15 Tanker Companies From the 1970s That Are Still Running

Some tanker names from the 1970s are still on the doors. Others live on inside a newer company. From Harold Groendyke’s first kerosene haul in 1932 to the family fleets and bulk carriers still working today, this video follows 15 businesses with roots reaching back before 1980. Their trucks have carried petroleum, chemicals, industrial gases, dry bulk and food products—and their histories include small beginnings, family successions, acquisitions and new names. We look at Bulkmatic, Wynne, Coastal, Cox Petroleum, Eagle, TransWood, United Petroleum Transports, Quantix, Usher, Foodliner, Trimac, Ruan, Kenan Advantage Group, Groendyke and Quality Carriers. Modern equipment is identified where it accompanies a historical story. Revenue rankings refer to Transport Topics’ 2026 tank and bulk carrier list, based on 2025 revenue. Did you pull a tank for one of these companies? Tell us which outfit, what you hauled and the terminals you remember. Subscribe to The American Attic for more histories of American trucks, trucking companies and the people who kept freight moving.