ATA Featured Member: On Time Express
When does a hometown boy with roots in truck diving get his cargo delivered?
On Time of course!
History of On Time Express
Bart Wilson, CEO of On Time Express, started in the industry as a Mayflower Moving Company truck driver while attending Arizona State University for a degree in Supply Chain Management. Bart acknowledges that “driving a truck was instrumental in my transportation career”.
On time Express truck outside the corporate office in Tempe
Bart purchased a small cargo company called ABRE Express in 1997 and has since grown in size over forty times while expanding nationwide. “Customer retention during this period of growth is a great source of pride and an area where we feel we are unmatched” Mr. Wilson adds.
From the years 2000 to 2007, the company expanded into Dallas, Texas; Tijuana and Nogales, Mexico; and into the Midwest by way of Chicago. This expansion allowed them to “…listen to (their) customer requirements and provide seamless border movement.” They also expanded their ocean and expedited services when they joined the World Cargo Alliance in 2003.
Customer Base
“Build strong, lasting relationships, provide strategic logistic solutions and communicate with excellence while exceeding customer expectations.” On Time’s mission, along with their promise to make every load unique to the customers needs, keep their customers coming back. With three options in their service guarantee, On Time promises to have your product delivered by noon, five, or with a precision service delivery time.
On Time hauls primary dry goods, business to business time critical and dedicated services as a logistic solution provider. They specialize in verticals such as aviation, aerospace, consumer products, automotive, automotive aftermarket, and promotional companies like Patron Tequila. Their trusted name has provided service to some great customers such as Ford, Pepsi, US Airways, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and many other household names. Water, ground, or air, you can trust that On Time Express will get it there!
Community Focused
With such an active and friendly staff, it is no wonder that On Time has won numerous customer awards. Bart credits his staff as being “the best people in the industry” and he has numerous facts to support his claim. The staff is involved in outreach ministries, numerous charities such as the American Heart Association, Pat Tillman Foundation, Children’s Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the company supports local sports teams with season tickets to the Diamondbacks, Suns, and Cardinals.
Joining ATA
On Time joined the ATA in 2005 and is very thankful for the information and assistance the association has provided and its contribution to On Time’s success. With so many programs and opportunities such as the network of professionals, legislative issues, driver recognition programs, and safety programs, Mr. Wilson feels that the association has helped On Time become better professionals in the industry.
Future for On Time and the Trucking Industry
When asked about the trends for the trucking industry, Bart has a lot to say.
“I envision a consolidation of carriers in future and the economy to recover in 2010. Carriers are going to have to provide more than trucking service to be successful. I believe carriers will have to provide significant value add true third party logistics solutions like strategic warehousing, inventory control programs, virtual dedicated fleet services to maximize customers’ tonnage and world wide logistics technology solutions to survive. Trucking companies will have to be technology strategic instead of transactional with cost efficiencies and lean mentality. Sounds like fun!”
In the months and years to come, On Time plans to continue expansion nationally and internationally. In 2007, they were honored in the Inc 500 as one of the fastest growing companies in America. With exciting new markets and unlimited opportunities on the horizon, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for those who are always On Time!
On Time’s main headquarters has been located at 733 West 22nd St. in Tempe since April 2002. For more information about On Time Express go to their website at www.otexp.com