Trucking News

THEN AND NOW: WHAT TRUCKING’S HISTORY CAN TEACH US

If we say the year “1898,” what images come to mind?

🤠  The Wild West?

💥  Start of the Spanish-American War?

🐎   Horse and buggy?

Well, that last one is directly related to this week’s post. In fact, it was 1898 when – depending on who you believe – the trucking industry was born.

The Winton Motor Carriage Company of Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1896, built its first truck capable of carrying cargo in an attached trailer (i.e., semi-trucks). It did so because it had to help deliver all of those new, fancy “horseless carriages!” Though not an 18-wheeler, the Winton vehicle served its purpose.

In fact, the basics of the Winton design are still seen on highways today. Flatbed trailers, or “removable goosenecks” (RGN), are based on the principles Winton put to work over 120 years ago. Cool, right?

What about Jones Motoring Group, which launched around the same time? The self-proclaimed “oldest carrier in the world” didn’t start with a truck; it started with a horse and wagon team! That’s when John Jones, an immigrant from Wales, turned his horse and cart into a fleet.  He continued expanding this fleet until purchasing the company’s first “real” truck in 1912.

As we know, innovation then happened rapidly in the early part of the 20th century, due in no small part to the critical role trucks played in major wars. And you thought “supply chain” challenges were new? 😁

Ah, innovation – at times disguised as unique “Service + Problem-solving.” Are there any two qualities more important to shippers, even today?

At #mfw this week, we honor the trucking industry’s humble beginnings and offer you the chance to learn about the cost-saving, problem-solving, service-improving innovations we’ve developed. Simply connect with us and we’ll help you become even MORE successful!

#transportation #logistics #freightforwarding