It is with great pride that Ruan Transportation Management Systems announces the celebration of our 85th anniversary. Born during the Great Depression with one man and one truck, our family-owned company has grown to include more than 5,600 team members across more than 300 operations nationwide.
Ruan was founded on the entrepreneurial spirit of John Ruan, a spirit we have carried through the lifetime of the company. He founded Ruan based on the values of integrity, hard work, innovation, quality customer service and compassion.
“Over the past 85 years, the transportation industry has experienced significant challenges and opportunities with the changes in America’s economy, an evolving workforce and advancements in technology,” said Ruan Chairman John Ruan III. “But throughout all these changes, Ruan has remained successful because of the strong foundation and values upon which the company was built.”
These values are deeply embodied in the Ruan culture to this day. All Ruan team members and operations are led by our Guiding Principles of Safety Focus, People First, Customer Satisfaction, Exceptional Performance and Continuous Improvement.
Our professional drivers are critical to our success, especially in providing the exceptional customer service that our valued partners have come to expect from Ruan. Our drivers truly are the best of the best. We prioritize our professional drivers’ safety, work-life balance and expertise, resulting in a driver retention rate that is five times the industry average.
Another trademark of our founder was his dedication to philanthropy and transforming his community. Two causes that were dear to Mr. Ruan were multiple sclerosis (MS) research and alleviating world hunger. He formed the John Ruan MS Charity, funded the establishment of the Ruan Neurological Center at Des Moines' Mercy Medical Center and permanently endowed the World Food Prize. This commitment to philanthropy is honored each July, as Ruan team members across the country volunteer in their communities as part of our Founder’s Days celebration.
This solid foundation of Mr. Ruan’s values and our Guiding Principles have enabled Ruan to not only grow over the past 85 years, but thrive as an industry leader—excelling in such areas as safety, technology and continuous improvement. Our Integrated Solutions are powered by people, transformed by process and enhanced by platform.
“Ruan’s long history of success is due to our dedicated and talented team. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations each day, and we thank them for their continued partnership," said Ben McLean, CEO. "As we look to our future, Ruan is committed to continuing our tradition of integrity, innovation, quality and safety while embracing emerging technology and continuously improving the way we do business.”
Take a deeper look at Ruan’s 85-year history in our latest issue of RED Magazine!
Ruan Team Members Drive Our Success
In honor of Ruan's 85th anniversary, team members share their favorite memories and reasons why Ruan is a Great Place to Work!
"My favorite memory from my time at Ruan was being a Driver of the Year honoree and getting to go to Des Moines for the selection events."
-Brian Gerheart, Ruan team member since 2008
“One of my favorite memories is when Mr. Ruan would come out and entertain us with stories of the beginnings of Ruan, when it truly was one man and one truck.”
-Connie Crawford, Ruan team member since 1974
“We still value our people, and our commitment to providing the best service to our customers has not changed over the years.”
-Bob Hogstad, Ruan team member since 1970
“I always enjoy volunteering in the name of Ruan. Cleaning up at the botanical garden, working with children—playing games and reading to them.”
-Linda Cornell, Ruan team member since 1974
"The number one differentiator about Ruan is the opportunity for growth and movement. Team members who excel at what they do can move up and around. Management is easy to work with and will help you get where you want to be."
-Kelly Hall, Ruan team member since 1995