Happy Holidays from the Hoosier State!
2021 has been a year filled with growth in Lafayette. The Lafayette shuttle has seen 16 years of sustained growth and with the contract renewal with Tate and Lyle we are looking forward to moving our partnership forward for many more years.
For those unfamiliar with the shuttle. McLeod Express handles the dedicated movement of freight between the two Lafayette Plants and the 307 Warehouse. It takes the combined efforts of over forty skilled drivers and the support of their friends and family to provide the 24/7/365 our customer requires. Our drivers use Dry Van, Belt and Tanker Trailers to accomplish the task.
Next, our home daily van drivers are doing an excellent job of providing excellent service for our customers in Central Indiana. They are moving a diversified mix of freight all day every day to satisfy the customer’s needs. This pro team of drivers is doing a fantastic job and because if their efforts we have opportunities to grow this fleet into the future.
Finally, our Tanker Group. Early in 2021 McLeod Express earned a Dedicated Tanker Lane for Tate and Lyle. This lane runs from Lafayette to Dayton Ohio and back. Tanker is new for us, and this year has seen much learning and the learning has in turn enabled us to adapt, adjust and improve along the way. The understanding, dedication and professionalize displayed by the team of drivers on this account has been remarkable. Thought their competent and steadfast effort the new business has grown into a key account in a truly short amount of time.
Along with this growth came the opportunity to upgrade to a new to us terminal. This terminal provides us with more space and better traffic flow. The shop has a pit that allow for more efficient PM service of our trucks, and we have the needed shop bays to handle the needed trailer repairs. The office space also allows for conference meetings and new employee orientation. The offices also offer the space needed for future growth. The office team and Shop Techs that work in these spaces are some of the best in the industry. I have no doubt they are up to the challenges we will face as we continue to grow.
Tom Padgett
Terminal Manger