Between 1984 and 2004, Paugh guided the expansion of Carter Express from 13 trucks to 350. When Duke Truck Center burned down in 2001, Paugh relocated its headquarters to the Flagship Enterprise Center.

From Central Indiana, Paugh says, Carter Express has the ability to reach all of North America.

“We set on the crossroads of America,” Paugh said, “with the I-70 corridor giving us access to the east and west and I-65 and I-69 giving us access to the north and south.”

And the future continues to look bright for the company. According to the American Trucking Association, more than 300,000 drivers will be needed in the next decade to reconcile a shortage in the industry and replace retirees.

“With the economy the way it is, people are worried about downsizing, plant closings,” said Jim Stetnish, vice president of fleet operations. “But if you can protect your CDL (commercial driver’s license), you will always be able to find a truck.”