Midwest company celebrates 100 full years of trucking

American Central Transport celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday by expanding driver recognition programs and donating funds to a good cause. 

ACT began as a small flatbed trucking company known as E. K. Motor Service in Joliet, Illinois in 1926. By 1972, the company was purchased by Tom B. Kretsinger, Sr., who renamed it American Central Transport. Now headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, ACT is still family-owned and family ran. 

As part of the 100 year celebration, ACT announced that it has launched a Driver Ambassador Program, which will recognize one exemplary truck driver a year. This year, truck driver Joe Keller was selected for “the positive attitude and spirit he brings to American Central Transport.” As part of the award, ACT had one truck custom wrapped with a “midwest inspired design” in honor of Keller. 

The company also hosted a benefit steak luncheon to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. 

“ACT’s history spans a century of significant change in the transportation industry, from the early days of flatbed trucking to today’s technology-driven freight environment,” reads a press release from ACT.

“Throughout that evolution, the company has remained focused on the values of accountability, integrity, safety, family and respect… As ACT begins its next century, the company continues to operate as a family-owned carrier while investing in its people and recognizing the individuals who contribute to its ongoing success.”