FreightWaves Classics: Acme Truck Line has hauled freight for over 60 years

History

Acme Truck Line, Inc. is an industry leader with a fleet of more than 1,500 trucks, more than 40 service points, and nationwide and Canadian operating authorities. 

The Acme of 2022 is a nationwide operation headquartered in Gretna, Louisiana. According to the company’s website, its success is due to its pledge – “Serve our customers by keeping their freight moving safely and on time with the best and most highly trained employees in our industry.”

But Acme’s beginnings were a bit more humble…

Founded in 1960 as an intrastate oilfield hauler, Acme has expanded significantly over the past six decades. Back then, though, the company had two small sheds in Harvey, Louisiana, six trucks, and three office employees.

It took Acme 14 years to open its second office, but now the company operates more than 80 offices in 14 states across the nation. The company’s network “creates backhauls and assistance for Acme drivers,” underpins a nationwide sales effort, and provides better customer service.

An owner-operator model

Since its founding, Acme has used owner-operators to provide “strong motivation for excellent customer service.” Utilizing all leased equipment, Acme “shares opportunity and responsibility with its employees.” From the company management’s perspective, the business model also allows for more rapid and flexibility “in matching truck inventory to market needs.”

Among the services Acme provides now are:

Expedited freight

Acme offices and trucks are equipped to operate 24/7/365. The company provides expedited service to a variety of industries, including:

• Oil field
• Refineries
• Export/Import
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Aerospace

Each of the company’s locations has a variety of trucking equipment to meet the variety and complexity of customer needs.  

Heavy-haul and over-dimensional

Acme has decades of experience in this market and moves difficult loads using the right equipment for each job. Among the specialized trailers Acme has are double drop decks, lowboys, removable goosenecks, multi-axles and extendables.

Loads are well-secured, properly permitted and routed safely. Acme’s “pilot cars and escort vehicles have nationally recognized accreditation.”  The company provides $1 million in cargo insurance, and can procure up to $10 million and more in insurance to protect high-value shipments.

Third-party logistics (3PL) management

No matter how large or small a customer is, cost is always a concern. Acme has the capacity, and its staff has the knowledge and experience to find efficiencies and savings for its customers on less-than-critical loads. Conversely, if rush service is a customer priority, then it is an Acme priority as well.  

Asset-based 3PL

With over 60 years of experience working with the “hydrocarbon supply chain,” Acme is the leading 3PL provider for the domestic oil and gas industry. That experience delivers a lower total cost of operations for land transportation.

Another competitive advantage that Acme has is its dedicated fleet of over 1,000 truckers and 2,000 partner carriers. As the single point of contact, Acme manages freight audit, payment, safety and compliance. 

Freight forwarding and cross-border services

While Acme is the leading domestic oilfield flatbed hauler, its Supply Chain Services division also provides freight forwarding and cross-border services into Mexico. 

Power-only services

Acme also provides tractors to move trailer-mounted equipment. Company drivers have decades of experience moving customers’ trailer-mounted equipment and portable machinery. Therefore, Acme drivers are able to transport a wide variety of commodities – from small portable light towers to double pump cement trailers – safely and efficiently.

Drive away

There are occasions when an Acme customer has its own tractors and trailers, but it needs a qualified driver to move them to another location. Acme has flexible driver capacity, ready to safely transport and stage a customer’s equipment nationwide. This service meets customer needs – a one-time move or on a dedicated basis.

Physical damage insurance is provided for customer vehicles while they are operated by Acme drivers. Acme can also provide HazMat-endorsed drivers if needed. 

Full truckload dry van and flatbed freight

Acme has the flexibility, equipment and experienced drivers to safely haul customer shipments throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Continuous expansion over the decades has prepared Acme to respond successfully to its customers’ needs and an ever-changing marketplace.

Source: freightwaves - FreightWaves Classics: Acme Truck Line has hauled freight for over 60 years
Editor: Scott Mall