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Originally Posted On: https://truckingnewscompany.com/chief-carriers-celebrates-50-years-of-excellence-and-innovation/

Chief Carriers Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence and Innovation

Grand Island, Nebraska – September 28, 2023 – Chief Carriers, a leading flatbed trucking company, marked a significant milestone on September 28, 2023, as they celebrated its 50th anniversary at the company’s headquarters in Grand Island, Nebraska. The event was a testament to Chief Carriers’ enduring success, with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries, business partners from across the state, team members, drivers, and family members coming together to honor this remarkable achievement.

Under the steadfast leadership of Andrew Winkler, Chief Carriers has experienced a remarkable journey in recent years, garnering a prestigious array of awards. Known throughout the trucking industry for his commitment to building a strong organizational culture and taking care of his team members, Andrew Winkler has led the company to new heights.

Here’s a glimpse of the awards Chief Carriers has earned in the past couple of years:

• 2021-2023 Best Fleets to Drive For: Recognized among the top 20 fleets in North America for three consecutive years.
• 2023 Best Fleets to Drive For, Best Overall Small Carrier: A testament to Chief Carriers’ commitment to providing an exceptional work environment.
• 2023 Fleet Innovator Award by Heavy Duty Trucking magazine: Acknowledgment of Chief Carriers’ innovative practices in the trucking industry.
• January 2023 Nebraska Trucking Assoc Driver of the Month – Martin Carpenter: Highlighting the exceptional skill and dedication of Chief Carriers’ drivers.
• February 2023 Nebraska Trucking Assoc Driver of the Month – Dickie Stadler: Recognizing the outstanding contributions of Chief Carriers’ drivers.
• August 2023 Nebraska Trucking Assoc Driver of the Month – Michael Lovitt: Celebrating the consistent excellence of Chief Carriers’ drivers.
• 2023 Quality Award by Chief Industries: An internal recognition of the company’s dedication to quality and excellence.

Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Andrew Winkler, General Manager of Chief Carriers, expressed his gratitude, stating, “As we mark our 50th year in business at Chief Carriers, I find myself 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.”

Our success is a testament to the dedication of every member of the Chief family, past and present. ~ Andrew Winkler, General Manager of Chief Carriers

Joseph Kenney, a business consultant with 316 Strategy Group, commended Chief Carriers’ achievement, saying, “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.

Chief Carriers’ success is deeply rooted in its 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.

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 Andrew Winkler, and the winning culture he’s 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 their commitment to providing exceptional services but also highlight their dedication to innovation and the well-being of our team members.

As Chief Carriers stands on the cusp of the next chapter in our journey, they are filled with gratitude for our past achievements and excitement for the future, where they 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. The company is proud to offer its 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 their drivers, providing them with top-notch equipment, maintenance, and safety programs.

As Chief Carriers celebrate its 50th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of success and innovation in the trucking industry, a testament to the 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.

For more information about Chief Carriers and its services, please visit www.chiefcarriers.com.