Company History
Early Years (1932-1949)
Weldon T. Lawrence Sr. found Lawrence Transfer and Storage Corporation in 1932. Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Lawrence took over the local moving industry. In 1942, Lawrence joined the United Van Lines Family. United Van Lines allowed Lawrence to secure loads for its fleet of furniture vans.
Growth in the Household Goods Industry (1950-1985)
Weldon T. Lawrence, Jr. succeeded his father as President in 1950. He set out to establish Lawrence as one of the leading moving and storage companies. The Company grew through natural growth and acquisitions into Virginia and North Carolina.
Expansion into Logistics (1986-1991)
On January 1, 1986, Lawrence’s name changed to Lawrence Transportation Systems, Inc. (“LTS”) to better express the ability to meet the public’s transportation needs. LTS established a freight department to complement the moving business. In 1991, LTS purchased Hopkins Transfer and Storage, a Mayflower agent since 1944. This expanded LTS’s service location into Charleston, South Carolina.
A Company on the Move (1991-1997)
In September of 1992, Weldon S. “Chip” Lawrence took over for his father as President. The change in leadership led to rapid growth in the Company. This growth was most notable in the freight division. LTS became one of the largest regional truckload freight carriers on the East Coast. LTS serviced a diverse customer base throughout the 48 contiguous U.S. Customers included Fortune 500 companies, universities, and regional business. LTS obtained General Services Administration, and military approved transport status. This allowed the Company to move military bases and federal government facilities. Further, LTS acquired Virginia Association of State College University Purchasing Professionals approval. This allowed LTS to become a Virginia leader in transporting university facilities.
Transition to Employee Ownership (1998-2004)
In January 1998, LTS became the first subchapter-S ESOP in Virginia. In December 2004, LTS became 100% employee-owned.
Growth into New Businesses (2000-Present)
Lawrence Equipment: In 2003, LTS became the exclusive CASE Equipment dealer for southwest Virginia. Lawrence Equipment sells, and services CASE branded heavy industrial equipment. Lawrence Equipment is the exclusive dealer for CASE Equipment and CASE Ag Equipment in southwest Virginia.
Affordable Container Service: In 2005, LTS acquired Affordable Container Service. A business that services commercial, construction, and residential customers with waste container services.
Lawrence Trailer and Truck Equipment: In 2009, LTS acquired Dixie Trailer and Truck Equipment. LTTE provides service bodywork and other assembly services. In 2015, Dixie Trailer & Truck Equipment was rebranded as Lawrence Trailer & Truck Equipment. The name change better reflected its status as a subsidiary of Lawrence Companies.
Lawrence Companies: In 2014, Lawrence Companies became the parent company of Lawrence Transportation Systems, Lawrence Equipment, and Lawrence Trailer & Truck Equipment. All who are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Lawrence Companies.
Lawrence Relocation: In 2015, Lawrence Relocation was formed. Lawrence Relocation provides relocation management and coordination services to businesses around the country.