• CRST turns 60

    June 9, 2015
    Image

    Six decades ago, Herald and Miriam Smith started Cedar Rapids Steel Transportation (CRST) in the heart of Iowa, at a time when they didn’t own any trucks or have any customers.

    Yet Herald Smith, known as “Smitty” (seated at right with Ian, left, and John, center), convinced companies he could save them money and contracted with owner-operators who were hauling livestock to Chicago to return to the Cedar Rapids area with loads of steel.

    Today, 60 years later, that small-town steel hauler is now a $1.5 billion trucking conglomerate—the sixth largest TL carrier in the U.S.—with plans to reach $2 billion in annual revenues by 2017, noted Dave Rusch, CRST International president & CEO.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from Equipment

    Dana Inc.
    Dana Spicer HVT1 transmission combines hydrostatic and mechanical drives in an integrated 90-degree gearbox to provide precise low-speed maneuvering control.
    In a move that will impact vocational fleets, Allison aims to integrate Dana's off-highway drivetrain and propulsion technologies into its expansive commercial vehicle supplier...
    Ford
    2025 maverick
    NHTSA’s latest safety notices feature engine failure, overloaded electrical systems, and more.
    WM
    primary private trucks 2025
    Here are the top 10 fleets with the most straight trucks, according to the 2025 FleetOwner 500: Private list.