Truckload carrier Schneider National celebrated 75 years in the trucking business Thursday, with a gathering of industry leaders, members of the Schneider family and company employees at its Green Bay, Wis., headquarters.

"The fact that we can stand here today and celebrate our 75th anniversary is a great testament to Al, Don and three generations of the Schneider Family," said Chris Lofgren, Schneider National president and CEO. "The Schneider family, along with tens of thousands of Schneider associates, have been committed to the ideals this company has held dear for 75 years - safety, respect, integrity and excellence."

Schneider dates back to 1935, when founder Al Schneider sold the family's car to purchase his first truck.

"In 1935, Schneider consisted of one truck; today we have more than 11,000 on the road," Lofgren said. "Seventy-five years ago, the industry was highly regulated, with most trucks delivering freight only within state lines. Today, we deliver freight across North American and around the world, logging 926 million miles a year while delivering goods to the factories and store shelves in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and China."

Lofgren presented a plaque of appreciation to the Schneider family.

Also in attendance were Gov. Bill Graves, president of the American Trucking Associations; Duane Acklie, chairman of Crete Carrier Corporation; Chris Sultemeier, senior vice president of transportation for Wal-Mart Stores; Steve Matheys, executive vice president and chief administration officer for Schneider and 11 of Schneider's million mile safe drivers.

"We can appreciate how difficult it is in this day and age for anything to last 75 years," said Graves, whose own family started a trucking company the same year as Al Schneider. "There is something very special about the commitment that you all have made, and I have no doubt that your collective commitment is going to see this company through for 75 more."

Lofgren introduced a time capsule project, in which company history, memorabilia and a letter to be read to company associates during Schneider's 100th anniversary year will be sealed. In addition, guests were invited to autograph the hood of an Omaha-Orange colored Freightliner truck, which will be on display at the company for the remainder of its anniversary year.

To view a short video celebrating the company's history, visit www.schneider.com.