P. Clark & Associates

Getting from point A to B—and often to C, D, and E—can be a hassle for companies seeking to move product in quantities of all shapes and sizes. For the food-grade industry, shipping can often be even more strenuous.

Thankfully, for over 20 years, Saline County has been home to one of the driving forces in the industry for freight brokerage—acting as a broker to connect shippers with carriers across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring goods are moved safely and efficiently.

Throughout that industry, women make up less than 35 percent of employees. For P. Clark & Associates, the certified women-owned, women-run business is thriving with a staff entirely composed of empowered women.

“My favorite part of this business is our team,” said Pam Clark, president of P. Clark & Associates. “We are fortunate to have a group of diligent women who work tirelessly to support our customers and facilities. With the experience of Tiffany Riddell, Ashlan Babbitt, Amanda Buffington, Jennifer Forsyth, and Whitney Witcher, along with LaDonna Headley and myself, we have over 100 years of combined experience. These women are the true backbone of our success.

“Success is walking in to work every day, loving our job and knowing we have such an amazing team of women working with us. We set goals and we step out of our comfort zones to achieve them. We simply make it happen.”

Clark’s strength and passion for hard work comes strongly from her mother’s work ethic during her childhood.

“She was a single mother for a long time. Her work ethic was impeccable, and she worked two or three jobs to supply for me and my two brothers,” Clark said. “She taught me to pray and be the Christian I am. She had so much faith in me that even when I was uncertain about my path, she always knew it would lead me to where I am now. She and my daughter are indeed my heroes, along with my husband, Kevin Clark, whose unwavering support has made all the difference.”

For decades, P. Clark & Associates has worked tirelessly to assure strategic logistics for shipping to nearly any destination in the country.

“Our roots in the transportation industry run deep, as it has been a lifelong family tradition,” said Clark. “I have worked in transportation for about 44 years, and my daughter, LaDonna, has continued this legacy, bringing over 21 years of personal experience to the field. Despite the rapid growth of AI technology, we maintain a hands-on approach to logistics, valuing the reliability of traditional methods like detailed paper trails, call logs, and direct communication.”

P. Clark & Associates focuses on the logistics for efficient movement and storage of food-grade products by matching shippers with motor carriers and managing freight movement as simply as possible. According to Clark, the goal for the past two decades has been “to expertly plan and book carriers to ensure the seamless transportation of goods from origin to destination.”

When it comes to moving food-grade products, several specialties are needed—all of which P. Clark & Associates provides.

Amenities offered include temperature-controlled “reefer” shippers for food and other products; tanker trucks for moving various liquids and gases; Hot Shot service, which uses carriers that offer expedited or exclusive-use vehicle transport usually for smaller, urgent loads; and Dry Bulk for coordinated movement of dry and loose commodities. P. Clark & Associates also offers Hooper Bottoms for bulk agricultural and similar products that can be unloaded from the bottom of the trailer, and flatbed and dry van options for handling standard, open-deck, and enclosed box freight.

Clark’s dream has always been to build a business that would weather the changes in the transportation industry. The company thrives by actively growing a client base while building strong relationships not only with customers, but their carriers as well. “In short, if you need to move freight and want a broker to handle the logistics, P. Clark & Associates provides that service,” Clark said. 

Aside from moving product coast-to-coast, P. Clark & Associates keeps a strong focus on community needs.

“We are also deeply committed to our community in Saline County,” Clark said. “We are proud to be a major sponsor for the new local animal shelter and a variety of youth programs, including baseball, softball, football, gymnastics, cheerleading, and horse shows. 

Additionally, we serve as the main sponsor for Benton Bingo and the local no-kill animal shelter. I am proud to know that we put a sizable number of contributions and support back into our County because we, as a team, want to be a part of making a difference.”

Clark also serves on the Benton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as well as Women in Trucking, Dunn & Bradstreet, and other professional organizations.

“We are very proud to be a part of Saline County and to be one of its many women-owned businesses,” Clark added.

P. Clark & Associates is located at 7283 Hwy 67 in Benton and can be contacted by calling 501-939-2002.