In 1964, J.C. McElroy Jr. started a small business in Cuba, Alabama. One pulpwood truck, a power saw and a big-stick loader were the humble beginnings of a pulpwood business that would grow in the 1960s.  The late 1960s saw the business emerge into a hardwood logging operation providing logs to local area mills and incorporation under the name Sumter Timber Company.

Sumter Timber continued to grow in the early 1970s and became a logging contractor to local mills, and soon found itself hauling chips, sawdust and shavings for local mills. ICC rights were first obtained in 1976, entitling Sumter Timber to ship lumber from area sawmills in Sumter County to the states that adjoined Alabama.

After deregulation in the early 80’s ICC rights were expanded to include general commodities and contractor’s authority for all forty-eight states.  At this time the Company began to focus on growing its flatbed operation. 

The decision was made in 1985 to split the trucking division from Sumter Timber, and McElroy Truck Lines Incorporated was born.  Sumter Timber was moved to Jefferson, Alabama and continues to operate there today.

The 1990s were years of growth and change.  MTL saw the addition of satellite terminals, trailer pools near customers and many more drivers and trucks.  MTL has grown into a very customer service focused company specializing in handling large volumes for a few strategic customers. 

From the early days of it’s founding until the present, MTL has fostered and preserved a dynamic attitude toward the future. Meeting the challenges of today’s competitive business climate, MTL remains committed to developing, maintaining and improving its base of valued customers. Today’s results are tomorrow’s history and its MTL Management’s desire to assure that all employees and associates will be proud of our history…yesterday, today and tomorrow.