In 1979 deregulation hit the trucking industry. That made it possible for carriers to discount their rates. Prior to deregulation, all trucking companies were mandated to use the same tariffs. After deregulation, it became increasingly important that shippers be savvy to the discount game and aware of the difference in service levels between carriers. CTS provided the expertise to help customers choose the right carrier, and because of CTS' volume of business with the carriers, a significant savings was realized.

When CTS began, its primary customers were leasing companies and resellers of used computer technology. CTS' slogan was "Your Travel Agent For Computers" and they helped shippers of huge mainframe data processing equipment find the most reliable and cost effective way to move their high value equipment. Many of these behemoths were water-cooled units weighing up to 3,000 lbs. or more. Special equipment was often required to get equipment out of office buildings, and that is where CTS was able to earn a reputation as a company with expertise to tackle the most difficult job.
In 1985 CTS decided to add air freight services for shippers of smaller packaged equipment, and time-critical shipments. CTS was one of the first transportation companies to offer a full-compliment of nationwide services including crating, inside pick-up and delivery and other special services. In 1990, CTS added an International Department, providing import and export services to electronics shippers around the globe. By 1993, the air freight division had grown enough to become a separate concern, and CTS Air Services, Inc. became its own independent company.

With the emergence of the desktop computing revolution, the size of the equipment being shipped has trended steadily downward. To continue to grow, CTS has shifted its services to accommodate the changing marketplace. In addition to computer equipment, CTS now ships medical equipment, telephones and telecommunications gear, semiconductor manufacturing machines, copiers and imaging equipment and almost every imaginable type of electronic equipment. Competition has increased across the board, but CTS still enjoys a reputation as the leader in the industry, and as a company that sets the standard for all the rest.


CTS has arranged a shipment to almost every major institution, business and industry across the U.S. and Canada. Since 1979, it is estimated that CTS has completed over 400,000 shipments, worth billions of dollars. Customers have included Boston Scientific, Cargill, Gateway Computer, Nestle, Isuzu Motors, Marriot Hotels, Readers Digest, Boeing, McDonald Douglas, American Family Insurance, Starbucks Coffee, Payless Shoes, Norwest Bank, and many others. There have even been occasional shipments for the entertainment industry, like the Ultrasound unit that was shipped to the set of the movie "Jack", starring Robin Williams, the telephone system for the 25th Anniversary Woodstock concert, a skating rink for the Olympics, and high-tech video equipment for Paul McCartney and Garth Brooks. One of CTS' computer reseller customers even placed an order to ship a power supply unit for a NASA computer which was critical to arrive in time for lift off of the Space Shuttle.

With the emergence of the Internet as a major commerce engine, CTS established a web presence in 1996 with moveit.com. The Website has proved to be a useful tool for shippers to track shipments and request price quotes, and source of new business. In 2000, www.ballparkrates.com was launched as one of the first on-line pricing tools.

In early 1999, Todd Partridge started ShippingSource to focus on full truckload shipping. ShippingSource uses Internet-based technology to allow shippers to search for blanket-wrap truckloads, receive alerts about available trucks and track shipments.

One advantage the shippingsource.com and moveit.com sites share is the preexisting brick and mortar infrastructure. Proven vendor networks, experienced personnel and efficient accounting systems were in place before the technology was implemented.

All three companies have met the challenges of a changing marketplace and are ready to continue their success into the next century.

CTS belongs to many professional transportation and marketplace associations, including a charter membership in IAMERS (International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Services).

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