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History of PITT OHIO
Hammel's Express
At PITT OHIO, our core values and business practices have been passed down from generation to generation. Charles Senior was the first in the Hammel family to start in the transportation industry opening Hammel's Express in 1919 with a horse, a buggy and one customer. In the 1940's his son, Charles Hammel, Jr., continued in the family business, which became the foundation from which Charles (Chuck) Hammel, III began to learn and love the transportation industry.
With deregulation of the transportation industry, Charles Junior's vision to provide next-day service to his customers between states was realized when he provided the guidance and funding for his sons to start their own business.
PITT OHIO EXPRESS
Chuck and his two brothers, Bob and Ken, bought 3 trucks and leased a small one-door warehouse in East Liverpool, Ohio. In 1979, they began moving freight between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Ohio – thus naming their business PITT OHIO EXPRESS.
Between 1979 and 1983, the company opened terminals in Cleveland, Ohio, Baltimore, Maryland, Norristown, Pennsylvania and Charleston, West Virginia. Over the next 10 years, PITT OHIO EXPRESS opened 6 more terminals throughout Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company built their business on providing outstanding service to customers along with stretching next day lanes farther than any other carrier in the LTL industry.
1986 marked the first year that PITT OHIO EXPRESS coordinated the Boy Scouts of America' Scouting for Food efforts throughout the tri state area.
In 1993, PITT OHIO EXPRESS won its first Quest for Quality Award from Logistics Management Magazine, which ranks carriers based on customer satisfaction.
By 1994, PITT OHIO EXPRESS employed 1,000 employees throughout 10 terminals. The company was operating 525 trailers and 450 tractors and delivering 3,500 shipments, 100% direct, throughout a 12,000 point region in 7 states - 95% overnight. Through voluntary employee contribution, PITT OHIO EXPRESS made its first check presentation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
In the mid to late 90's, PITT OHIO updated its logo and opened five more terminals throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
1999 was a big year for PITT OHIO EXPRESS. The company launched its first website and celebrated its 20th Anniversary by opening a new corporate office headquarters in the Strip District area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PITT OHIO EXPRESS became the first regional carrier to offer an expedited service, which the company named Fast Track. For the first time, PITT OHIO EXPRESS donated to and participated in the Walk For Autism in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and added Autism Speaks to its list of corporate charities.
"We're Always There For You!"
With the new millennium also came a new tag phrase to the logo as PITT OHIO EXPRESS added "We're Always There For You!" The company also opened an additional four terminals and added the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to its list of corporate charities.
In 2001, service to Detroit, Michigan was offered for the first time and PITT OHIO EXPRESS also began shipping to the southern United States through a partnership with Averitt Express. In response to September 11th, PITT OHIO EXPRESS employees began supporting The American Red Cross through voluntary payroll deduction along with sending trucks into New York City loaded with computers and other supplies to assist in the effort of getting the city back on its feet.
PITT OHIO EXPRESS expanded its coverage area yet again in 2003 and opened a terminal in Chicago, Illinois. In conjunction with its environmental efforts, the company participated in The Great PA Cleanup and eventually expanded this beautification effort to all of its 21 terminals.
By 2004, PITT OHIO EXPRESS employed 2454 employees through 21 terminals. The company was operating 1,550 trailers, 607 tractors, 309 straight trucks, 40 non-CDL straight trucks and 13 non-CDL vans delivering record breaking 9,000 shipments daily to over 14,000 destinations with a 98% on-time delivery record. PITT OHIO EXPRESS received its 11th consecutive Quest for Quality Award, regarded in the transportation industry as the most prestigious award for customer satisfaction. For the first time, an expedited category was added to the survey and our expedited service, FAST TRACK, was recognized among national carriers.
ECM TRANSPORT
By acquiring a partnership interest in ECM TRANSPORT, LLC in 2005, PITT OHIO EXPRESS launched a TRUCKLOAD service which includes 300 tractors and 1200 trailers.
In 2006, PITT OHIO EXPRESS expanded its coverage again to include the Greater Triad Cities of North Carolina including Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point. In the same year, PITT OHIO expanded its coverage area further west by opening terminals in Indianapolis, Indiana and Battle Creek, Michigan.
The Reliance Network
PITT OHIO EXPRESS continued expanding its coverage area in 2007 by joining 5 other carriers to form The Reliance Network, which spans all of North America, while also expanding its coverage to New York City and Long Island through a partnership with Sunline Express. In an effort to encourage employees and their families to make healthier choices, PITT OHIO EXPRESS introduced a company-wide wellness initiative that includes a stretching program called Occupational Athletics. PITT OHIO expanded its fundraising efforts to include all 21 terminals and added The Boys & Girls Clubs of America as a fifth beneficiary.
LTL Services
PITT OHIO EXPRESS responded to our customer's need for a Protect From Freezing service and introduced Heat Track in 2008 and improved service standards to Louisville, Kentucky with The Reliance Network in 2009. The company also released mobile web and applications in 2009 allowing customers to access PITT OHIO Anytime. Anywhere. Additionally in 2009, PITT OHIO began connecting with its customers and employees via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
PITT OHIO GROUND
In 2010, PITT OHIO EXPRESS responded again to our customer's need for a more flexible small package solution and began offering a GROUND service. Improvements were also made to The Reliance Network with the addition of two new carriers covering the Western United States. The company received its 16th Quest for Quality Award for its LTL service and its expedited service, FAST TRACK, received its 6th Award, ranking first among six other carriers.
The Enterprise
In addition to expanding beyond the days when deliveries were made between only Pittsburgh and Ohio, PITT OHIO has expanded its service offerings over the past 30 years. PITT OHIO EXPRESS is no longer "just" an LTL (or trucking) company. In 2011, PITT OHIO EXPRESS changed its name to PITT OHIO to better reflect the transportation solutions provider it has evolved to. A new logo and website were launched. PITT OHIO maintains its signature commitment of "We're Always There For You!" and our core services - SUPPLY CHAIN, GROUND, LTL and TRUCKLOAD serve as the company's foundation.
Also in 2011, PITT OHIO received its 5th President’s Trophy presented by the American Trucking Association (ATA) recognizing carriers with the most comprehensive safety program.
Solutions Provider
In 2013, PITT OHIO received the Quest for Quality Award for the 19th time in the LTL category, for the first time in the TRUCKLOAD category and its expedited service, Fast Track, received its 9th Award.
In 2014, PITT OHIO relocated to larger terminals in Cincinnati, OH, Chicago, IL and Norristown, PA to better service its customers.
PITT OHIO received The Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) President’s Trophy for operating the safest fleet in the entire state of Ohio. PITT OHIO received the Quest for Quality Award for the 20th time in the LTL category, for the 2nd time in the TRUCKLOAD category and for the first time, The Reliance Network received a Quest for Quality Award in the National LTL category. These awards bring PITT OHIO’s overall grand total to 31 Quest for Quality Awards in the categories of Regional LTL, National LTL, Expedited and Truckload.
Over the past 10 years, PITT OHIO has laid the foundation necessary for a comprehensive sustainability program. The company has elected to focus on “People, Planet, and Profit,” and is committed to lowering our environmental impact, finding efficient transportation solutions for our customers, being a good corporate and community citizen, and supporting our employees.
In October 2014, PITT OHIO opened the first LEED Certified Trucking Terminal in Western Pennsylvania. This brand new, state-of-the-art, sustainable terminal, is home to both PITT OHIO and ECM TRANSPORT and is located 13 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh. The 96,000 square foot complex includes a 100 dock door terminal, mechanic shop and office building.
PITT OHIO released CO2 Track to the public, which is the company’s patent pending carbon calculator.
2015
In 2015, PITT OHIO employed 3,138 employees through 21 terminals. The company’s LTL operations included 2,199 trailers, 813 tractors (including 10 Natural Gas powered tractors), 446 straight trucks, and 34 non-CDL vans delivering record breaking 12,000 shipments daily with a 98% on-time delivery record. ECM TRANSPORT, PITT OHIO’s TRUCKLOAD carrier, operated with 1,415 trailers and 309 tractors.
PITT OHIO received its 6th President’s Trophy presented by the American Trucking Association (ATA) recognizing the carrier with the most comprehensive safety program.
PITT OHIO’s regional LTL service received its 21st Quest for Quality (Q4Q) Award from the readers of Logistics Management Magazine, bringing the company’s overall total to 33 Q4Q Awards in the categories of Regional LTL, National LTL, Expedited and Truckload.
PITT OHIO ranked #1 for large companies on the annual list of the Top Workplaces in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Owner and President Charles (Chuck) Hammel was honored with the distinction of top leader in the large company category for the second time.
In August, the company expanded its direct coverage area to include Louisville, Kentucky.
2016
In 2016, PITT OHIO employs 3,158 employees through 21 terminals. The company added 614 heated trailers to its LTL Fleet to be used with its Heat Track solution.
PITT OHIO was named the NASSTRAC Regional-Northeast LTL Carrier of the year, received its 2nd Ohio Trucking Association President’s Trophy, placed first in the Maryland Motor Truck Association’s Chairman’s Safety Contest in the “Over 1,000,000 Miles” division, and PITT OHIO received two Quest For Quality Awards, earning a spot for the 22nd time in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional LTL category and tenth time overall on the Expedite list.
For the first time in PITT OHIO’s history, a driver won the Straight Truck National title at the ATA National Truck Driving Championships. Charles Randolph has been driving for PITT OHIO at its Charleston, WV terminal for 28 years.
PITT OHIO was named a Top Workplace in three of its cities where terminals are located, including: Pittsburgh, PA, Cleveland, OH and Cincinnati, OH, ranking #1 for large companies for the second time in Pittsburgh.
PITT OHIO was honored with a SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a true industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.
2017
Recipient of a CIO 100 award for exemplifying the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).
Recipient of Echo Global Logistics’ LTL Carrier Platinum Award for outstanding service, commitment and performance to Echo clients and employees.
Named Worldwide Express Northeast LTL Carrier of the Year.
Expanded and improved service to the Midwest with sister companies Dohrn Transfer and US Special Delivery (USSD).
Expanded TRUCKLOAD service area and offerings with Sister Company Palmetto State Transportation.
In May, the company’s new construction Pittsburgh terminal received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.
Sunsetted The Reliance Network (TRNet), but still maintains North American service and coverage with a group of regional carriers, many of which were original members of TRNet.
2018
PITT OHIO adds Purpose to Sustainability Policy
Extended coverage area West with LTL Sister Companies Dohrn Transfer and US Special Delivery.
Expanded TRUCKLOAD service area and offerings with Sister Company Motor Carrier Services.
GlobalTranz names PITT OHIO 2017 Top Northeast Regional Carrier
Fleet Owner Magazine names PITT OHIO 2018 LTL Fleet of the Year
Named 2017 Regional LTL Carrier of the Year by DHL Supply Chain
Earned 11th Supplier Excellence Award from Eastman Chemical
Awarded Regional Carrier of the Year from Schneider Logistics
Named 2018 Inbound Logistics Top Green Supply Chain Partner
Recipient of the PPG Excellent Supplier Award
PITT OHIO receives 3 Logistics Management Quest for Quality Awards from our customers in the categories of Regional Northeast LTL, Truckload and Expedite. These awards bring PITT OHIO’s overall grand total to 39 Quest for Quality Awards in the categories of Regional LTL, National LTL, Expedited and Truckload.
Installed a 2nd wind turbine at our Pittsburgh Terminal. Installed the first of 8 wind turbines at the site of our new Cleveland terminal in Parma, Ohio.
Five drivers, the most in company history, qualified for the National Truck Driving Championships in Columbus, Ohio.
Earned a 2019 Military Friendly® Employer designation, achieving both Gold and Top 10 status, ranking 3rd in our category among 224 employers nationwide.
Named a Top Workplace in 4 of our locations, including: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
Extended Protect From Freeze, Heat Track, coverage area to include points between New England and Nebraska. Heat Track fleet includes 80 Heated Straight Trucks and 1,300 Heated Trailers.
Expanded and improved service to the New England States with LTL sister company Ross Express.
Named a Top Green Fleet by Heavy Duty Trucking.
Received a Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award.
2019
PITT OHIO celebrates its 40th year in business
Recipient of the 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award
Named a 2018 Top Green Fleet by Heavy Duty Trucking
Named TRANSPLACE 2018 Regional Carrier of the Year
Enhanced service to Canada with partners Polaris Transportation, Rosenau Transport and Groupe Robert, including Next Day service to the Greater Toronto Area.
Named ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS 2018 Platinum Carrier of the Year
PITT OHIO Launches Delivery Track giving customers the ability to track the truck carrying their LTL shipment and gain access to an estimated time of arrival, including stops remaining.
Named MODE Transportation 2018 LTL Regional Carrier of the Year
Named American Group Northeast Regional Carrier of the Year
Named WORLDWIDE EXPRESS Northeast Regional Carrier of the Year
Named 2019 Inbound Logistics Leading Green Supply Chain Supplier
Recipient of 2 Logistics Management Quest for Quality Awards in the categories of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional LTL and Expedite, bringing the companies total to 41 Quest for Quality Awards.
Named a Top Workplace in Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Cincinnati
One driver qualified for the National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Enhanced Protect From Freeze Service, Heat Track, by adding more heated trailers and expanding the coverage area to include New York.
Named 2019 Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics
Recipient of the President Trophy from Ohio Trucking Association
Recipient of the American Trucking Associations’ President’s Trophy for the 7th Time
Named Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine 2019 Top Green Fleet
2020
East Windsor terminal receives LEED Certification
Recipient of Echo Global Logistics’ LTL Carrier Platinum Award for outstanding service, commitment and performance to Echo clients and employees
Named NASSTRAC Regional-Northeast LTL Carrier of the year
Named Inbound Logistics Green Supply Chain Partner
Opened next day lanes from Harrisburg, Allentown and East Windsor to the New England States
Opened next day lanes from Pittsburgh, Washington West Middlesex, PA and Cleveland, OH to Western NY
Received a patent for sustainable, renewable energy process
Won 3 Logistics Management Quest for Quality Awards
Named Top Workplace in Pittsburgh and Allentown, PA and Cincinnati and Cleveland, OH.
Named a Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics
Named Carrier of the Year by Parker Hannifin
Opens new, LEED Certified terminal in Parma, Ohio to service the Cleveland market
Relocated Indianapolis, IN Terminal
2021
Launched Warehouse & Distribution Service
Summit Packaging Solutions Completes Recapitalization with PITT OHIO to Strengthen Balance Sheet and Position Business for Continued Growth
Named LTL Carrier of the Year by HNI Corporation
Divested all ECM, MCS and Palmetto interest in 2021
Received 2020 Exceptional Performance Award from Uline
Named One of America's Best Midsize Employers by Forbes Magazine
Cleveland Terminal and Maintenance Shop receive LEED Gold Certification
Receives 27th Quest for Quality Award in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional LTL category
Expands service offering to include International Container Drayage and Transloading
PITT OHIO named #1 Top Workplace in Pittsburgh; President Chuck Hammel Named Leader of the Year
Named 2021 Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics
Named 2020 LTL Carrier of the Year by Schneider Logistics
Named 2021 LTL Regional Carrier of the Year by Penske
Driver Bill Nearhoof named Driver of the Year by DNC Insurance
Cleveland terminal wins three commercial real estate development awards
2022
Named 2021 Top Green Fleet by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine
Named 2021 Regional LTL Carrier by Leaf Home
Named One of America's Best Midsize Employers by Forbes Magazine
Named 2021 LTL Regional Carrier of the Year by GlobalTranz
Driver Gary Eastwood named Maryland Driver of the Year
Named LTL Carrier of the Year by Roppe Holding Company
Chief Operating Officer, Jim Fields, named Truck Fleet Innovator of the Year by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine
Vice President of Safety, Jeff Mercadante, named National Safety Director of the Year by the American Trucking Association
Added 2 electric straight trucks to fleet
Named 2022 Inbound Logistics Top Green Supply Chain Partner
Expanded coverage area and service to the entire state of New York by adding 4 new terminals in Albany, Buffalo, Utica, and Watertown.
Received 28th Quest for Quality Award in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional LTL category and 14th Quest for Quality Award in the Expedite category.
Four drivers qualified for the National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Named a Top Workplace in Pittsburgh, PA
Named a Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics
Wins Corporate Leadership Award from Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center
Receives inaugural Supply Chain Sustainability Award from customer, Parker Hannifin
Receives Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Level Gold Encouraging Environmental Excellence Stewardship Award
Named an LTL Regional Carrier of the Year by Penske Logistics Freight Management
2023
Added 32 next day service lanes to and from New York state
Introduces Express LTL service to California through partnership with Daylight Transport
Invests in final mile leader, Aria Logistics
Named Regional LTL Carrier of the Year by IL2000
Relocates Roanoke, Virginia terminal
Driver, Ricky Kahl, named Maryland Truck Driver of the Year
Wins Maryland Fleet Safety Award in the Over 1,000,000 miles category
Named One of America's Best Midsize Employers by Forbes Magazine for the third year in a row
Named Carrier of the Year by safety company, MSA
Named LTL Regional Carrier of the Year by Echo Global Logistics
Named a Top Workplace in Columbus, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh
Deploys Maven as its pick up and delivery and ELD/Telematics Platform
Named Innovation Carrier of the Year by GlobalTranz
Named Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics
Named a Top Green Fleet by Heavy Duty Trucking
Named Regional LTL Carrier of the Year by Uber Freight
Two drivers qualified for the National Truck Driving Championships in Columbus, Ohio
Received 29th Quest for Quality Award in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional LTL category
Receives 2nd Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Level Gold Encouraging Environmental Excellence Stewardship Award
Named Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics
Adds CrossCountry Freight Solutions to its North American Service Partner Network
Receives 2nd Supply Chain Sustainability Award from customer, Parker Hannifin