Company History

The WATERS name has been associated with motor vehicles in Columbus, Mississippi since the 1920’s when Ray Waters, Sr. and his brother, Earl Waters, owned and operated a Buick dealership and automotive repair shop named Waters Bros. The business was positioned on Main Street in the location of the building now housing the Commercial Dispatch.

In 1938, the International Truck franchise was acquired and in 1952, Ray Waters, Jr. took full ownership of the company and the name was changed to Waters Truck & Tractor Co., Inc.

The family’s third generation joined the company full-time in 1975 when Mike Waters finished college. The company expanded to Meridian in 1976 as Waters International Trucks, Inc. -Â M.L. Waters and David Waters joined the company a few years later. The second branch of Waters Truck & Tractor Co., Inc. was opened in Kosciusko in 1982.

WATERS acquired and operated the Blue Bird Bus franchise from 1990-2000 and reached upwards of 97% bus market share in the company’s territory. The Blue Bird Bus franchise was dropped and replaced with the IC Bus franchise in 2000, and the company currently maintains approximately 65% market share in its territory. Waters International Trucks, Inc. opened a branch in Natchez in 2002 and in Hattiesburg in 2007. A second location called Waters Truck and Tire Service opened in Columbus in 2009. This location further expands WATERS capabilities for servicing its customers in a timely and efficient manner with the highest quality possible.

PRESENT DAY

In addition to the full service truck dealerships, WATERS operates a wrecker service named Waters Wrecker Service, Inc., and has had a remote facility and equipment maintenance contract at, what is now, International Paper since 1982.

The WATERS companies employ approximately 250 people. Waters has been a local Mississippi company for over 80 years.

The tradition has continued as the fourth generation now plays an integral part with Michael, Vaughan, and Josh Waters having joined the company.

Building A Legacy

Since 1938, the WATERS companies have made it our mission to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction through supplying proper products, building relationships, timely service, and integrity. For over 80 years later, our mission has remained the same. We offer a wide variety of products to provide customized transportation solutions for our customers.

We believe our employees are our greatest asset. As such, we treat all employees with respect and appreciation for their contributions to the company.  We have confidence in the power of education and in rewarding outstanding efforts and results through bonus and commission programs. We constantly invest both time and money to make sure all our employees are at the very top of industry standards.

Kevin Morgan, Parts Manager for WATERS International – Hattiesburg states, “WATERS has become a big part of my life over the last 12 years. We are very family oriented here and the Waters themselves treat everyone, employees and customers alike, with the utmost respect. At the end of the day, it’s always nice to go home with the feeling that you made a difference in someone’s life.”

WE RECOGNIZE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Our team enjoys an inviting culture and numerous opportunities for advancement.  Education and on-the-job mentorship are company-wide focuses to help you grow both personally and professionally. Our goal is to have top performing employees that can experience an enjoyable and long-lasting tenure with us.

IT TAKES A TEAM

We know that it takes every single person in our dealership working together to create a quality experience for our customers. As owners and leaders of our business we encourage our employees to work through challenges respectfully with the impact to the customer at the forefront.  We also believe that Happy Employees = Happy Customers.

 “What impressed me most when I started working at WATERS, was just how long people tend to stay here. I’m working with people that have been here for 10, 20, sometimes 30 years. You just don’t see that in the employment landscape these days.”  - Randy Lawrence, Director of IT

Community Partnership

We are committed to giving back to the community through charitable activities and community service.

At WATERS, we strive to be much more than a business. We believe in doing what is right for our fellow teammates, our customers and our community partners.

We take the role of being a good employer, a good neighbor, and an engaged and active member of the community to heart. Our team recognizes the value of a healthy, strong and safe community and works to maintain these goals through financial contributions as well as volunteering in charitable causes. 

Here at WATERS, we are defined by our integrity. The core values of this company are what shape every action we take and every decision that is made. We are partners with our community and as an employee, you will get a chance to give back as well.