Keep On Truckin’ - PGT Trucking, Inc. Celebrates 40th Year

INDUSTRY, PA…. A special celebration was held on Saturday, May 22nd at the Willows Event Center in Industry, Pennsylvania to commemorate 40 years in business by PGT Trucking, Inc.  Founded in 1981 by Pat Gallagher with a single truck and two employees, PGT Trucking has grown to over 1,000 employees, 1,000 power units and over 1,500 trailers.  PGT has become a state-of-the-art flatbed carrier, servicing the steel, building materials, machinery, oil & gas, raw materials, aluminum and automotive industries.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before being welcomed by Pittsburgh radio and television personality Larry Richert.  A short video was shown with a timeline of company achievements.  Various employees talked about working at PGT Trucking, including employee #1 Lori Brown, who is still with the company today.  Lori said, “PGT is Pat Gallagher and has been for 40 years.”

PGT President Gregg Troian took guests on a trip down memory lane.  Photos of vintage trucks from Diamond Reos to the TranStar II cabover first purchased by PGT were shared.  Gregg spoke of the successes of PGT as well as some of the failures over the years.  As a stark reminder of the volitivity of the transportation industry, Gregg showed a list of customers that are no longer in business as well as trucking companies that closed their doors over the past 40 years.  Gregg also talked about customers and PGT agents that have loyally supported the company for many of its 40 years.

Pat Gallagher then reflected on 40 years of owning, operating and growing PGT Trucking.  He first thanked many individuals working at PGT Trucking as well as business associates and companies that helped PGT through its formative years and fueled its growth into the future.  Pat remarked, “It’s all about people, employees and customers – building relationships on trust, respect and loyalty.  I have been blessed to have such great drivers and employees working for me, as well as customers who are loyal and excellent to work for.  One of my joys has been watching my employees grow over the years as they worked at PGT.  Trucking is a tough industry, but we are going to continue to grow and keep our eye on the ball every step of the way.”

Larry Richert then passed the microphone around the banquet room, allowing comments from PGT employees, associates and customers.

A special presentation was made to Pat of a handmade, custom wooden American flag commemorating PGT’s 40th Anniversary, a gift from PGT employees. 

Over 25 companies contributed to build a very special gift for Pat – a 1981 vintage TranStar II International Cabover, identical to the first truck he purchased when he started the company.  The following companies, associates and individuals contributed to purchasing and restoring the TransStar II:BMO Transportation Finance, Campbell Signs & Apparel, Coury Financial Services, the Employees of PGT Trucking, 1st Source Bank, Hill International Trucks, International, Navistar, Kitchen Family Trucking, Michelin, Daniel and Merry Morton, MSR Transportation, Neilly Canvas Goods Company, Pilot Company, Pion Law, The University of Pittsburgh Athletics, Reitnouer Aluminum Trailers, Schneider Downs, Seubert, The Law Offices of W. David Slomski, Esq., TAB Bank, Tri-State Trailers, Gregg & Judy Troian, Valley Tire Co., Joe & Cindy Vargo and Family and Len Yanni.

Parts from three trucks were used to rebuild the vintage TransStar at Hill International’s East Liverpool, Ohio body shop.  More than 1,100 man hours were put into the restoration.  PGT has partnered with Hill International Trucks for 40 years to build their fleet with quality equipment.  This is just one example of the lasting relationships that have contributed to PGT’s success through the year. The cabover will be on display at PGT’s Blairsville, Pennsylvania terminal.  Each guest was given a die-cast collectable model of PGT’s original TransStar II to take home.