During the time of the Great Depression, in 1934 Rudy Buchheit found himself in a spot trying to support his family. The country was going through difficult times with many people out of work and financial uncertainty looming. It was a period where optimism was hard to come and determination was key to getting through each day.
Rudy Buchheit, driven by a relentless commitment to support his loved ones, found his inspiration in the needs of his community.
The Buchheit Story
He began his journey by hauling livestock to market for local farmers, Recognizing the challenges faced by his community and looking at them as an opportunity, Rudy sought to maximize the efficiency of his trips. On his return journeys, he began transporting goods that were hard for local residents to come by. The community back home had difficulty accessing such merchandise. Rudy saw it as an opportunity. This simple yet impactful decision proved to be a game-changer for Rudy and his family. The demand for these essential items was high and means to bring these items were very little and difficult. Rudy's efforts quickly became a lifeline for his neighbors. Thus, Buchheit Logistics was born, rooted in the spirit of service and community.
When Rudy began with this logistic business, there were no superhighways, no GPS units, and no modern conveniences – just Rudy, his truck, and his unwavering dedication.
The Evolution of Buchheit Logistics
Millions of miles later, Buchheit Logistics has grown into one of the most trusted and recognized independent logistics corporations in the region. The company's network now connects continents around the globe.
Expanding Horizons: Buchheit Retail Stores
The Buchheit name has also become synonymous with agricultural supplies. Buchheit retail stores offer a wide variety of home and farm products across the Midwest. This expansion into retail further solidified the company's reputation as a reliable source of essential goods.
Mission and Vision
Buchheit Logistics is dedicated to offering its clients effective and budget-friendly transportation and logistics services. They prioritize delivering top-notch service. It Fosters lasting partnerships with its customers.
Buchheit Logistics aims to become a leader and compete well in the transportation and logistics sector. Their objective is to enhance their offerings and adjust to the varying demands of the market.
Services offered by Buchheit Logistics
Freight services:
Starting in 1934, Buchheit Logistics has been offering high-quality transportation solutions. Equipped with three distinctive fleets (End Dumps, Hopper Bottoms, and Dry Vans), they can meet all your transportation requirements.
Buchheit Logistics has a modern fleet of trucks and trailers, and skilled drivers, to meet your transportation needs in the 48 contiguous states and parts of Canada.
Buchheit Logistics has access to a large network of partner carriers, allowing them to utilize over 1000 tractor-trailers to efficiently manage your production schedules and specific shipping lane needs.
- Contract Carriage
- Brokerage
- Hazardous Materials
- EPA Tarped Equipment
- Raw Materials
- Recyclables
- Inter-modal
- Private Carriage
- Dedicated Fleet Options
- Rail Replacement
- Finished Goods
- Refuse
Logistics Services:
Buchheit Logistics can fulfill all your logistics and freight management requirements. If you require storage for a small number of pallets or a full distribution system, their skilled team and extensive warehouse space totaling over one million square feet are prepared to fulfill your requirements.
Services available include:
- Handling and Storage
- Flow through warehousing
- Food grade facilities
- Inventory control, vendor management, and reporting
- Labeling
- Pick and Pack
- Customized shipping services
- Floor loading palletized or slip sheets
- Security Cameras
- SEMO Port access – Mississippi River, BNSF & UP Rail
Buchheit Giving Back Program - The beginning of a great foundation to help people in need
Buchheit Logistics is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. Through the Buchheit Family Foundation, the company has launched various initiatives to support those in need and honor those who serve.
In June 2020, Buchheit launched the Buchheit Giving Back initiative, offering financial support to Buchheit Logistics employees or retirees experiencing difficulties. Qualified candidates have the opportunity to receive a maximum of $2,000 for each incident, with a restriction of only one award annually. In the first six months, the program helped five team members by covering expenses such as rent, medical bills, and other creditors.
Supporting the Fight Against Cancer
The Buchheit family initiated the "No One Fights Alone" initiative in October 2015 to combat cancer, a disease that had impacted members of their family. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness and offer assistance to individuals facing this illness.
Habitat for Humanity
Buchheit thinks that all individuals should have the chance to have a home and feel proud of their living area. The company, functioning as a farm and home store, aids Habitat for Humanity in constructing cost-effective housing for individuals requiring assistance.
Supporting Our Military and First Responders
Buchheit has implemented several initiatives to honor those who serve the country and communities:
- Providing reserved "Purple Heart Parking" spots at retail stores for wounded warriors
- Offering a Military Appreciation Program to support active and former military personnel
- Received the Employer of Veterans Award from the Missouri Department of the American Legion in 2019
- Developing "Handshakes for Heroes," a campaign that visits first responders on Patriot's Day to thank them for their service with a gift basket.
Show-Me Heroes
The Show Me Heroes program aims to assist veterans and their families, in Missouri by offering resources and aid during their return to civilian life. Buchheit Logistics is actively involved in this effort showcasing its dedication to recognizing and aiding veterans. Show Me Heroes ensures that veterans are well supported in their communities by participating in the program.
Fore Honor Foundation
Buchheit Logistics works closely with the Fore Honor Foundation, an organization dedicated to honoring and assisting veterans through a range of initiatives such as events and community involvement. The foundation's goal is to enhance the well-being of veterans and their loved ones and Buchheit's partnership demonstrates its commitment to positively impacting the lives of those who have served.
Supporting Youth Development
Buchheit believes in nurturing the next generation and supports various youth organizations:
- Donating to local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters through retail store contributions
- Buying livestock to support 4 H education
- Offering scholarships to Buchheit team members and their dependents since 1991
- Supporting Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts fundraising efforts
How Use of Digital Permit Book Revolutionized Buchheit Logistics
Buchheit Logistics is proud to be recognized as the Customer of the Month by The Digital Permit Book. This accolade highlights The Digital Permit Book’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in compliance management.
Centralized Compliance Management:
For Buchheit Logistics, the Digital Permit Book has made compliance management more efficient by providing a central location for storing and organizing driver and equipment compliance documents. This system automates tasks related to compliance to ensure that all necessary documents are up-to-date and easily accessible.
Improved communication and quick delivery:
The Digital Permit Book system features a driver app that enables smooth communication between drivers and administrators. Drivers can conveniently access compliance documents at any time and in any place. It ensures they have the required information easily accessible for inspections or audits, reducing delays and increasing overall effectiveness.
Data-Driven decisions:
The Digital Permit Book can offer important information on permit patterns and possible routes. Buchheit Logistics can use this data to pinpoint areas that need enhancement and consistently enhance their procedures for optimal productivity.
Automated Notifications regarding Expiration Dates:
Buchheit Logistics has automated the informing drivers of expiration dates by using the Digital Permit Book for sending notifications. Furthermore, drivers have the option to easily upload documents via the portal. Now drivers will never miss the expiration dates leading to smoother and hassle-free operations.
Improved and modern security provided by The Digital Permit Book:
It is easy for physical permits to get lost, stolen, or falsified. The Digital Permit Book adds a level of protection by electronically storing permits and limiting access to authorized individuals only. This decreases the chance of unauthorized use or deceitful conduct, protects important paperwork, and guarantees the honesty of Buchheit Logistics’s activities and credibility.
The Enduring Legacy: Rudy’s Way - Showing trust and reliability
Even though they have achieved great success, Buchheit Logistics still upholds the values set by Rudy Buchheit in 1934. The fundamental beliefs stay unchanged: delivering on time, delivering in good condition, and delivering at a reasonable price. The company is still guided today by the straightforward yet impactful principles known as "Rudy's way."