As Chief Industries celebrates its 70th anniversary, we’re taking a closer look at Chief Carriers. We sat down with Andrew Winkler, the General Manager of Chief Carriers, to explore the milestones, transformations, and exciting future for the trucking arm of Chief Industries.
The Evolution of Chief Carriers
Chief Carriers’ journey began in 1973 when Chief Industries acquired a truck line. This acquisition ensured the company had the capacity to transport both raw materials and finished products to and from its manufacturing plants. In 1986, another pivotal moment came with the launch of a brokerage operation, allowing Chief to maintain logistical control even when its own trucks weren’t available by hiring outside carriers.
According to Winkler, this foresight has helped Chief Carriers evolve into a vital part of Chief Industries, with Chief Buildings and Chief Agri being its two largest customers. These two divisions alone make up about 50% of the freight Chief Carriers handles, demonstrating its importance in the company’s broader operations. The partnership with its sister divisions also ensures ongoing stability for Carriers and their drivers.
People Power: A Key to Success
While logistical efficiency is crucial, Winkler emphasizes that the success of Chief Carriers goes far beyond moving freight—it’s all about the people. “We’ve really focused on the people side of our business over the last several years,” he explains. Chief Carriers’ participation in the national Best Fleets to Drive For program has helped foster a company culture that values its drivers and employees.
The Best Fleets program, which recognizes the top 20 trucking companies in the U.S. and Canada, is a point of pride for Chief Carriers. With over 40,000 eligible carriers, making this list every year is no small feat. This achievement reflects the company’s commitment to creating a positive work environment for its team.
Embracing Technology
Like many industries, trucking has been transformed by technology, and Chief Carriers is no exception. Winkler points to 2020 as the year when tech began to take off within the company. Automatic braking systems, lane departure warnings, and dash cameras are now standard in their trucks. More recently, Chief Carriers has explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can optimize dispatch operations, forecasting weeks in advance instead of just days, while keeping driver needs at the forefront.
Challenges in a Changing Industry
One of the major challenges Chief Carriers has faced is the ongoing trucking recession. As Winkler explains, the aftermath of COVID-19 created an overcapacity of drivers and trucks, driving down freight rates and squeezing the industry. Despite this, Chief Carriers continues to focus on recruiting and retaining top talent. Their recruitment process, led by a dedicated team, ensures that new drivers are well-supported from the moment they apply through to their orientation and beyond.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth
Chief Carriers’ success is also bolstered by strategic partnerships, including its long-standing relationship with the Nebraska Trucking Association. This collaboration has led to valuable events, such as truck driving championships and partnerships with the Nebraska State Patrol.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Chief Carriers. Winkler highlights plans for new terminals in South Carolina, alongside continued growth on the logistics side. The flexibility of their brokerage operations, which don’t require heavy investments in trucks and drivers, means the logistics division is primed for expansion.
Keeping Drivers at the Heart of Operations
A key part of Chief Carriers’ ongoing success is its focus on building long-term relationships with drivers. From recruitment through orientation, the company works hard to ensure that its drivers feel supported and appreciated. Regular surveys and open meetings allow for transparency, while bringing drivers’ families into the fold has strengthened the bonds between drivers and the company.
The Driven Too Far podcast, which Winkler launched in 2022, has become an educational resource not just for Chief drivers but for the entire trucking community. Covering topics from safety and technology to how to choose the right company, the podcast has allowed Chief Carriers to reach a wider audience and support drivers in their career development.
The Road Ahead
As Chief Carriers looks toward the next seven years, growth and innovation are top priorities. Whether through expanding its fleet as Chief Industries grows or continuing to develop its logistics operations, the company is well-positioned for future success. Regionalized operations from Grand Island, Nebraska, Rensselaer, Indiana, and Lancaster, South Carolina, allow drivers to stay closer to home, improving job satisfaction and work-life balance.
With a strong foundation built on people, technology, and strategic growth, Chief Carriers is set to continue its success story well into the future. As Winkler says, “We’re very excited about what’s next for Chief Carriers.”
