Est 1899
About Us
W.S. Thomas was founded in 1899 by William Seddon Thomas. Starting with just a horse, a buggy, and a dream, he hauled his first load for the coal mines. Over the next 114 years, W.S. Thomas built a reputation for reliable service, growing into a respected name in the industry. In 2013, the company was acquired by OnLine Transport Inc, a national carrier and logistics company based in Greenfield, IN.
As part of the acquisition, W.S. Thomas became part of the OnLine family of companies, which includes asset-based division, Frontier Transport. In addition to its asset-based operations, OnLine Transport also runs freight brokerages through Online Transport System and Frontier Logistics.
The corporate headquarters of OnLine Transport is located in Greenfield, IN, with terminals across the U.S. in Hartford City, IN, Logansport, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Ferdinand, IN, Georgetown, KY, Knoxville, TN, Bristol, TN, Dublin, VA, Fairmont, WV, El Paso, TX, and Connellsville, PA.
W.S. Thomas Transfer Timeline
1899
W.S. Thomas Transfer was founded with a horse and wagon, beginning its long-standing legacy in the transportation industry.
1936
Ham Hamilton, left, and Tom Martin, in 1936 pose in front of their big rig on top of old Route 50 before descending the mountain into Keyser, West Virginia. The pair hauled beer across highways that were not yet paved. Photo from WST Archive.
1940
Trucks varied in size during the 1930s and 1940s. W.S. Thomas Transfer had by this time switched to trucks almost completely. W.S., himself, was ambivalent about giving up his beloved horses.
1960
Incorporated as W.S. Thomas Transfer, Inc., marking a new era of growth and expansion in freight transportation.
2020
Celebrated 110 years of service, adapting to modern technology while maintaining a commitment to exceptional logistics solutions.
2025
Expansion with a modernized fleet, further strengthening logistics capabilities and efficiency for customers nationwide.