In 1939 Henry, Eddie, and Roy Barnes started Barnes Truck Line with three used tractors. The company thrived and was one of the largest trucking companies on the east coast before it was sold to Old Dominion Freight Lines in the late 1970's. At the time of the sale Barnes was operating over 500 tractors. Louis Barnes, Henry's son, continued to run the company after the sale for Old Dominion until 1980.

Louis decided to start his own operation and left Barnes Truck Line. His new company quickly grew from 18 tractors to over 250 and was sold in 1991. Louis's sons, Keith, Scott, and Patrick, have all been in the trucking business since graduating from school. All three have worked at both their grandfather and father's companies. The combined experience of Barnes Transportation's owners in the trucking industry is well over 100 years.

After Louis sold his business the three sons formed Barnes Transportation Services Inc with three used tractors just as their elders had done. At this time Barnes Transportation is operating approximately 200 tractors. A Brokerage Firm, Eastern NC Transportation Brokerage Inc, was also opened in 1996 and presently handles an additional two million dollars of freight per year.