For four decades, Classic Carriers has been more than just a trucking company. We’ve been a family. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2025, we’re reflecting on what has made us successful: our drivers. From the roads that stretch across all 48 contiguous states to the community we’ve built right here in Versailles, Ohio, our story is one of dedication, safety and treating every driver like family.
A Legacy Built on Family Values
Classic Carriers was founded in 1985 by Jim Subler, a second-generation transportation business owner who learned the trucking trade from his father. The Subler family’s roots in the transportation industry run deep, dating back to 1934 when Jim’s father, Basil, and uncle Kenny started Subler Transfer. This generational knowledge and commitment to excellence isn’t just our history. It’s who we are today.
Luke Subler, president of Classic Carriers, said, “It’s a heck of a feat. I really feel that a lot of companies try, but many fail. We’re proud to have been a part of this community for 40 years.”
The family legacy continues with the next generation now leading the company. “It means everything to me. This has been what I’ve known my entire life. Both my grandfathers were in trucking, so I had it from both sides. I joke about that, but I truly enjoy it. This is a business I’ve known my whole life and absolutely love. My grandfather started in 1934 with his brother… It’s a proud history. We kind of wear it as a badge of honor,” said Luke.
That family atmosphere extends to every driver who joins our team.
How Classic Carriers Supports Our Drivers
Driver Appreciation Week
During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in September, Classic Carriers hosts special events to honor our dedicated drivers, including cookouts, raffles, giveaways, and more. This week is dedicated to recognizing the hard work our drivers put in every day. But the appreciation doesn’t stop there. Our Driver of the Month program also acknowledges and celebrates drivers who maintain safe driving records and ensure on-time pickups and deliveries throughout the year.
Career Investment Through Training
At Classic Carriers, we believe in investing in our drivers from day one. Our comprehensive 12-week paid CDL training program removes the barriers to entering the trucking industry:
- Tuition Reimbursement: We cover the entire cost of the four-week Class A CDL course at Apollo Career Center in Lima, Ohio.
- Weekly Incentive: Trainees receive a $250 weekly stipend during their CDL coursework.
- Paid Training: After earning your CDL, you’ll complete an eight-week driver training program with an experienced Classic Carriers trainer, earning $700 per week.
- Guaranteed Job: Upon successful completion, you’re guaranteed a position as a solo company driver.
- No Educational Debt: Start your career debt-free with first-year drivers earning up to $85,000.
We’ve also developed partnerships with local schools, including the Versailles High School capstone program, where students can work part-time while completing their education. Our shop manager mentors local students interested in becoming diesel mechanics, creating a direct path to full-time careers.
The Million Miles Club
Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Classic Carriers, and our Million Miles Club is one of our proudest achievements. Drivers who reach one million miles are recognized and celebrated for this extraordinary accomplishment. Some of our drivers have even reached the prestigious 2 and 5 Million Mile Club milestones.
Our Million Mile Club members embody the dedication, professionalism, and safety-first mindset that defines Classic Carriers. Our drivers also receive special recognition through our driver of the month program and are honored for their commitment.
Additional Driver Benefits
Whether you’re joining us through our CDL training program or already have your license, all our drivers enjoy comprehensive support once they’re on the road:
- Flexible Pay Packages: Choose between our “frills” or “no-frills” pay plans to match your lifestyle.
- Competitive Compensation: Base “frills” pay starting at $0.56-$0.62 CPM. Base “no-frills” pay starting at $0.66-$0.72 CPM. Opportunities for bonuses with both plans.
- Multiple Route Options: OTR, local, dedicated routes or part-time positions are available.
- Home Time: We get you home when you want to be home.
- Rider & Pet Policy: Bring an immediate family member (after 90 days) or a dog or cat (under 40 lbs) to ride along with you.
- Driver Amenities: Enjoy a lounge with showers, free laundry, kitchen, cable TV and recliners at our Versailles terminal.
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $7,000 (if eligible)
- Modern Equipment: 2021 or newer Freightliner Cascadias.
- Safety Bonuses: Earn quarterly safety bonuses for safe driving.
- Full Benefits: Get medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off (with our frills package).
- & more!
Hear From Our Drivers
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our drivers have to say about working with Classic Carriers:
Ray Hendrickson:
“I enjoy getting paid to see the country, especially the I-70 route through Colorado’s mountains. At Classic Carriers, I’ve always been treated like family. The company stands out in how they go above and beyond for us, which is why being a company driver here suits me perfectly. I only have to focus on driving; for anything else, like truck maintenance, the shop team is just a call away.”
Eric Burns:
“I enjoy the freedom of the open road, especially on Route 80 east and west. Being part of Classic Carriers has been unique; it’s a small company with a close-knit team. The benefits of being a company driver like no fuel or breakdown bills are significant.”
Kenneth Graham
“I’ve found a unique blend of freedom and the opportunity to explore various parts of the country. What makes Classic Carriers stand out for me is its family atmosphere and orientation, which adds to the sense of belonging. Being a company driver here means not just great money but also the freedom that initially drew me to this career.”
Join the Classic Carriers Family
Whether you’re an experienced driver looking for a company that values you or someone considering a career change to trucking, Classic Carriers welcomes you. With 40 years of experience and a proven commitment to driver success, we’re not just offering a job. We’re offering a career with a family that will support you every mile of the way.
Ready to become part of our story? Contact our recruiting team today or view our open positions.