1955 – CRST has a proud history of innovation. Cedar Rapids Steel Transport started in 1955 when Herald and Miriam Smith turned a refurbished chicken coop into an office where owners and operators of livestock hauling were contracted to ship loads of steel as opposed to returning home empty handed.
1963 – By 1963, CRST expanded intrastate authority to ship general commodities across the United States. This expansion helped them reach $1 million in annual revenue.
1974 – Cedar Rapids Steel Transport officially changed their name to CRST, INC. The naming switch came to reflect the expansion into dry freight and refrigerated commodities shipping for CRST.
1980 – The decade got off to an exceptional start for CRST, Inc. as revenue for the company topped $50 million for the first time.
1984 – Starting a trend of mergers and acquisitions that would help the company grow to the titan of the trucking industry it is today, CRST purchased Malone Freight Lines, Inc.
1985 – The midway point of the decade saw CRST launch CRST International, Inc. to integrate all companies acquired under one unified holding company.
1986 – With CRST International, Inc. up and running, Three I Truck Line, Inc. and Malone Freight Lines, Inc. were acquired.
1991 – Identifying another opportunity for growth, CRST Logistics was launched to complement their services.
1993 – CRST International Inc. corporate headquarters was dedicated.
1997 – John M. Smith purchased CRST from his family.
2001 – CRST International cracks the top 10 of national ranking for largest dry van truckload carriers.
2003 – CRST trademarks their brand name and allows operating subsidiary companies to retain their separate identities.
2004 – New corporate headquarters for CRST are opened in Cedar Rapids and revenue tops $600 million for the first time.
2008 – CRST Expedited opens a Training and Lodging Center at the Cedar Rapids headquarters.
2015 – Celebrates 60th anniversary and reaches more than $1.2 billion in revenue.