April 11, 2022

41 Things about PGT Trucking as We Celebrate Our 41st Anniversary

On April 16, 2022, PGT Trucking will celebrate our 41st anniversary. To help recognize such a momentous occasion, here are 41 facts to know about PGT.

  1. PGT Trucking, Inc. was established in 1981 in Industry, PA, by Patrick Gallagher.
  2. We’re on social media! Follow us for news, highlights and updates here at PGT: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
  3. Pat Gallagher was 26 years old when he founded PGT.
  4. PGT’s motto is “Safety is Everyone’s Job – All the Time.”
  5. Richard Powers was hired as PGT’s first driver in 1981.
  6. PGT has a Family Store for employees, friends and family to purchase PGT-branded gifts and clothing.
  7. Crucible Steel in Midland, PA, was PGT’s first customer.
  8. PGT’s first truck was purchased from Jack Hill at O.S. Hill & Co., Inc. International in East Liverpool, OH.
  9. For PGT’s 40th anniversary in 2021, a fully-restored International TranStar® II was gifted to Pat Gallagher and can now be found on display at our Blairsville, PA, training facility. This was Pat’s first truck in 1981!
  10. PGT became a core carrier for US Steel in 1983.
  11. In 1990, PGT moved its headquarters from Industry, PA, to Monaca, PA.
  12. PGT’s first securement manual was developed in 1994.
    • Did you know? PGT requires that our drivers add one extra securement device on top of DOT regulations – we call it, “one for the family.”
  13. In 1995, PGT established the Laredo Terminal in Laredo, TX, which opened the gateway for shipping to Mexico.
  14. PGT officially launched its Lease Purchase Program in 1997.
    • Did you know? PGT has lease purchased over 1,600 trucks since then.
  15. In 1999, PGT became a core carrier for National Gypsum.
  16. Southern Pines Trucking, Inc., a division of PGT, was founded in 2000.
    • Did you know? Southern Pines started with a focus on nuclear moves for Westinghouse through PLS, and in 2016, they shifted to focus on Heavy Haul and Cryogenic Tanker moves.
  17. In 2006, PGT established a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, transporting equipment for the football team in a custom truck and trailer.
    • Did you know? In 2005, Pat Gallagher attended the Pitt/WVU football game and noticed the team used a rental truck to haul their gear. After the game, Pat approached Pitt Head Coach Dave Wannstedt and discussed an opportunity for better branding through PGT. Look for the PGT Pitt Truck next time you’re at a game!
  18. The longest haul in PGT history was in 2011. Former Independent Contractor, Lenard “LA” Akles, took the 75-hour drive (twice) from Arden, NC, to Kenai, AK, in support of long-time customer Eaton. Each trip was 4,530 miles.
  19. PGT acquired Liedkta Trucking in 2013 to become a dominant carrier in the Northeast.
    • Did you know? Liedtka Logistics has the ability to deliver to both union and non-union jobsites in New York City.
  20. In 2015, PGT established the Premier Professional Fleet to recognize our elite drivers.
    • Did you know? PGT currently has 25 Premier Professional Drivers.
  21. PGT moved its headquarters to the Hopewell Industrial Park in Aliquippa, PA, in 2016.
  22. In 2017, PGT opened an Operations and Training Facility in Blairsville, PA.
  23. PGT established the Certified PRO Trainer Program in 2018 to provide training and mentorship to incoming drivers.
  24. In PGT’s history, two women drivers have earned the Million Mile Driver title: Billie Jo Huth, honored in 2006, and Peggy Glidewell, honored in 2019.
  25. PGT has an employee-led Safety Committee to bring drivers, workers and management together to promote health and safety in the workplace and recommend changes for improvement.
  26. The heaviest haul in PGT history was handled by Southern Pines’ Heavy Haul Division. The load itself was 300,000 lbs, and the total weight of the pull truck, trailer, second truck pushing it, and the load was 505,000 lbs. The combined transport system had 84 tires, and it took five days to move the load from Eastern Maryland to Western New York.
  27. In 2020, PGT Services LLC was formed as its own brokerage and logistics entity.
  28. Military veterans make up 10% of PGT’s employee and driver base. Veteran drivers receive a special decal to represent their military branch on their tractor.
  29. PGT created an internal “What Would You Do” video series for our drivers and staff to provide coaching opportunities based on unique scenarios caught on our truck cameras.
  30. In 2021, PGT opened its Phoenix Terminal in Phoenix, AZ, to expand its footprint westward.
  31. PGT’s most tenured employee is Lori Brown. Lori has been with PGT since the beginning and has 41 years of dedicated service.
  32. In 2021, PGT drivers hauled over 128 different commodities.
  33. PGT’s core values are People are Important, Stewardship, Integrity, Excellence and Innovation.
  34. PGT had 51 drivers in 2021 who have driven over one million miles safely and without a preventable accident.
    • Did you know? PGT hosts a celebratory event to recognize our Million Mile, Safe, and Premier Professional Drivers each year. This year’s event will be on May 21, 2022, at the Willows in Industry, PA.
  35. In 2021, PGT’s top three materials moved were steel coil (47%), wallboard (17%) and pipe (3%).
  36. PGT was named one of the Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation by the Women in Trucking Association for four consecutive years.
  37. All PGT office staff go through Flatbed 101 at our Blairsville, PA, training facility.
    • Did you know? This modified course of securement and safety training is designed for our employees to gain an appreciation and understanding of the physical aspects of flatbed trucking and to learn proper safety and securement procedure to better support our drivers on the job.
  38. PGT has more than 1,000 drivers, agents, mechanics, office staff and affiliates under our umbrella.
  39. In 2021, PGT partnered with Locomation and Nikola Corporation, leading the way in the Future of FlatbedSM.
  40. PGT is growing our fleet! We ordered 100 new Peterbilt 579 trucks for 2022.
  41. PGT offers great benefits, including a pay package based on percentage pay, late model equipment, medical, dental and vision insurance, and a 5% match on 401(k) programs.
    • Did you know? PGT is looking for Class A CDL Drivers, technicians and office personnel. Apply now!