Fueling Expansion: TransLand Trucking’s Journey to O’Fallon

In May 2024, TransLand Trucking celebrated the grand opening of its new 1,800-square-foot facility at the bustling intersection of Highway 79 and Interstate 70 in O’Fallon. This new hub supports TransLand’s mission to deliver reliable, efficient, and cost-effective transportation solutions, meeting the cross-country needs of their Midwest-focused clients. The facility offers office space for employees and a convenient spot for their truckers to rest, do laundry, park personal vehicles and swap out for their big rigs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Just five years before, Springfield, Missouri-based TransLand Trucking set out to expand its operations, seeking an ideal second location to support its long-haul trucking, regional trucking, and dedicated logistics solutions. The company found the perfect spot to lease in O’Fallon, drawn by its accessibility to highways, convenient location for drivers and proximity to clients.

“Honestly, at the time, O’Fallon had available space that was developed that we could use,” said Mark Walker, Chairman and CEO of TransLand Trucking. “Once we got into the community, we immediately knew it was the place for us to grow roots. So, when we began to outgrow that location, we looked to purchase land in the area.”

TransLand has grown remarkably since it was founded in 1982 by Walker’s mother and father. In 2021, the company moved its Springfield headquarters just a few miles east onto a 33-acre plot in Strafford, featuring a 20,000-square-foot space. Named Springfield’s Small Business of the Year in 1992, TransLand now employs more than 200 people in Missouri, with 20 employees in O’Fallon and growing.

Walker credits the City of O’Fallon for helping maintain the small, family feel of the company. The new facility offers drivers a place to congregate, check in, and access amenities like showers and laundry. The location has also attracted new clients who noticed the company’s sign on the freeway.

“It’s a highly visible location,” Walker said. “Due to that physical presence, the business is coming to us.”

When TransLand first moved into O’Fallon, Walker introduced himself and the company to Mayor Bill Hennessy and the SelectOFALLON team, setting the tone for a positive relationship. Although building a new facility posed challenges, Walker praised the collaboration between their contractor, Blanton Construction, and the City of O’Fallon for resolving issues efficiently.

“Blanton had experience in O’Fallon and had always found the city’s construction permitting process easy to navigate,” Walker said. “They worked closely with the Select OFALLON team to get all the permits and licenses needed and address any issues so that we were able to focus our efforts on running the business.”

Select O’Fallon has maintained ongoing communication with TransLand, discussing future improvements and addressing potential traffic flow issues before they arise.

“That’s not always the case in many cities,” Walker said. “O’Fallon had those conversations with us originally and keeps a dialogue with us to this day.”

TransLand’s initial goals upon arriving in O’Fallon were to help existing customers grow, recruit new drivers and develop new clients. It has had success in all these areas. The company expects to double its business in O’Fallon over the next five years and is confident in the support and opportunities the city provides.

Walker advises other companies looking to expand to have a sit-down discussion with city leaders and the SelectOFALLON team before selecting a location.

“It helps to know the landscape before you arrive,” he said. “You can get a sense of what it will be like to work with them and how responsive they’ll be.”

 O’Fallon’s approach to business attraction begins with developing a solid working relationship with the prospect.  This enables the SelectOFALLON team to respond quickly and effectively to customer needs and project challenges.

“We are happy with how our relationship with SelectOFALLON has progressed,” Walker said. “We work together, and I know they’re available if we need support. Hopefully, we won’t, but if there is an issue, I know I can pick up the phone and start a conversation.”