Kansas City, MO, goes by many names: “Chiefs Kingdom,” “City of Fountains,” and “Heart of America,” to name a few. But what about Big Truck City? With just one visit to the world headquarters of Custom Truck OneSource (CTOS), you’d know why.
At the heart of Custom Truck One Source lies a dream that began in 1996 with a family gas station and tow service boasting just 15 employees. Founded by Fred Ross and nine of his siblings, Custom Truck Sales initially focused on pre-owned trucks and salvage equipment. By 1999, they were a certified body-builder for top OEMs like Kenworth, Western Star, and Volvo. Today, CTOS is a leader in specialty trucks and heavy equipment, positioning itself as North America’s first true single-source provider for utility, rail, telecom, infrastructure, and forestry services.
Custom Truck One Source is focused on creating customized machinery to expand and modernize the nation’s infrastructure. Their equipment is integral to building bridges, repairing roads, expanding telecommunications networks, delivering fresh water, and more. The livelihoods of countless Americans depend on the hard work and innovation of these men and women.
Custom Truck One Source plays a critical role in building America’s future while honoring Kansas City’s rich industrial past. Their 186-acre lot, which includes the site of the old Armco Steel Mill (now used as an inventory warehouse) and the first-ever Ford plant outside Detroit, serves as a daily reminder of this legacy. Chris Ross, Operations Manager—and co-founder with his brother Fred—emphasizes the importance of this heritage: “This is where we came from. This is where immigrants came for jobs. Generations of blue-collar workers have walked these grounds. Reviving this land means a lot.”
With over 30 years in the business and more than 1,000 employees at their Kansas City headquarters alone, CTOS is rapidly growing. The company continues to expand, opening new facilities in Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and beyond. Founder Fred Ross is passionate about the impact of their work—not just on infrastructure but on the communities they serve. “The success of our business is all about finding the right people who share our vision. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. When people care about what we are building, we can build better and safer for our customers and communities,” he said.
