We proudly celebrated a significant milestone on September 28, 2023, as we marked our 50th anniversary right here at our headquarters in Grand Island, Nebraska. This special event was a true testament to our enduring success, and we were delighted to have the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries, our valued business partners from across the state, our dedicated team members, drivers, and cherished family members join us in honoring this remarkable achievement.
Under our leadership, led by Andrew Winkler, Chief Carriers has embarked on an extraordinary journey in recent years, receiving a multitude of prestigious awards. We’re widely recognized within the trucking industry for our unwavering commitment to building a strong organizational culture and taking exceptional care of our team members. I’ve had the privilege of guiding our company to new heights.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the awards we’ve proudly earned in the past couple of years:
- From 2021 to 2023, we’ve consistently ranked among the TOP 20 fleets in North America in the “Best Fleets to Drive For” category.
- In 2023, we received the esteemed “Best Fleets to Drive For, Best Overall Small Carrier” award, a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional work environment.
- We were honored with the “2023 Fleet Innovator Award” by Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, acknowledging our innovative practices in the trucking industry.
- In January 2023, we celebrated Martin Carpenter as the “Nebraska Trucking Assoc Driver of the Month,” highlighting the exceptional skill and dedication of our drivers.
- February 2023 brought recognition for Dickie Stadler as the “Nebraska Trucking Assoc Driver of the Month,” in appreciation of his outstanding contributions.
- In August 2023, we celebrated Michael Lovitt as the “Nebraska Trucking Assoc Driver of the Month,” recognizing his consistent excellence.
- We also proudly received the “2023 Quality Award” by Chief Industries, an internal recognition of our dedication to quality and excellence.
As we look back on this remarkable journey, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. As we mark our 50th year in business, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the teamwork and unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation that have been the cornerstone of our journey.
Our success is a testament to the dedication of every member of the Chief family, past and present. Here’s to the next 50 years of innovation, industry firsts, and continued excellence. Thank you for making Chief Carriers a legacy of success.
It’s hard enough for most startups to survive the first five years, much less 50 years. Making it 50 years is a pretty impressive feat. The rarity of this accomplishment was emphasized by The Washington Times, which noted that it is challenging to determine what percentage of companies survive over half a century due to the extreme rarity of such a milestone.
Our success is deeply rooted in our affiliation with Chief Industries, Inc., a family-owned group of companies with a legacy dating back to 1954. Chief Industries, Inc., founded by Virgil Eihusen, has been a stalwart supporter of American businesses, and today, it continues to be led by his grandson, DJ Eihusen.
DJ Eihusen was in attendance for Thursday’s momentous occasion in Grand Island. “As we celebrate our 50-year milestone at Chief Carriers, it’s a moment to reflect on our enduring history and the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken. Over the years, we’ve built a legacy of excellence, and in recent times, we’ve been particularly proud of achieving one of the highest driver retention rates among small carriers in the industry. Our ability to retain our drivers is a direct reflection of our management team, led by me, Andrew Winkler, and the winning culture we’ve fostered,” Eihusen said.
Over the years, we’ve built a legacy of excellence. ~ DJ Eihusen
From being recognized among the ‘Best Fleets’ to receiving the prestigious HD Trucking Innovative Award, there’s much to be proud of for Chief Carriers. These accolades not only showcase our commitment to providing exceptional services but also highlight our dedication to innovation and the well-being of our team members.
As we stand on the cusp of the next chapter in our journey, we are filled with gratitude for our past achievements and excitement for the future, where we will continue to push boundaries and set new industry standards.
Chief Carriers is not just a transportation company but a place where strength, stability, and a sense of belonging thrive. We are proud to offer our team members not only competitive compensation but also a work environment that feels like an extension of the family. Every member of the Chief Carriers team is dedicated to ensuring the success and safety of our drivers, providing them with top-notch equipment, maintenance, and safety programs.
As Chief Carriers celebrates its 50th anniversary, we stand as a beacon of success and innovation in the trucking industry, a testament to our enduring spirit of excellence, and a symbol of what can be achieved with unwavering dedication and a commitment to building a thriving and supportive community.
