Highway Transport recently opened an $11 million service center in the Chicago area that will serve as a central hub for its operations across the U.S. and Canada.
The company says its new Midwest location in the Clarius Business Park in Channahon, Ill., will add approximately 70 new employees in the coming years as the Knoxville, Tenn.-based bulk hauler continues to grow its network—and reputation for safe, effective service.
“Our new chemical tanker truck facility marks our commitment to both the greater Chicago area and to our customers and team members across the U.S.,” said Marshall Franklin, president and CFO of Highway Transport, which recently secured its third Responsible Care Partner Company of the Year award in four years from the American Chemistry Council. “With the expanded Chicago service center, we are better positioned to serve many chemical companies in Illinois, the Midwest, and beyond.
“This is an important investment for our company. We remain committed to providing award-winning safety and service to our customers, as well as the community, which is reflected by the environmental safety measures we took in expanding the facility and setting up our safety and cleaning protocols on-site.”
Highway Transport now boasts more than 20 service centers, and a fleet of 465 trucks and more than 900 stainless-steel tank trailers, and it expects to add 170 trailers and 52 tractors this year. The company also says it has a “record number” of drivers on staff thanks to its efforts to “celebrate, support, and reward its elite team.”
The new 17,730-square-foot service center situated on nearly 23 acres doubles the size of Highway Transport’s previously leased facility in Joliet, Ill., where the specialty chemical transporter operated for two decades. To celebrate the opening, Highway Transport team members participated in a community volunteer day through the company’s Highway Helping Hands program. More than 30 team members volunteered at Chicago’s Ronald McDonald House and The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park, the company said.
Highway Transport also hosted a celebration June 22 in which it welcomed elected officials and community leaders, as well as customers, business owners, vendors, and partners, to tour the Chicago facility.
“Highway Transport has invested in a state-of-the-art service center, including the latest systems and technology to ensure a safe and worker-friendly environment,” said Kyle Lukwinski, Highway Transport’s service center manager in Chicago. “We care about our tanker drivers and employees, and this facility is designed with their safety and convenience in mind. When we take care of our team and our drivers, they are best equipped to fulfill our commitment to providing award-winning safety and service to our customers.
“Our expanded Chicago Service Center is a critical component in delivering on our promise, which includes caring for our customers and community here in Chicago.”
The facility includes a maintenance shop, tank wash, multiple offices, and a conference room. It also provides full amenities for Highway Transport’s professional drivers, including a comfortable break room to watch television and movies, Wi-Fi access, showers, and more within a secure, gated facility.
“With our new service center open, it will support our company and team members to continue to serve clients with a more than 98% on-time rate, while maintaining our commitment to quality and safety,” Franklin said. “As we grow in Chicago and beyond, the elite drivers joining our team are on time, well presented at delivery—and committed to the highest-level safety protocols that our customers know and trust.”