For four decades, Classic Carriers has persevered through trucking industry turmoil and adapted to the changes. On the 40th anniversary of our business, we’re celebrating the evolution of Classic Carriers and the people who continue to drive us forward.

1971

First Truck

Jim Subler, Classic Carriers founder, purchased his first truck at the age of 17 and began driving for his family’s company, Subler Transfer, as an owner-operator.

1973

Jim Subler Left Subler Transfer for Midwest Emory Freight

With 16 trucks to his name, Jim Subler left Subler Transfer and went to work for competitor Midwest Emory Freight. The oil embargo of 1973 sent fuel prices and interest rates through the roof.

1980

President Carter Signed the Motor Carrier Act of 1980

President Carter signed the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 into law, which deregulated the trucking industry. The authorities that trucking companies worked so hard to establish were now effectively worthless.

1981

Jim’s Operation Was One of the First Casualties

Jim’s operation was one of the first casualties, as his lanes came under rate pressure and Midwest Emery ran into financial problems.

1985

Jim Saw an Opportunity to Start Fresh

Jim saw an opportunity to start fresh in the midst of this change – new entrants to the market could now get a 48-state commodity authority for less than $1,000. He incorporated Classic Carries in his hometown of Versailles, Ohio and was granted authority in May.

1990

Classic Carriers Grew Rapidly

Classic Carriers grew rapidly in the 90s, and included customers like Gilardi’s Pizza, Clopay Doors, Dannon, Wilson Foods, Thorn Apple Valley, Sara Lee and Midmark.

1996

Purchased Warehouse in Gettysburg

Classic Carriers purchased a warehouse in Gettysburg to store products for Midmark and combine LTL shipments.

1998

Outgrew the Gettysburg Warehouse

Classic Carriers’ relationship with Midmark was growing so rapidly that they outgrew the Gettysburg warehouse. An additional 40,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space was rented in Greenville.

1999

Purchase of Current Shop & Office Space

Classic Carriers purchased their present Greenville location and added more shop bays and office space.

2000

Operating About 50 Trucks

In January, with renovations complete, Classic opened its doors, operating about 50 trucks.

2001

Began Serving Most of the Country

Construction begins on a 50,000 sq. ft. building at 160 Industrial Pkwy to support the growing relationship with Midmark. Classic Carriers absorbed a small California trucking company owned by Jim’s friend Gene Fleetwood and began serving most of the country.

2004

110 Trucks Serving 48 States

Tom Stone merged his trucking operation, Shenandoah Motor Express from Versailles, with Classic Carriers. This brought us up to 110 trucks serving 48 states.

2005

Lucas Joins as a Full-Time Employee

Jim’s son Lucas joins the company as a full-time employee.

2006

Purchased T&L Miller

Purchased T&L Miller based out of Bloomsburg, PA, which added 45 more trucks to the Classic fleet.

2015

Purchased B&L Truck Line Assets & former Buchy and Tiger Eye facilities

Purchased the assets of B&L Truck Line in Connersville, IN, which added another 25 trucks to the fleet. Purchased the former Buchy and Tiger Eye facilities in Greenville to get into the refrigerated warehouse business.

2019

Purchased Everglades Express Assets