20 Trucking Companies Every 1970s Driver Knew That No Longer Exist

The less-than-truckload landscape shifted permanently between 1976 and 1998. See why these legendary trucking giants vanished. The trucking industry history of the late 20th century is defined by a massive contraction in the number of active carriers. By examining financial data and historical news clippings, we track the financial struggles that led to the collapse of names that were once household staples for every driver on the road. This overview focuses on the rise and fall of specific companies like Branch Motor Express, McLean Trucking, St. Johnsbury, Preston, and Roadway. We analyze how the less-than-truckload model evolved during this period and what the systematic reduction in these businesses meant for the broader world of freight transport, specifically regarding the decline of the standard LTL carrier. Subscribe for weekly industry history breakdowns, and let us know in the comments which of these defunct trucking companies you remember driving for.