available 24/7 making sure loads are safely delivered on time. Nowadays, Cindy spoils her customers with bourbon, chocolates, lunch, and more. But the pumpkin bread is where it started.

With a little bit of faith, and a lot of hard work and perseverance, Allan Parnell’s bet on himself and his faith turned into a company that’s been around almost four decades strong.

With his wife Bunny still at his side, Allan presides as Chairman of the company.
His daughter, Cindy, runs the company as President & CEO.

Leadership Team

Allan Parnell
Founder, Chairman of the Board

Mr. “P” studied business at the University of Louisville and also at General Electric, graduating from its three-year management program. With over 50 years of experience in business, 20 years comes from production and shipping, giving him an acute understanding of the customers’ need for service. His career in trucking began in sales, taking him to the president’s position for two truck lines and culminating in the founding of Mister “P” Express, Inc. Mr. “P” believes in the giving of his time and efforts, and believes his success comes from the power of prayer.

Cynthia P. Collier
President & CEO

Cindy has an incredible commitment to the loyal customer base she has developed over the many years building Mister “P” Express, Inc. Cindy began her career in the trucking industry in 1987 with Mister “P” Express, Inc. She has been involved in the overall management of the company and the development of its diverse customer base. Prior experience includes; sales, marketing, training and management of nine retail stores as District Manager. Cindy holds an A.A. degree from Lindsey Wilson University as well as a B.S. degree from Campbellsville University.

Glenn Metten
CFO

Glenn Metten has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Mister “P” Express since January 2013. Prior, Glenn served the company for over twenty years as CPA. As an extremely financially sound company, Mister “P” Express, Inc. relies on the constant flow of its assets and prides itself on positive advancements towards the future. Glenn received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Bellarmine University.

James “Jim” Bohannan
Senior Vice President

Jim joined Mister “P” Express, Inc. in March of 1999. His vast knowledge in the transportation industry includes dispatch, brokerage, and accounts payable and receivable. As Senior Vice President of Operations, his responsibilities include overseeing all daily operations, equipment, maintenance repair issues, cost analysis, recruiting and all other aspects of company business.

Jim Parnell
Vice President of Security & Facilities

Jim joined Mister “P” Express, in December of 1994 bringing with him over 30 years’ experience in mechanical and structural repair. In his role, Jim oversees the overall maintenance of Mister “P” Express equipment, including tractors, straight trucks, trailers, company vehicles and is responsible for all security and facility issues.

Rebecca C. Estes
Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Rebecca is responsible for the company’s creative sales and marketing strategies. Rebecca earned her B.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Kentucky, directly enrolling into Bellarmine University where she received her Master of Arts in Communication. Reporting to the President and CEO, Rebecca leads development of the company’s growth and productivity with customers, new business, and industrial partnerships. Her responsibilities also include enhancing local presence through marketing.

Bryan Carr
Vice President of Operations

Bryan is responsible for the advancement and effective implementation of all policies and plans for Operations. He is responsible for ensuring drivers provide on time, safe and reliable service in all aspects. Bryan also oversees the growth of safety and training services, to provide longevity in our driver retention program. Bryan received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Western Kentucky University. Carr ensures the growth and development of students from the Parnell Training School are successful in their driving career at Mister “P.”

James Clarke
Vice President Information & Technology

James oversees the development and implementation of technology and provides strategic direction to several critical business functions. Clarke leads the technology team, which provides innovative solutions and technologies to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. James is responsible for implementing new software programs and ensuring room for growth with the company and customers. James holds a B.S. in Business Information Technology from Virginia Tech.

Philanthropy

Mister “P” Express believes in giving back to the community. The company supports various causes, including USA Cares, Kosair for Kids, Kentucky Humane Society, Lindsey Wilson College, and more. The company also supports natural disaster relief by providing trucks and drivers to deliver critical supplies to disaster areas, including locations hit by hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. Allan Parnell donates his time and talents as a licensed auctioneer for various causes. Video: Allan Parnell auctioneering

Mister “P” Express providing a driver and a truck to transport framed walls to Mayfield, KY to help The Fuller Center for Housing build three new homes in 2024.

Bikes or BUST! Mister “P” Express loves providing a driver and truck to help transport some of the 1,185 bikes donated to disadvantaged children for Christmas 2023.

Legacy

Many people can spot the red, shiny, Mister “P” Express trucks from a mile away, and the name, Mister “P” is recognized across the country.

The company now consists of more than 200 trucks that haul freight across 48 states and Canada, a maintenance facility, Parnell Collision Center, and Parnell Commercial Driving School.

All because one man took a chance, Mister “P” Express is here today, employing more than 300 people, serving customers, and giving back to our community in big ways.

The story of Mister “P” on WAVE3

Mister “P” the Auctioneer

Customers voted Mister “P” Express:

Best in Class 2022

Carrier of the Year 2019

Best On-Time Performance 2018

Mid-Major Champion, 2014, 2015

Best Overall Mid-Size Carrier, 2012

Best Over-All Performance, Mid 6 Carrier 2011

AWARDS

IMTA 2023
Local Fleet Safety Award
500,001 to 1,000,000 mile carrier

IMTA 2023
Over the Road Fleet Safety Award
1,000,001 to 2,000,000 mile carrier

IMTA 2022
Local Fleet Safety Award
500,001 to 1,000,000 mile carrier

IMTA 2022
Over the Road Fleet Safety Award
1,000,001 to 2,000,000 mile carrier