FreightWaves Haul of Fame: Quality Distribution, Inc. has a heritage that harks back to 1913 A Quality Carriers truck heads to its next stop. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
The history of Quality Distribution, Inc. (QDI) is really the story of several companies that were combined or acquired over several decades. This FreightWaves Haul of Fame article provides an overview of that history.
Humble beginnings
Quality Carriers was founded by B.F. Leaman in 1913 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Leaman and his son Clair delivered loads of milk and lime around the county. By 1930, they were successful enough to purchase Mileage Motor Corporation, and began hauling fuel oil in addition to the lime and milk. In 1933, the Leaman Transportation Company was formed.