Chief Carriers offers you strength and stability that few transportation companies can rival. We’re proud to be part of Chief Industries, Inc., a family-owned group of companies that offers a diverse range of products and services used across seven diverse brands.
Founded by Virgil Eihusen in 1954, our parent company has served the needs of U.S. businesses for over 70 years, and is still run by his grandson, DJ Eihusen, today.
Chief Industries: Three Generations Strong
Chief Carriers, a specialized flatbed trucking company and a subsidiary of Chief Industries, was founded in 1973 as the group’s private flatbed fleet. By 1986, we obtained our own contract carrier authority with the founding of Chief Logistics.
Today, we supply dependable transportation solutions to 48 contiguous states and Canada. After over five decades, we’ve built a reputation for professionalism, efficiency, and superior customer service.
Our Mission and Values: Driven by Dedication
Our mission is to provide unparalleled personal attention to meeting the needs of our customers while treating all stakeholders with dignity and respect, thereby ensuring our strength and stability.
Core Values of Chief
People-Centered, Always
Our foundation is family.
People are the heart of Chief and everything we do. We treat every teammate, partner, customer, and community member with dignity and respect, believing in the strength of unity and the value of human connection. By embracing collaboration and honoring individuals, we build teams that last and relationships that matter. We’re adaptable and open to change, welcoming innovation and evolving with technology to meet the needs of our stakeholders.
Safety is Personal
Protect what matters most.
Safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise we make to each other every day. We are committed to ensuring that everyone goes home healthy and whole. That’s why we lead with care and hold ourselves accountable for a safe environment in every plant, project, and workplace.
Lead with Integrity
Guided by truth. Grounded in trust.
We lead with integrity and do the right thing- always. At Chief, trust is earned through honesty, consistency, and thoughtful decision-making. We stay grounded in what works, not impulse. We rely on time-tested truths, data, and sound judgment to guide us. We create lasting relationships and a reputation people can count on.
Excellence in Every Detail
Quality is our signature. Tested for generations.
We take pride in delivering products and services crafted with care, precision, and pride. Our solutions have been tested over time and proven in the field, earning trust across generations. From the materials we use to the relationships we build, every detail matters. What sets us apart is not only the reliability of our work, but the unparalleled personal attention we give to every customer, partner, and project.
Built Across Industries, Led with Purpose
One mission, multiple strengths.
We show up every day to make a meaningful impact-supporting one another, serving customers, and enhancing communities. Our presence across a wide range of industries creates more than just growth-it provides long-term stability, strength, career opportunities, and resilience for our teams. This multi-industry foundation empowers us to adapt, thrive, and make an impact.
Chief Carriers in Action: How We Deliver Our Values
Chief Carriers translates the core values of our parent company into daily operations that benefit our customers and drivers.
A Culture Built on Respect: Partnering with Veterans
Chief Carriers proudly recruits and supports those who have served in the military. We recognize the invaluable skills, discipline, and commitment veterans bring to the OTR trucking company environment.
Our Veterans Apprenticeship Program allows eligible veterans to utilize their GI Bill benefits to supplement their income while training as a truck driver or diesel mechanic, ensuring a seamless transition from military to civilian careers.
Specialty Service: More Than Just Flatbed Hauling
While we are a premier flatbed trucking company, our decades of experience have allowed us to develop specialized services that address complex freight challenges.
Our expertise enables us to deliver reliable service where other carriers may fall short.
Partnering With Chief Logistics
Trusted Expertise in Heavy Haul and Specialized Freight
Through a partnership with our sister company, Chief Logistics, the Chief family can handle diverse and complex freight loads, including:
- Heavy Machinery Transport: We routinely move large, high-value industrial components and heavy machinery transport loads with efficiency and precision.
- Construction Equipment Transport: Our experienced team provides comprehensive logistics for transporting construction equipment, ensuring your fleet is delivered on schedule to any job site.
- Oversized Trucking Solutions: We specialize in planning and executing complex oversized trucking movements, handling all necessary permitting, escort coordination, and legal requirements across state lines. We’re the trusted partner for difficult, heavy truck transport needs.
Ask for specific rate quotes and to discuss logistics planning.
Three Generations of Leadership and Stability
Chief Carriers is proud to be part of an organization that is three generations strong. This stability is a testament to the vision of our founding family and the commitment of our current leadership team.
Our Leadership Team
We believe transparency starts at the top. Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in logistics and transportation, ensuring that our commitment to safety and efficiency is paramount in every decision we make.
Andrew Winkler
General Manager
With 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, Andrew is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for people to his role as General Manager of Chief Carriers and Chief Logistics.
(308) 389-7431
Email Andrew
LinkedIn
(308) 389-7481
Email Daniel
LinkedIn
Lisa Christensen
Controller/Division
“My role is more than a job; it’s a source of genuine pride. I operate with confidence that my efforts are fully supported by the collective strength of our team.”
(308) 389- 7430
Email Lisa
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(308) 389-7406
Email Philip
LinkedIn
Chief Carriers: A Timeline of Our Milestones
From a single, private fleet to a nationwide carrier, our history is defined by growth and commitment.
- 1973: Established as Grand Island Contract Carriers, the private flatbed fleet for Chief Industries.
- 1986: Obtained our own contract carrier authority to expand services across the U.S. A brokerage was also launched that would later become Chief Logistics.
- 1999: Expansion to a new location in Rensselaer, IN.
- 2011: Officially renamed to Chief Carriers, Inc.
- 2021: Named a “Best Fleet to Drive For.”
- 2022: Further expansion to Lancaster, SC, and again named a “Best Fleet to Drive For.” We also launched the Driven Too Far podcast.
- 2023: Named a “Best Fleet to Drive For” and awarded the prestigious “Best Overall Winner: Small Carrier” award.
- 2024: Named a “Best Fleet to Drive For” and received the CCJ May 2024 Innovator Award for our industry-leading safety program.
- 2025: Named a “Best Fleet to Drive For” for the fifth consecutive year and certified as a TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier.
Today, we operate a modern fleet providing OTR and specialized heavy machinery transport services across 48 states and Canada.
A Commitment to Our Drivers and Customers
You’re searching for a trustworthy partner, and we take pride in being that company.
We’re dedicated to providing a superior experience—whether you’re a customer with specialized freight or a professional driver looking for a long-term career.
Ready to Join the Chief Family or Partner with Our Fleet?
We’re a stable, specialized flatbed trucking company built on five decades of experience and a commitment to our people. Whether you’re seeking dependable capacity or a rewarding career, we are ready for the long haul.
Shippers:
Trust your specialized freight to our experienced fleet.
Get a custom quote built around your heavy haul, flatbed, or open deck needs.
Drivers:
Drive with a company that values family and stability.
Explore our competitive pay, benefits, and special Veteran Apprenticeship Program.
