Continental Express History
1970s & 1980s
Continental Express was founded 1976 when Russell Gottemoeller bought his first commercial truck, hired one driver, and set up shop on his father’s farm. Although the trucking market was volatile at the time, Gottemoeller took a conservative approach that proved valuable and led to a strong pattern of growth.
In 1984, the business was incorporated as Continental Express, Inc. and a new corporate facility was constructed in Sidney, Ohio. More trucks were purchased, and more staff joined the team, in the trucks, shop, and office.
At the end of the 1980s, Continental Express made headlines for being amongst the first 100 carriers nationwide using satellite tracking technology.
1990s
In the 1990s, Continental Express continued on with Gottemoeller’s vision of steady, consistent growth. The corporate terminal was renovated and expanded to accommodate a growing operations staff and a fleet of 100 drivers.
2000s
In 2007, Continental Express expanded to a second terminal in Louisville, Kentucky. Near the end of the decade, Continental again expanded, this time by acquiring Carolina Refrigerated, which is now Continental’s Gaffney, South Carolina terminal.
The corporate terminal expanded again and a dedicated trailer shop was built and staffed.
2010s & 2020s
Continental’s expansion across the country continued throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s with terminal locations opened in Danville, Virginia (2011), Fort Worth, Texas (2013, following the acquisition of Ranger Refrigerated), Indianapolis, Indiana (2020), Columbus, Ohio (2021), Fishersville, Virginia (2022), and Oswego, Illinois (2024). As of 2024, Continental owns over 2,000 trucks and trailers and employees over 700 professional drivers and shop and office staff.
Furthering their expansion, in 2021, Continental Express established it’s Logistics Division out of the corporate terminal. Also in 2021, the Continental Express Commercial Driving Academy opened out of Continental Express’ Indianapolis terminal.
Continental Express pushed forward in technological innovations also throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, creating the CE-GO app, installing iPads in all tractors, and purchasing all-electric spotter trucks.
In 2025, Russell Gottemoeller assumed the new role of CEO.
Kiera Sullivan and Bradley Gottemoeller were named Co-Presidents.
Driving the Future
In 2024, Continental Express celebrated 40 years of incorporation.
Our long-time philosophy is “Driving the Future – One Mile At A Time”.
The steady, consistent growth Russell Gottemoeller envisioned in 1976 remains a strong guide as
Continental looks to the next 40 years and beyond.
