First Class Transport

First Class Transport is a bulk liquid chemical trucking company headquartered in Strasburg, Ohio, founded in September 1989 by John Fondriest, Eric Kimble, and Eli Stutzman. The company began operations with a single tractor and one dump trailer hauling sand and gravel locally in Dover, Ohio, and has since grown into a substantial carrier dispatching over 60 tractors and more than 120 cargo tank trailers across the continental United States. The company specializes in the transportation of bulk liquid chemicals, handling approximately 95% hazardous materials loads, including Class 3, Class 6, Class 8, and Class 9 products. First Class Transport does not haul Hazardous Waste, Toxic Inhalation Hazard, Radioactive materials, or food-grade products, maintaining a clearly defined and compliant operational scope. The company delivers over 800 loads per month, serving shippers and consignees across the Midwest and extending its lanes to New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and occasionally California, effectively covering the lower 48 states. Its fleet includes a wide variety of trailer types, including aluminum, stainless steel, and Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tank trailers, enabling it to accommodate a diverse range of bulk liquid chemical products. First Class Transport operates a combination of company drivers and owner-operators, all of whom are required to hold CDL Class A licenses with Tank and Hazmat endorsements, as well as TWIC cards. Drivers undergo extensive orientation and continual training to remain compliant with the latest industry regulations and safety procedures. The company has a HM-232 Security Plan in place and its terminal features state-of-the-art security systems. Safety is a central pillar of its operations, evidenced by regular company-wide safety meetings and ongoing driver training programs. The company maintains a terminal north of Strasburg, Ohio, which includes modern maintenance and wash bays, a conference room, and training facilities constructed through ongoing infrastructure investment. First Class Transport has cultivated a strong community presence in the Strasburg and Central Ohio areas, with drivers and owner-operators actively participating in local events and charitable initiatives. The company employs both company drivers and independent owner-operators, reflecting a flexible workforce model that has supported consistent growth since its founding.