Jim Tiona created his own traffic lanes buying and selling various grains. He hauled to grain elevators and for animal feed throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. He purchased his first truck, a 1953 GMC (right photo), when he was just 19 years old. The purchase price was $2500 and he had paid it off, in full, in one year.  Around this time, Jim and Frosti were married.

Jim Tiona purchased his first truck, a 1953 GMC (right photo), when he was just 19 years old. The purchase price was $2500 and he had paid it off, in full, in one year.  Around this time, Jim and Frosti were married.

Jim hired his first employee in the mid-1950’s, and bought his first ICC license in the late 50’s, at which time became regulated. Jim continued driving until the company had 3 trucks. At this time, Frosti was managing all office and administrative duties. 

In the late 1950’s, Tiona Truck Line acquired Kenney Brothers elevator, which was converted into TTL headquarters. There were 3 staff members in the office: Jim, Frosti, and a single dispatcher. This location is presently the driver training facility adjacent to the Butler, MO terminal. Shortly thereafter, Jim began traveling and soliciting freight.

Tiona Truck Line became incorporated in 1973. 

The Operations:

Frosti and Jim wanted to haul salt for Morton Salt, so they bought out a small trucking company, Anderson, in 1975. This later became WDL out of Grand Saline, TX.  Operations were primarily vans and were domiciled out of Chanute, KS and Springfield, MO. David Brown, who is now a dispatcher in Butler, MO, was the terminal manager in Springfield until its closing. Following, terminals were established in Pasadena, TX, Bainbridge, GA, Hutchinson, KS, then Greenville, TX.  

In 1982, all vans and reefers were sold and Tiona Truck Line, Inc. became a solely dry bulk carrier.