Thinking about Smith Transport. Anybody have any stories or info?

If I’m not mistaken smith is owned by heartland express as well..take that into consideration..idk if they’re running as wholly owned subsidiary or not or under heartland operations…that maybe something to inquire on as well.

 

Smith Transport is owned by Heartland Express, Inc., which acquired the trucking company in June 2022 for approximately $170 million. While a part of Heartland Express, Smith Transport continues to operate as a separate entity from its Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania base, retaining its name and leadership under President Todd Smith.
Key Details of the Acquisition:

• Acquirer: Heartland Express, Inc., a major North American truckload carrier.
• Date: The acquisition was announced and completed in June 2022.
• Structure: Smith Transport operates as a distinct business within Heartland Express, maintaining its focus on drivers, safety, and customer service.
• Leadership: Todd Smith, founder and former owner, stayed on as president.
• Strategic Benefit: The acquisition expanded Heartland Express's network, adding assets and customer bases, particularly in the East Coast corridor.

 

Equipment "looks" decent.

 

I’ve heard since they were bought out by Heartland, things have tanked and to stay away from them.

 

In today’s trucking environment, does “looks” decent pay the bills?

 

Welll.....if it keeps you off the side of the highway, or off the hook of the repair shop...then if looks =decent equipment, then I would tend to say "affirmative"...

 

I run into the trucks and drivers often enough.

They split the spectrum with no medium.

Their drivers are either really good with well kept equipment, or really bad with a trashed truck.

I have legitimately never seen an in-between average driver from them.

From that my conclusion is their quality drivers are on the way out and the rookie mill is on the way in.

 

Tbh I’d look into Walmart, or something similar if I were you. Smith has gone downhill the last number of years. Especially now that they are owned by Heartless.

 

Venezia Bulk Transport Inc Google Search

Once upon a time, I used to frequent PA quite a bit, and during these travels I kept noticing Venezia everywhere I went. I spoke with one of their drivers while fueling at a Pilot and he only had praise for the company.

Running out West, I would occasionally see one their trucks on I-84 in Oregon headed west. Must be some dedicated route.

Anyhoodle, that's my thoughts on the matter. If you've never pulled tank, it is worth considering.