The AAA Cooper Transportation advantage: A cohesive maintenance, safety and purchasing approach
Combining three functional areas of its fleet operation under a single management team is proving to be an advantage at AAA Cooper Transportation. “With safety, maintenance and purchasing for the fleet managed collectively we have a combined thought process,” says Steven Aronhalt, the fleet’s vice president of safety and maintenance. “The value in that approach
The forward-thinking approach of Cowan Systems
In the 47 years that Michael Sizemore has worked in truck fleets, he’s seen what he calls some very intelligent decisions. “In 1994, when Joseph Cowan, the son of the company’s founder W.T. Cowan, opened Cowan Systems LLC as a new operating entity, he created a niche with a lightweight fleet,” says the director of
Gypsum Express fields trucks designed for maximum payload, reliability
With its recent move into bulk materials hauling, Gypsum Express is expanding the size and the scope of its operations. “Our expertise is in the flatbed market, so when we decided to start a bulk division we needed to learn about equipment for that type of operation,” says Larry Wight, vice president of the bulk
Separating from the pack: ERL Intermodal is meeting its customers’ needs with the right equipment, business practices
For Steve Sperbeck, general manager at ERL Intermodal, it’s all about confidence. In the fall of 2017, for example, the company that was originally named Empire Recycling Logistics took the step of rebranding itself as ERL Intermodal to better reflect the import/export container hauling nature of its business. “We wanted to be known for the
The merger of ContainerPort Group, ASF Transportation Group means growth and success
When ContainerPort Group Inc. (CPG) and ASF Transportation Group LLC (ASF) merged earlier this year, the combination of the two enterprises formed an intermodal drayage operation with a footprint that covers most key markets east of the Rockies. The merger essentially doubled the company’s trucking capacity and solidified its presence in regions where it has
How Fleetmaster Express is staying on top of technology, expanding its footprint
Using technology to its advantage is an operating philosophy that has served Fleetmaster Express well. Its stated goal—to remain at the forefront of technology to ensure loads are delivered timely and safely—is now even more important as the company grows and expands its service offerings and its operating footprint. Founded in 1987 with two tractor-trailers
Core Building Materials addresses increasing construction, trucking issues with sound operations and management practices
“We’re in both the trucking and construction businesses,” says Len Cicciarelli, who heads up operations and management for Core Building Materials. “In several ways, it’s becoming more challenging for us. We’re not a logistics company, but we are dealing with many of the same issues as trucking companies, including an increasing amount of regulation.” A
Respect, investment and a focus on safety create a winning culture at Halvor Lines
Headquartered in Superior, Wisc., Halvor Lines is often referred to as the “Superior Fleet,” a nickname it aims to live up to every day. “We’re always implementing new ways to make the lives of our drivers and customers better,” says Adam Lang, the fleet’s chief risk officer. “Our aim is nothing less than to transform
Nonstop operation: Trans-West Group meets the demands of a specialized market niche
Trans-West Group is in an enviable position. “We are growing with our customers, and sometimes the demand for our services actually outpaces the freight carrying capacity we can supply,” says André Boisvert, co-owner and vice president of technology and development. “That’s because we offer a highly specialized service. However, it takes a transportation system that
A&R Logistics is staying ahead of the curve
“We’re growing fast to accommodate the expansion in U.S. manufacturing,” says Scot McQuilkin, vice president of maintenance at A&R Logistics. “However, we need to make sure our growth is smart. We need to meet customers’ requirements and exceed their expectations by staying ahead of the curve without cutting corners, so we’re making substantial strategic investments
Armellini Express Lines: Safer drivers in safer trucks
Now in his 50th year in the trucking business, Jeff Drury could easily sit back and talk at length about the many changes he’s seen when it comes to trucks. For the vice president of risk management, safety and human resources at Armellini Express Lines, however, there’s no time for reflection. “Today, it’s all about
Brown Transportation invests in equipment and people
It’s not unusual to hear trucking companies talk about how they provide high-quality service to customers, and that they strive everyday to meet their needs and expectations. In the case of Brown Transportation, those goals are being met with an apparently successful approach. “We’re very diverse, which helps us weather any changes in the business
