After working in the Air Freight industry at Emery Air Freight, Dick and Linda Todd decided to embark on a new life journey by opening Todd Transit in 1973. It was a challenge right from the beginning as during this time of regulation, you had to prove to the ICC there was a need for another carrier to be added to the market. After consulting an Attorney, filing the necessary documents, supporting shipper statements and paying the fees, the Authority was granted by the ICC.

As they began their operation, Linda handled the phone and billing work at their house while being a mother to their 3 children. Dick made sales calls during the morning and drove the truck later in the day. On occasion Linda would pack up the children into a van and run to Freeport, O'Hare Airport or elsewhere to keep service commitments. Soon they hired a full time driver, and Dick's Dad retired in Chicago and moved to Rockford to help out part time.

What started in a $60.00 a month back-of-a-building office, grew into a trucking company/self-serve gas station to ensure its fuel supply during the oil crunch, then to an office with a real dock and drive-in door, and then to a fully equipped terminal.

With customer support and demand, Todd started handling surface freight as well as the air and expedited freight they had been handling. Soon after, followed growth into Wisconsin, with service in Milwaukee and Madison offered to its customer base. Eventually terminals were opened in the Chicago and Milwaukee markets.

In 1998 Todd Special Services was formed to focus on the 24/7, 48 state expedited service, and also opened a warehousing operation separate from Todd Transit. The same customer centered focus that has made Todd Transit successful, was carried over to Todd Special Services.

What began with a dream, a used truck, and a supportive spouse has grown into a regional company servicing premier organizations of industry and commerce.