 |
|
|
|
about GDS - history |
G.D.S. Express started in July of 1990 on the south side of Chicago. With seven Owner Operators, 35 trailers and one customer the story begins. The Company was founded and still owned by Jack Delaney. After serving in the Army, Jack began his career in 1961 working for Roadway Express as a dock clerk in Kearny, NJ. Through a tremendous amount of hard work, college credits at night, and the support of his wife Brenda, he began to climb the corporate ladder.
A strong operating ratio at the historically underachieving and infamous Kearny terminal, Jack was promoted to District Manager and transferred to the new breakbulk in Tannersville, PA. His time there was brief being moved to Harrisburg, PA and being promoted to the Northeast Division Vice President. Then it was off to Atlanta, GA for a few years to learn and run the Southeast Division. Finally the last move in 1982 to Akron, OH, Roadway's headquarters and the title of Executive Vice President of Operations and a seat on the Board of Directors.
After 15 years of fantastic results and helping Roadway become the leader of the LTL world, Jack left the company amid a power struggle and politics at the top. For the next few years Jack spent time as president of RTC in Atlanta, GA and Nationwide Carriers in Maple Plains, MN. Longing to create and build his own trucking company, the first G.D.S. tractor rolled on July 13th, 1990. In 1992 Jack's oldest son J.P., joined the company after working for FedEx Ground (formerly RPS). J.P. is now Vice President and oversees all aspects in the daily operations of the company.
Over the past 20 years, G.D.S. Express has grown at a conservative pace with a strong balance sheet and a solid operating ratio. Today, based in Akron, OH, our carrier division has over 125 power units and 300 trailers. And everyone, " This is only the beginning."
G.D.S. Express is proud to announce becoming a Smartway Partner in June, 2009. Doing our small part to provide our children with a safe, clean future.
Most recently in December of 2010, control of the company changed generations. Jack has semi retired and is taking a more passive role. J.P. Delaney is now President in his 20th year with G.D.S. Express. Jack still visits the office a few days a week and frequently attends operational meetings. After 50 years in the trucking business he finally has more time to ride his horse and Harley.
|
|
