To The Memory Of Preston

The Preston Trucking Company began in the northeast in 1932, specializing in hauling unusually-shaped objects over short distances. As time went on, Preston would grow and acquire other trucking companies and increase their size dramatically. In 1968, Preston acquired the O.K. Heilman Trucking Company and extended its service area to Ohio. In 1973, Preston acquired Kirby Transfer and Storage, as well as the American Transfer Company. In 1974, Preston acquired the operating rights of Export S/D/Z, as well as the Southern Maryland Transportation Company, further expanding its routes and areas of service. Preston's most significant acquisition occurred in September 1975, when it acquired Shippers Dispatch, which was based in South Bend, Indiana. This acquisition doubled Preston’s service area, such that Preston could now service Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. This acquisition made Preston the 20th-largest carrier in the United States, boasting revenues of more than $100 million annually.

Starting in the 1980s, a number of employee lawsuits and charges of unfair employment practices would start to take its toll and Preston would slowly start to decline until, in July 26, 1999, the company announced that they would not be able to continue operating and would end their business after 67 years. Their customers weren't given any notice and callers to the unionized carrier’s customer service number heard a recorded message that said: ”It is with great sorrow and regret that Preston Trucking will cease operations effective Monday, July 26, 1999. We will make no further pickups, but all freight in our system will be delivered this week.”

Today, Preston's former South Bend facility lies empty, but in a good state of repair, ready for a new owner to bring back the employees, trucks, forklifts and other equipment necessary to bring this place back to life. In its current state, it also makes for an excellent photography location, and Ms. Blue Eyes and I took full advantage of that to wondrous effect. How fitting that Preston's company colors are orange.

(To The Memory of Preston, 2023)