Owner Albert A. Prechtl said multiple factors led to his decision to phase out Eagle Express Trucking, the trucking portion of his business. Those factors included the state of the national economy, slow consumer spending and stalled manufacturing activity in the local area that "really took a toll on the trucking industry." Other factors included declining freight rates and his desire to retire. At 78, he said he felt the time is right to finally relax and spend time with family.
The closure of Eagle Express Trucking will add about 120 workers to Elk County's jobless rolls.
Eagle Express Trucking was founded in 1981, but Prechtl has been in business since 1961, when he opened Elk Cameron Bus Lines, which served the local area with 10 buses, including coaches. It served the local school district and offered charters for shopping, bowling and pleasure trips to Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Prechtl also founded St. Marys Equipment Co. Inc. in the late 1960s. It served as an International Harvester Dealer, selling heavy duty trucks, log trucks and Scouts. It remains open and specializes in heavy duty truck and trailer repair and parts sales.
In the early 198Os, the business grew to include the Chrysler-Dodge franchise. Around the same time, Eagle Express Trucking was founded as a common and contract carrier. It served the Lower 48 states and Canada with vans, flatbeds, tanks, dumps and curtain trailers. With more than 100 tractors and about 375 trailers, Eagle Express trucks were seen in all parts of the country and local area.
Prechtl said he feels another business venture is not out of the question. Eagle Express Trucking was not only employment for about 120 workers but also donated annually to the local schools and the DARE program for many years.
Although trucking has stopped, the offices will remain open. St. Marys Equipment Co. will remain open for business as usual with its truck repair as well as the card lock fuel island that handles diesel fuel and gasoline. Both of Prechtl's warehouses will also remain open.
"Eagle Express Trucking, since opening for business, has always prided itself on the people that worked for us, and always considered our workers some of the best people in the transportation industry," he said. "The Prechtl family would like to thank all of the local businesses and people of St. Marys for allowing us to thrive in this community for so many years, and look forward to continuing with our other two companies."
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