Welcome to 2024! Remember when we partied like it was 1999? I can’t believe that was 25 years ago. In 1999, McLeod Express was just 13 years old and we still ran our business out of Assumption, IL. Our current terminal in Decatur was established in 2002. The Lafayette and Springfield terminals weren’t yet established, we didn’t have a Brokerage Division and we were largely an OTR fleet. Today, we are over 300 trucks with most of them running local and dedicated and a third of our fleet being OTR. Things sure look a lot different in 2024 but one thing remains the same year after year. We strive to be a good place for people to come to work. We care about the people that work here and our community.
As the new year rings in, it gives us a chance to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. 2023 saw many hurdles but through adversity, improvements are made. Like all trucking companies, for the past year and a half, we have been dealing with the worst freight recession in 15 years. There have also been numerous slowdowns or temporary shutdowns at a few of our primary shippers. No doubt, some of you have felt or seen these problems. We appreciate anyone that has taken a team approach to this and tried to help us navigate the choppy waters.
These things can’t last forever and 2024 comes as an open slate. Regardless, McLeod Express will prevail and prosper for years to come. It seems like every month we are reading articles about another carrier closing its doors. Luckily, we are quite diversified in what we do and have many ways to move freight. Last year, some divisions struggled while others were better than ever. As always, your flexibility is appreciated.
One of the changes we made last year was to restructure the over-the-road operations. Jason Schaftlein, our General Manager, took the reins for the road fleet and we have seen improvements over the last three months in increased efficiency with your planning and will continue to improve by leaning into technology a little more. Your feedback is always welcome.
We are constantly bidding for new lanes and opportunities. There are also contract renewals every couple of years, and this year is no different. The service we provided them in the past is crucial in securing their freight in the future. We pride ourselves on being flexible to fit the customers’ needs and drivers play a huge role in that. Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work!