PITT OHIO builds on over four decades of Mack loyalty

For most trucking companies, diesel powers the trucks. But PITT OHIO believes it is more than that: their trucks also run on “people power.”

"It’s because of our people," says Taki Darakos, Vice President of Maintenance and Fleet Services, when asked about the company's success. "It starts with Chuck Hammel, who is the president and owner. We are a 46-year-old company that was built around family and hard work."

PITT OHIO is a major player in the LTL (less than truckload) space, but for PITT OHIO, LTL is also Longevity, Tenacity, and Loyalty. The company has been around for decades, establishing itself as a major player despite all the economic adversity that in the space, and cementing it altogether by being loyal to both its customers and employees.

As a top-tier company in their segment, they also provide top-tier equipment for their employees. One example: PITT OHIO took delivery of a Mack MD Electric in the Spring of 2025 – an acquisition that has drivers happy and the public turning heads.

“The Mack MDe was a really good fit,” says Jim Fields, Chief Operating Officer at PITT OHIO. Fields says the drivers are quick to request the electric trucks when PITT OHIO adds one to their fleet.

Scott Gardner, Senior Safety Specialist at PITT OHIO, likes the feel of the MDe. “On the road, the torque is amazing,” Gardner says. “You can really feel the pickup.” Gardner says he finds it useful in traffic situations. He also says the drivers like the range, and they come in at the end of the day with plenty of battery remaining.

Darakos says he’s excited to see how the MDe continues to evolve, and as a longtime partner, it’s an important step in the company’s partnership with Mack.

A culture that drives everything

What sets PITT OHIO apart isn't just what they do, but how they do it. President Chuck Hammel has cultivated an organizational culture centered on a simple but powerful principle: doing the right thing together so that everyone thrives.

"Chuck has instilled a strong culture within the organization," Darakos explains. "This thread runs throughout the organization. I've never been around an organization with such a strong culture."

That culture courses through the company. Many of PITT OHIO's current leaders started their careers on the loading dock, in the shop, or in the cab. This ground-up understanding of the business has proven priceless as the company navigates an evolving industry landscape.

"We try to give people opportunities to grow and contribute," Darakos notes. "Understanding things from the ground up helps tremendously. We also have generations of family members that work for us. There are so many opportunities for those that are willing to constantly learn and evolve."

The company has cultivated a pipeline of talent through robust apprenticeship programs for both drivers and technicians, ensuring that the next generation of PITT OHIO is properly trained and integrated into its unique culture.

Navigating change

Like many transportation companies, PITT OHIO faces the dual challenge of maintaining its culture while adapting to industry changes. One significant transition involves the retirement of many long-tenured employees who helped build the company.

"Many of our people that helped us get here are retiring and turning the page to their next chapter," Darakos acknowledges. "We are working hard to keep our culture in place and to develop the bench now to ensure the success of our organization for the next 46 years."

The company is also embracing technological advancement. "We're working hard to bring in new technology that will help us be more efficient and safer," Darakos says. "Like everyone else we are trying to see where AI takes us and how it can improve efficiencies in all that we do."

The Mack partnership

Through all these changes, one constant has been PITT OHIO's relationship with Mack Trucks. The company operates a diverse fleet of Mack equipment including Pioneer, Anthem, CXU, MD, and MDe models spanning model years 2014 through 2026. With a fleet of approximately 1,400 power units—including 930 Class 8 tractors—PITT OHIO brings plenty of Mack muscle to the LTL space.

"Mack has been with us through the good and bad times," Darakos says. "We get great support from the organization and collaborate on projects that can have a positive impact on both of our organizations."

The relationship extends beyond just purchasing trucks. PITT OHIO utilizes Mack's GuardDog Connect telematics system and Mack Asist support services, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to fleet management and uptime.

When asked what he likes about Mack trucks, Darakos's response is succinct but telling: "They keep getting better."

The numbers back up that assessment. With newer units in the fleet, PITT OHIO is seeing fuel economy in the 8+ mpg per gallon range—impressive figures that directly impact the bottom line in an industry where margins can be razor-thin.

The dealer difference

A key component of PITT OHIO's successful Mack partnership is their relationship with their dealer, TransEdge. "TransEdge has been a wonderful long-time partner," Darakos says. "It feels like they are part of our family."

That family feeling is no accident. It's the same culture that Chuck Hammel built within PITT OHIO, extended to the company's external partnerships. When your dealer feels like family, problems get solved faster, communication flows better, and both organizations benefit. Downtime quickly becomes uptime.

Looking ahead

As PITT OHIO looks to the future, the company remains focused on growth while staying true to its roots.

"We are always looking for opportunities to grow and expand our product offerings and business," Darakos says.

With a strong culture, a commitment to developing talent from within, an embrace of new technology, and reliable partners like Mack Trucks and TransEdge, PITT OHIO appears well-positioned for the next 46 years.

The formula that has worked for nearly half a century remains unchanged: invest in people, maintain strong values, choose reliable partners, and do the right thing. For Chuck Hammel, PITT OHIO doesn’t just deliver goods—it leaves a legacy of humanity.