A History that Sets the Pace

A quick scan of Allied’s years-in-business reveals a great deal about our future direction. The things that have always been important to us will always be important to us: quality service built around lasting relationships, steady growth, maximized technology, equipment superiority, and delivering the industry's best value for our customers transportation dollar.

1934 Guy Rutland, Sr.  purchased Motor Convoy, the predecessor of Allied Systems Holdings, for $15,000. With that investment came two trucks and trailers which could haul three cars each on their flatbeds. The first customer? Ford Motor Company, still a primary customer.

1935 The Company took a giant leap via the development of a rig with two decks and the capacity to haul four cars. Once the new equipment was introduced, Motor Convoy expanded its fleet to 55 rigs.

1941 Motor Convoy sells its entire fleet to the government to support the war effort. The rigs were converted into "sleepers" to transport troops to bases around the country.

1947 Motor Convoy and its prewar fleet (which was bought back) are on the road again and company headquarters are relocated adjacent to the Ford plant in Hapeville, Georgia.

1950s Rig capacity is re-engineered to five vehicles and new, core relationships are formed with General Motors and American Motors Company (later acquired by Chrysler).

1958 The Company takes step one into the import market, hauling Volkswagen Beetles from the port in Jacksonville, Florida.

1961 Overall, a banner year. The Company’s first computer system is installed. The fleet expands to approximately 200 rigs, facilitating the transportation of vehicles from railroad ramp locations to dealerships.

1960s Origination of a company-wide Chaplaincy Program, a non-denominational, counseling-oriented service for employees and their families.

1980 Motor Convoy responds to deregulation of the industry with an aggressive expansion plan — extended geographic reach and key acquisitions like Dealers Transport and Associated Transports (1983).

1984 Implementation of performance management.

1986 Motor Convoy and Auto Convoy enter into a joint venture, introducing the Company to new markets in Texas, Missouri, Louisiana and Kentucky.

1988 Motor Convoy and Auto Convoy merge to form Allied Systems. At the same time, a program is launched to expand most rigs to 75 feet.

1993 The Company goes public under the corporate banner of Allied Systems Holdings.

1994 Allied Systems Holdings acquires Auto Haulaway, and with it, 90 percent of the market in Canada.

1997 Allied Systems Holdings acquires Ryder Automotive Group (Ryder Automotive Carrier Services and RC Management Corp.).

2003 and beyond Allied Systems Holdings is clearly positioned — in terms of its rich heritage, proven management style and steady momentum — to continue advancing along the road to the future.

Throughout the United States and Canada, the Allied rig is the recognized symbol of innovation and efficiency in new and  pre-owned vehicle distribution.

This page last updated 06/05/08