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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purchased Warehouse in Gettysburg
Classic Carriers purchased a warehouse in Gettysburg to store products for Midmark and combine LTL shipments.
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.
Purchase of Current Shop & Office Space
Classic Carriers purchased their present Greenville location and added more shop bays and office space.
Operating About 50 Trucks
In January, with renovations complete, Classic opened its doors, operating about 50 trucks.
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.
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.
Lucas Joins as a Full-Time Employee
Jim’s son Lucas joins the company as a full-time employee.
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.
Purchased Everglades Express Assets
Purchased the assets of Everglades Express based in Naples, FL.
Started a 36,000 sq. ft. Expansion of Cold Storage
Started a 36,000 sq. ft. expansion of our cold storage facility in Greenville to serve customers like Kings Command and Peak Foods.
Lucas Becomes President of Classic Carriers
Lucas takes over as president of Classic Carriers.
Wins Workplace Safety Awards
Classic Carriers wins workplace safety awards from the Great West Casualty Company.