WHO WE ARE

Ascend is a growing dry van, full truckload carrier providing high-performance service and reliability at fair prices to the evolving middle-mile market. 

As e-commerce growth continues, customer demands pressure shippers to increase service quality. Ascend responds to shippers’ needs —and to an ongoing driver shortage—with planning and dispatch optimizations that take advantage of our density and give us the flexibility to handle seasonal and unexpected surges. 

Our dedicated drivers and employees take pride in our greater than 97 percent on-time delivery rate, and our impressive safety record. Together, we are setting new standards for transparency and predictability in both price and performance, driving costs down for shippers while meeting their most exacting requirements.

Vision

Ascend is transforming the regional truckload sector by leveraging technology, building density, and offering driver-friendly routes and policies—making us the carrier of choice for shippers that demand high performance and flexibility at competitive rates, and the employer of choice for drivers seeking a better work-life balance.

Mission

Ascend is your most reliable, predictable, and trusted partner in the transportation sector. We will apply technology to deliver outstanding service at competitive rates. We will be relentless in satisfying shippers through our responsiveness, transparency, and professionalism, and by providing a culture that rewards and retains excellent drivers and dedicated employees. Through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth, we will gain the density and flexibility that allows us to respond to emerging needs and enjoy the economies of scale that are foundational to building a strong, sustainable business in a competitive industry.

3000+

CUSTOMERS

+97%

ON-TIME SERVICE

150+

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

1,000+

TRACTORS

WHY CHOOSE ASCEND

Superior Transportation in Every Way

  • Regional Focus

    A multi-regional focus defines Ascend—but doesn’t limit Ascend With operations focused on the US South, Mid Atlantic, and Midwest, and over 30 drop yards throughout, Ascend has density and capacity in important regional areas where demand for high-performance short-haul shipping is high. That said, we have experience using relays and the ability to connect shorter-haul routes and deliver over the road (OTR) capabilities on a multi-regional basis when needed—all with the goal of better serving our customers and expanding our reach into more distant locations. 

  • Market Focus

    Ascend focuses on truckload shippers riding the e-commerce wave As primarily a regional carrier, Ascend sees its greatest opportunity serving the shipping needs of customers in the packaging, food and beverage, and retail industries, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and the growth of the consumer packaged goods sector. These are businesses that typically require products shipped regionally—and quickly. With demanding consumers waiting at the end of the line, shippers know their business depends on delivering goods on time. This is an area where Ascend, with its large fleet and integrated technology, is positioned for greatest success. As larger warehouses move to a greater number of urban locations, the need for regional service to connect supply-chain nodes plays directly into Ascend’s strengths.

  • Cost Efficiencies

    Ascend has the economies of scale that benefit the company and its customers Through organic growth and targeted acquisitions, Ascend is building significant density in the regional truckload sector, leading to the economies of scale that supports buying power in terms of fuel and equipment procurement, service costs, and healthcare and insurance premiums. With these savings, we can offer more competitive rates for shippers, attractive pay and benefits for our employees, and revenues that ensure a stable, sustainable business. 

  • Industry Experience

    Ascend leadership has the experience and expertise needed to achieve its goals. Ascend was founded in 2019 by Michael McLary, a transportation leader with more than 27 years of experience in the supply chain world. He has assembled a Board of Directors composed of other experienced executives, giving Ascend a governance team with more than a century of know-how in various areas of the transportation and logistics industry. This experience and expertise assures that the company will have creative and responsible leadership for many years to come.

COMPANY VALUES

Safety First

  • We take actions to create and maintain a work environment free of hazards.
  • We actively promote the proper use of equipment and adherence to processes.
  • We demonstrate accountability by making decisions to ensure the safety of our coworkers and the communities where we do business.


Be Courageous

  • We take smart risks and strive for continuous improvement.
  • We use our drive and commitment to energize, engage, and inspire others.
  • We demonstrate accountability by doing what is right, by sharing feedback, and by solving problems.

Act with Integrity

  • We are direct, honest, open, and fair.
  • We keep confidences, avoid gossip, and admit our mistakes.
  • We demonstrate accountability by following ethical business practices and providing consistently reliable service.

Build Trust

  • We grow trust through consistent excellence in character and competency.
  • We talk straight, right wrongs, and share feedback with positive intent.
  • We demonstrate accountability by delivering superior results and following through on our commitments.

Be a Positive Impact on Others

  • We embrace diversity and know those with different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are key to our company’s success.
  • We deliver helpful service to our coworkers, customers, communities, and families.
  • We demonstrate accountability by being available, engaged, and actively listening when working with others.

Have any questions?

It all starts with a conversation.

CONTACT US
Ascend truck driver driving