CRST's Smith stepping aside, Rusch to leading trucking company

CRST International leader Chairman John Smith plans to turn over the president and CEO's roles to Dave Rusch, president of CRST's Carrier Group.

Smith said in an announcement Thursday that CRST's leadership responsibilities are being shifted to allow him more time for acquisitions and long-range planning in his role as chairman.

“Business is very strong for us, which makes this the right time to transition,” Smith said. “Dave's ability to navigate us through a very challenging year or two and keep our balance sheet one of the best in the industry is a testament to his great leadership and one that will continue.”

Rusch joined CRST in 1991 as vice president/operations for CRST Malone. He was named president of the company's CRST Van Expedited  division in 1998, and president of the CRST Carrier Group in 2002. Smith said his record of providing leadership and continued growth even in hard economic times are among the many reasons Rusch was selected for the roles.

CRST is ranked the sixth-largest truckoad carrier in the United States, and is preparing to expand facilities in Cedar Rapids and Riverside, Calif., add 225 new trucks to the fleet, and begin a massive driver recruitment campaign.

CRST has grown to more than 5,000 employees nationwide since its founding in 1955.

Smith joined CRST full-time in 1974 and was named president in 1974 after serving in varous parts of the company. CRST's revenue has grown from $74 million in 1982 to a projected $820 million this year.

“We've had our ups and downs over the years, but I was always surrounded by talented people who were very important to that growth,” Smith said.

CRST will remain a privately held company of the Smith family.