Choptank’s growth leads to chamber award

Eastern Shore transport company chalks up 35 percent annual growth in revenues

‘‘This recognizes our staff and the good job they’ve done in helping the company grow,” Turner said. ‘‘We’re adamant that it’s our employees who have gotten us to this point.”

Choptank, a third-party freight management company that started with one truck in 1984, now has 12 offices across the country. Using a combination of its own 20-truck fleet and independent carriers, Choptank transports goods in the continental United States, Mexico and Canada.

‘‘We have a mind set of growth, and are a growth-oriented company,” Turner said. Choptank has had 35 percent annual growth in revenues the last three years, according to company information. ‘‘We look to continue that same growth over the next few years.”

Increases in fuel prices have put stress on Choptank’s drivers, but Turner said he is confident it will not have a significant impact on the company’s progress.

‘‘For the most part, our carrier base has adjusted well,” Turner said. ‘‘We’re able to react with our pricing when fuel costs change.”

This growth has allowed Choptank to create an endowment at the University of Maryland, College Park. The $50,000 endowment, announced this year, will provide a scholarship to one incoming freshman each year.

Turner said Choptank will have a hand in the selection of the student, and the company is seeking business students with a focus in supply-chain management or logistics. The company plans to have a recipient for the 2008-09 school year, Turner said.

‘‘Our long-term goal is to include an internship as part of the agreement,” Turner said. ‘‘Right now we have interns, but they’re not linked to the scholarship.”