Small-town company, Trans-United, transports big through world

Burns Harbor may total just about 7 square miles with roughly 1,400 residents. But tucked inside this small, charming town stands a leading-edge company transporting more than 223 million pounds annually throughout the world.

For more than 50 years, Trans-United, Inc. has focused on freight transportation, moving specialized or oversized loads in 48 states, Canada and Mexico. Established in 1964, Trans-United loads and delivers any type of open trailer cargo from standard, legal dimensions to super loads.

Family-owned and operated, Trans-United originated out of Texas before relocating to the Midwest and eventually to Gary in the 1970s. The company moved to its Burns Harbor corporate office in 1997. Location as well as access to industry were just a few reasons the company choose the town.

Trans-United President/CEO Jeff Fleming said, “Burns Harbor welcomed us into their town. The location is ideal for business, especially transportation, having close access to the ports, expressways and Route 6. The town is filled with great people with hard working mentalities and we greatly enjoy doing business here.”

On any given project, Trans-United hauls 500 to 200,000 pounds of goods door-to-door via:

Town Council and Redevelopment Commission member Toni Biancardi said, “Trans-United is just one of many great examples of the successful and diverse businesses located in the Town of Burns Harbor. The overall positive business climate, low tax rates, talented local workers, close proximity to road, water, rail and air transportation options as well as neighborly town atmosphere — Burns Harbor supports its current employers and welcomes newcomers.”

Most recently, Trans-United business has picked up due to large equipment needed at craft breweries gaining popularity throughout the nation. This past spring, a 13-axle truck transported a 46-foot-long beer tank to a regional brewery through downtown Chicago. The challenging delivery required careful planning and problem-solving.

“Burns Harbor is immensely grateful and committed to its business community for the many contributions to bettering the town. Trans-United sets itself apart by providing the highest level of responsiveness and care to each and every load,” said Marcus Rogala, Town Council member and RDC president.

But town leadership is not the only one noticing Trans-United’s expertise. The company was ranked one of the top 50 largest North American specialized carriers by American Cranes and Transport for two consecutive years in a row in 2014 and 2015. Today, the company has grown to include agents throughout North America.

Trans-United credits its success to its 125 dedicated and talented employees. Located just off S.R. 149, the 30,000-square-foot facility boasts veteran drivers with one of the lowest driver turnover rates in the industry.

“We pride ourselves on our ability to handle the most challenging jobs. To do so, we have assembled a team of the most experienced drivers supported by the best operations specialists in the industry,” Fleming said. “The result is we’re able to match the right driver and equipment to each specialized load to achieve an unmatched level of customer service and satisfaction.”

Burns Harbor looking for interested businesses! The Redevelopment Commission hosts informal meet-and-greet events to promote a better Burns Harbor through building alliances between town leadership and the business community. Local businesses are invited to host these events or, like Trans-United did this past April, host monthly RDC meetings to educate the public on their services and offerings. For more information, contact Councilwoman and RDC member Toni Biancardi at tbiancardi@burnsharbor-in.gov.

Little Wonders Child Care opens new facility

Scott has increased her capacity to serve more families by renovating the two buildings at 1147 Salt Creek Road, previously home to Merlin’s Storage. Offering more than 2,400 square feet, the new facility has doubled its capacity. The buildings are designated for ages 0 – 3 years and 3 – 8 years and have been designed to meet the needs of the specific age group it serves.

Little Wonders Child Care offers daily and weekly rates. The facility is open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate varied worked schedules.

Prospective families are invited to schedule an appointment to tour the new facility. Visit the Little Wonders website to learn more: www.littlewonderschildcare.us.

Local industry, Praxair, improves festive holiday tradition for residents, passers-by

Praxair Inc. specializes in separating air into oxygen, nitrogen and argon, which are primarily supplied to the local steel industry. For over 30 years, Burns Harbor residents as well as travelers through I-80/94 in town have come to look forward to the three lighted Christmas trees atop the company's towering columns. Click here to read about recent improvements made by Praxair to continue this festive holiday tradition.