Continental Express, Inc. recently announced their newest terminal in Oswego, Illinois, its ninth location nationwide. The expansion will aid Continental in servicing its growing portfolio of Chicago-based customers.
“We have had a local presence in Chicago for over five years now, so we are super excited to finally have a terminal there to call home,” said Continental Express Vice President Kiera Sullivan.
Constructed in 2023, the terminal includes a 3,500-square-foot office and shop space and capacity to house 100 tractors and trailers. Over 25 professional drivers, operations personnel and diesel technicians are already staffed there.
Continental Express’ Oswego Terminal located at 1940 Wiesbrook Road in Oswego
Sullivan noted the number of Oswego-based drivers is expected to exceed 50 before the end of 2024.
“Growth is unlimited in the Chicago market, and as long as we continue to rely on our three golden rules of safety, service, and communication, we will continue to pursue expansion opportunities,” said Bradley Gottemoeller, Continental Express Vice President. “Our industry is in a historic freight recession. To rise above that shows when you have a great team great things can happen.”
The Chicago location comes on the heels of three other recent terminal openings in Indianapolis, Indiana (2020), Columbus, Ohio (2021) and Lyndhurst, Virginia (2022).
This period of rapid growth is a reflection of Continental’s strong partnerships with its customers and company-wide dedication to customer service.
“We are incredibly proud of our drivers, office staff, shop personnel, and leadership for their unwavering focus on customer service, which has driven our growth even during an ongoing freight downturn,” said Grant Mitchell, Continental Express Director of Customer Relations. “This strategic expansion will be pivotal in implementing three new dedicated accounts, enabling us to deliver greater efficiency, reliability, and value to our customers.”
The value Continental adds to its customer relationships goes beyond increasing available equipment and staff. Earlier this year, Continental partnered with one of its largest customers, Nestlé, to combat greenhouse gas emissions, as Continental introduced all-electric vehicles to their yard services.
Specializing in refrigerated freight, Continental Express is headquartered in Sidney, Ohio. Additional terminals are in Gaffney, South Carolina; Fort Worth, Texas; Danville, Virginia; Lyndhurst, Virginia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; and Columbus, Ohio. Further, Continental has a dedicated operation in Salem, Oregon.
In March, Continental celebrated 40 years of incorporation, and in April, Continental earned its third consecutive recognition as a Best Fleet to Drive For. They operate with over 800 employees nationwide.
