ACT was originally a small flatbed trucking company based in Joliet, Illinois named “E.K. Motor Service.” EK Motor Service, which was founded in 1926, spent most of its history as a small local carrier in the Chicago area limited by the difficulty in obtaining motor carrier authority that most carriers labored under during regulation.
Carll V. Kretsinger was an attorney specializing in motor carrier transportation law from its inception. His son, Tom B. Kretsinger, Sr. joined his practice in 1957 and became a motor carrier lawyer as well. In 1972, Tom purchased EK Motor Service. In 1981, Tom decided to change the name. He started with an acronym that would describe what the company's mission would be. Thus started the acronym, “ACT” which exemplifies the culture at ACT.
American Central Transport, Inc. developed from a flatbed carrier to a carrier with both dry vans and flatbeds. In 1994, the decision was made to take ACT to 100% dry van truckload service which it is today. Since that time ACT has developed into a dry van carrier recognized for its quality and premium service. We are proud of our motto, “Raising the Standard” which we strive for every day.