Members in the News

Thompson Re-enters the Trailer Market with Two Strategic Partnerships

Thompson Truck & Trailer has announced a strategic partnership with two trusted trailer manufacturers, combining the top-tier service that Thompson is known for, with the innovative technology and manufacturing experience of Side Dump Industries and Maxxim Industries.

“At Thompson we are always looking for ways to provide solutions for our customers,” said Travis Thompson, President and CEO of Thompson Truck & Trailer. “By re-entering the trailer market, we are solidifying our position as the total truck solution, giving our customers one place where they can fill all their parts, service, truck, tire and now trailer needs.”

Side dump trailers have become more popular in recent years and many severe service companies are switching to this style to take advantage of the higher volume loads and increased efficiency. Side Dump Industries (SDI) trailers are manufactured in Sioux City, Nebraska, and are constructed using only the super tough, yet malleable Grade 100 Steel for more durability and longer life. SDI trailers have a 50° dump angle – which is nearly 10° more than other side dumps available, meaning loads release faster with less material sticking to the tub.

Thompson’s second trailer partner, Maxxim Industries, specializes in grain, sand, and livestock trailers and is constantly investing in technology and research to stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive industry. While other grain trailer manufacturers are currently taking orders for 2022 and even 2023, Maxxim order boards are out just a few months, filling the current high demand. The first of these grain trailers will be arriving at Thompson in early fall, and custom orders can be placed at any time. Thompson plans to have several grain trailers in the rental fleet for businesses to rent during peak operation times.

Truck Country Expanding, Will Add Second Dubuque County Location

Truck Country is expanding its reach with a second location in Iowa’s Dubuque County. Truck Country leadership announced that terms have been reached to open a truck parts and service center in Dyersville, Iowa, on the western edge of Dubuque County. The facility will be in addition to the dealership Truck Country operates in the eastern reaches of the county, in Dubuque.

The Dyersville branch, located at 1551 15th Avenue SE, will complement, and serve as a satellite location for Truck Country’s full-service dealership in Dubuque.

“With Truck Country’s strong brand recognition, our new Dyersville location will focus on serving the parts and service needs of those in western Dubuque County, as well as the adjoining areas,” Truck Country President Doug McCoy said. “This is an exciting time to be part of the Truck Country team. We look forward to not only serving our current customers in the area, but also connecting with new ones.”

Dan Cook Appointed to ATA’s National Accounting & Finance Council

Dan Cook, principal and practice leader for National Accounts and M&A Support within TrueNorth Companies, has recently accepted a board and DAN COOK executive committee position with ATA’s National Accounting & Finance Council (NAFC). NAFC creates value for its members through education, research, professional interaction and technical assistance regarding finance, accounting, tax, and risk management issues impacting the trucking industry. The Council also conducts surveys and develops industry best practices where appropriate. Cook will assist with these initiatives. “It’s an honor to join NAFC,” Cook said. “The council does a great deal to assist and influence the transportation industry. I’m proud and honored to support their efforts.”

Ruan Announces New Leadership Roles

Ruan is pleased to announce the promotion of Chad Willis to the role of Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), leading the technology team; Marty Wadle to the role of Chief Commercial Officer, leading the Commercial Solutions team; and Sofia Samuels as Vice President of Marketing and Communications, serving as part of the Commercial Solutions leadership team.

As part of his new role, Willis will lead their technology team, which includes their Information Technology, Operations Support Services, and Extended Operations Center teams. The team is tasked with providing their Des Moines Campus and 300 operations across the country with fundamental technology solutions and systems integrations that enable them to work efficiently and securely. This includes supporting and enhancing their transportation management systems, custom applications, proprietary software, in-truck and office hardware, and more, along with accelerating the transformation of business processes to stay ahead of current and anticipated customer needs.

Ruan’s Commercial Solutions team was formed in 2018 to unify activities across Sales, Marketing and Communications, and Network Engineering teams. In his newly elevated role, Wadle will assume additional responsibility for identifying and forming external partnerships, along with business and capability development. He serves on Ruan’s executive leadership team and will continue to lead efforts in defining services for the marketplace, growing business, and effectively allocating capital investments across service lines.

Sofia Samuels most recently served as Vice President, Marketing Services at Sachs Horace Janson. Prior to that, she was Chief Marketing Officer for the American Welding Society and has held a variety of marketing leadership and business development roles at Ryder, UPS, and DHL. Her professional background spans a broad blend of B2B and B2C expertise with specialties in integrated marketing, sales leadership, customer experience, customer service, e-commerce, publishing, and partnership marketing.

CHAD WILLIS

MARTY WADLE

SOFIA SAMUELS

Heyl Companies Acquires Holiday Express

Heyl Truck Lines has acquired Holiday Express Corporation, a family-owned trucking company that has been in business since 1969, operating over 50 tractors and 80 reefers. Based in Estherville, IA, Holiday Express offers local, regional, and OTR services.

This acquisition complements Heyl companies, also a familyowned company, in the freight and logistics business for 70 years, operating over 400 tractors and 900 reefers. Heyl is headquartered in Akron, IA with terminals in Sioux Falls, SD, Edinburg, TX, Zephyrhills, FL and Okotoks, AB Canada. Heyl offers local, regional, and OTR services as well as a brokerage division.

Holiday Express’s proven dedication to safety, performance, and loyalty to customers mirrors the Heyl philosophy and makes this a great match. According to Heyl companies President, Bruce Koele, “The acquisition of Holiday Express is a positive move for Heyl Truck Lines, Holiday Express, and for all of our employees and customers! There will be many additional opportunities for qualified drivers and support staff. We are excited about the additional resources, capacity, and services that we will be able to offer to our customers as a result.”

Grask Truck Group Announces Rebranding of Dealer Locations

Cedar Rapids Truck Center has recently rebranded their dealership locations to GTG Peterbilt, with the city (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Quincy, and Waterloo) as the identifier. As their business continues to grow GTG Peterbilt believed it was important to solidify their presence and recognition in the market as a premier provide of customer service in the Midwest.