TSMT has long been a leader in the transportation industry. The companys strategy is to offer high quality, specialized transportation services to customers in specific market niches. TSMT specializes in transporting cargo that requires careful handling due to its explosive or contaminant nature. Exceptional performance in safety and customer service is required and continues to be a hallmark of the company. TSMT, founded in 1929 by Cloyd B. Jeans and Denver Merrick, began transporting explosives to three powder mills located in the Joplin/Carthage, Miss. area to support local zinc and lead mining. The company changed its name to Tri-State Motor Transport Co. in 1931 when Merrick left the company and a new partner, Carl Ivie, joined TSMT. In 1960 the company name was changed to the present Tri-State Motor Transit Co.