1950s
Roadway begins developing the relay and breakbulk/satellite
systems. The relay system enabled a driver who met the daily
driving limit to be replaced with a fresh driver who continued
the route. The breakbulk/satellite system enabled shipments
to come into a hub facility and be reloaded onto trailers
by specific destination. These innovations redefine Roadway's
operations.
1951
The American Trucking Associations announces a "Share the Road" campaign to improve the image of the trucking industry among motorists. In June 1951, Roadway begins its own "I'll Help You Pass" campaign.
1952
Roadway begins using electric forklifts.
1954
The sliding-axle trailer, which allows the weight
on the tractor’s drive axle to be varied, is introduced
into the Roadway fleet.
Roadway experiments with a plastic tarpaulin for its open
trailers.
To lower costs, Roadway begins retiring older trailers
from the linehaul fleet and placing them in pickup and
delivery operations.
Roadway installs a new teletype system to reduce communications
costs.
Roadway installs a two-way radio system in trucks in
Charlotte, N.C., to improve dispatching.
The Ohio Turnpike opens in December 1954 and a Roadway
truck is the first vehicle to use the new highway.
1955
Roadway begins an award program to recognize employees who
have given five or more years of continuous service.
Roadway becomes the first trucking company in the United
States to begin installing safety belt harnesses in its
vehicles.
1956
Roadway becomes a publicly traded company, with Galen Roush keeping his interest
and Carroll selling his share.
Roadway publishes the first standards for shipment transit
times in the industry, and implements its first employee
profit-sharing program.
Operating revenues are $42.7 million and earnings are $1.1
million. Roadway owns 985 trucks and tractors, and 1,894
trailers. Roadway operates terminals in 65 cities, including
newly constructed terminals in Buffalo, N.Y.; Cincinnati,
Ohio; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.; and Milwaukee,
Wis.
1957
Over 1,000 drivers have an accident-free year.
Roadway installs its first modern mainframe computer.
