Kutlzer Express / Mack Trucks
In the heart of North Chicago, a legacy took root in 1929—a humble trucking business that would span generations and leave an indelible mark on the nation’s roads. Today, the Kutzler name has become synonymous with reliability, efficiency and an unyielding commitment to service.
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“I’m the fourth generation,” Tony Kutzler, President and CEO of Kutzler Express proudly states. “My family’s been in trucking since 1929. We started out in North Chicago, worked our way up this way.”
As the sole remaining family member steering the business, Tony recounts the challenges he faced when his father fell ill in 2015 and passed away in 2019. With his father’s passing, the Kutzler legacy fell solely on Tony’s shoulders. It was a challenging role to fill, but he was determined to make it work. “We put a lot of good people in place that have helped. I wish the help I have now, I had for my dad when he was around, but I’m proud to keep doing it.”
As the sole remaining family member steering the business, Tony recounts the challenges he faced when his father fell ill in 2015 and passed away in 2019. With his father’s passing, the Kutzler legacy fell solely on Tony’s shoulders. It was a challenging role to fill, but he was determined to make it work. “We put a lot of good people in place that have helped. I wish the help I have now, I had for my dad when he was around, but I’m proud to keep doing it.”
POWERING THROUGH TOGETHER
Tony found inspiration in valuable partnerships that played a crucial role in keeping the Kutzler legacy on track. David Barletta, Executive VP Sales for Kriete Truck Centers, became a trusted ally, providing essential support during a transitional period for the business. “They helped the business, and it’s an easy
partnership,” Tony emphasizes, underscoring the shared values and vision that bound the two companies together.
“They’re always looking to improve and so are we.”
Daniel Heckman, Chief Operating Officer for Kutzler Express agrees. “The
relationship we have with Kriete is so important because they give us the background to really be more efficient.” The efficiency and expertise offered by Kriete Truck Centers allowed Kutzler Express to optimize operations, enhance truck maintenance, and ensure their fleet remains in top-notch condition. Heckman praises the seamless collaboration with Kriete Truck Centers, noting that their services are conveniently provided. “We really look for family, people that look at us the way we look at them. They understand our business, we understand theirs”, Heckman explains, reflecting the synergy between the teams that ensures minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY TO FUEL EFFICIENCY
One of the advancements in their partnership was the transition to Mack® mDRIVE™ a modern automatic transmission in their Mack Trucks fleet. Dylan Martin, Operations Manager at Kutzler Express explains the transformation he saw first-hand with Kutzler’s drivers. At first, he said, some drivers were hesitant, but they quickly embraced the change, recognizing the benefits of easy start and takeoffs, especially in the bustling streets of Chicago. “The drivers have adopted it. So, it’s been a good transition,” Dylan shares, “Once they started driving them, they realized, this isn’t so bad, No clutching through heavy traffic in Chicago. Just easy start and take offs and stopping.”
PROUD TO BE A TRUCKER
The Kutzler legacy is more than just a business venture—it’s a commitment to providing good jobs for people, a sense of belonging to the community, and a role in the larger fabric of the country. Kevin Wischhmann, a Kutzler Express driver, shares his experience, “It’s great to be a part of the community, part of the whole country in general, getting freight moved,” he adds, “You’re part of something that’s bigger than yourself.”
The appreciation garnered during the pandemic extended to the drivers, who finally received the recognition they deserved for their years of dedicated service. Tony realizes the dedication and hard work his drivers put in every day adding,
The appreciation garnered during the pandemic extended to the drivers, who finally received the recognition they deserved for their years of dedicated service. Tony realizes the dedication and hard work his drivers put in every day adding,
“It makes us proud to say we’re truckers.”
THE ROAD AHEAD
While the legacy continues, the vision remains unwavering. “Our goal is to keep doing what we’re doing,” Tony emphasizes, underscoring the pursuit of excellence over mere expansion. With an eye on the future, he aspires to upgrade the fleet, not just for efficiency but to present an impeccable image to the world.
“Putting nice trucks out there, with graphics and the right colors, catches the driver’s eyes, the customer’s eyes, and people’s eyes,” he explains, highlighting the power of aesthetics in shaping perceptions.
“We haven’t had an ad out there for recruiting truck drivers in two years, and I attribute that to the Mack trucks, looking good out there on the road,” adds Tony. As this trucking legacy continues, the company’s foundations remain strong—a testament to the enduring spirit of commitment, innovation, and the determination to steer towards a future that honors the past. “We don’t need to be the largest company around, we want to be the best company around,” Tony states, echoing the legacy that excellence and service are the true keys to success and adding, “I wish my dad was here now to see where we took the business in such a short amount of time. It’s grown and got better. If he was here, he’d be happy with it.”
“Putting nice trucks out there, with graphics and the right colors, catches the driver’s eyes, the customer’s eyes, and people’s eyes,” he explains, highlighting the power of aesthetics in shaping perceptions.
“We haven’t had an ad out there for recruiting truck drivers in two years, and I attribute that to the Mack trucks, looking good out there on the road,” adds Tony. As this trucking legacy continues, the company’s foundations remain strong—a testament to the enduring spirit of commitment, innovation, and the determination to steer towards a future that honors the past. “We don’t need to be the largest company around, we want to be the best company around,” Tony states, echoing the legacy that excellence and service are the true keys to success and adding, “I wish my dad was here now to see where we took the business in such a short amount of time. It’s grown and got better. If he was here, he’d be happy with it.”
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