The next generation of leadership at truckload carrier U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc. came into view today as Eric Fuller and Lisa Quinn Pate, children of the company's co-founders, were named CEO and president, respectively. Both promotions are effective immediately, the company said.

Fuller has been with US Express for 20 years, the past five as president and chief operating officer. Pate, who joined the privately held, Chattanooga, Tenn.-based carrier in 2002, will relinquish her role as general counsel, while keeping her position as chief administrative officer. Pate is the daughter of Patrick E. Quinn, the company's late co-founder.

Max Fuller, who had been CEO and is Eric Fuller's father, will become executive chairman, which is a full-time role, the company said in a statement. In his new position, the elder Fuller will focus on long-term strategy, industry innovation, talent development and equipment, the company said in a statement.

Fuller and Quinn ran the company since its founding in 1986, and Fuller took over the company following Quinn's death from cancer in December 2011.