Super Trucker Magnets
Description: In 1906, Grover 'Cleve' Harrell started what was to become the Yellow Cab Company with horse-drawn carriages in Oklahoma City. Harrell's older brother, A. J. arrived, soon followed by their younger brother Marvin, and the three went into business together. In 1929, the Harrell brothers established Yellow Transit Freight Lines to serve small manufacturers for whom express rates were prohibitive. Eventually the partnership dissolved, and A. J. took control of the freight lines, which he kept small until 1952 when an ownership group bought the freight company. During this time, Yellow pioneered the concept of consolidating small shipments into trailer loads. In 1968, the company name was changed to Yellow Freight System.
Description: Lee Way Motor Freight was founded by Robert “Whitt” Lee in 1934 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lee Way grew quickly, adding drivers and equipment, all while developing a reputation for safety and reliability. By 1947, the company had 225 pieces of equipment and added routes in Kansas and Missouri. That year, the company acquired another trucking company that expanded its fleet and operating authority, an expansion strategy Lee Way would follow for decades into the future. By 1975, Lee's sons decided to sell the company and by the time deregulation hit, Lee Way was in a downward spiral. Lee Way had expanded to 5,000 employees and 100 terminals in 25 states by 1984,but Lee Way's then owner, Commercial Lovelace, elected to shutter the line.
Description: Mrs. Francis Edwards was a bookkeeper for a freight company in Birmingham who handled collections. After having to wait at the same trucking company each week, she told the owner that she should just buy the business so that it could be run properly. To her surprise, the owner called and asked if she was interested. Turns out, she was and in January 1946, she was president of her own trucking company. Starting with 10 trucks that came with the business, she positioned Eagle Motor Lines as a specialty carrier focused primarily on flatbed work. 20 years later, Eagle Motor Lines had 340 trucks and over 500 trailers, operating across nearly half of the USA with annual revenue approaching $20 million. Not bad for a bookkeeper, huh?
Description: US-1 Electric Trucking was a series of slot car sets and accessories that were available in the '80s. Similar to HO-scale slot car racing sets, US-1 centered around heavy trucks and transporting cargo from point to point. In addition to the basic operation of driving the trucks around the track, US-1 featured an innovative turnout that the trucks could reverse into, backing them off the main track into various terminals where trucks could be loaded and unloaded. Many of the terminals were fully automated, either jumping into action when the truck clicked into position or requiring the truck to be further reversed into the action area to 'power' the accessory. In addition to the core sets, there was a complete catalog of US-1 accessories.
Description: New England Motor Freight (NEMF) began in 1918, hauling products for commercial bakeries in New Jersey. Over the next 100 years, the LTL carrier continued to expand, eventually building up to a fleet of 1,550 power units, 40 company terminals and, 3,700 employees, all while becoming a favorite among businesses in the northeast. Despite NEMF's size and reach, their fortunes took a turn in 2018, and amidst a downward spiral, New England Motor Freight filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019, ending what can only be described as a heck of a run.
Description: Willig Freight Line was founded in 1923 and quickly proved to be a pioneer in California trucking. Over the next 40 years, Willig remained a modestly successful truck-load carrier while keeping the majority of its operations within the Golden State. In 1965, CPA Eric K. Anderson purchased Willig for a reported $2 million, immediately changing the operation from a TL carrier to an LTL operation and began overnight service from LA to San Francisco. Over the next several years, profits increased by 20% per year as Willig expanded throughout the west with new terminals and expanded service. By 1986 revenues increased to $62.6 million a year and became one of the US's top 100 carriers, but not a decade later, Willig would be defunct.
Description: A heavy-duty workhorse! 🚚 The Ford F250 is featured in a robust design that's perfect for truck enthusiasts and anyone who loves heavy-duty hauling and towing 🔩. A tribute to the strength, capability, and reliability of this iconic pickup truck 💪. Buckle up and get ready to tackle the toughest jobs! 🚚🔩💪
