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Safety culture anchors five decades of growth
As Jetco enters 2026, the Texas based trucking and logistics provider is marking 50 years in operation, a milestone that reflects both longevity and a sustained focus on safety led operations across the Gulf Coast.
Founded in 1976 by the Mattern brothers with just two trucks, the company built its early reputation on strong customer relationships and safety standards that exceeded industry norms. That early emphasis continues to shape the business today, particularly through its Driving 2 Perfection safety culture, known internally as D2P.
The program extends beyond compliance. It encourages employees and even their families to adopt safer driving behaviors in both commercial and personal vehicles. The initiative has become a central operating philosophy rather than a standalone safety campaign.
Today, Jetco operates three terminals across Texas, employs more than 200 staff, and runs a fleet exceeding 175 trucks and 350 trailers. Its asset backed brokerage operation also supports cross border freight flows between the United States and Mexico.
Leadership links safety to innovation
Company president Kyle Kristynik attributes long term resilience to the embedded nature of the safety culture.
He notes that the D2P framework challenges complacency and encourages innovation in a sector that can be slow to adopt new technologies and operational ideas. According to Kristynik, employee and client belief in that culture has been critical to sustaining growth.
Jetco plans to commemorate the anniversary during its annual spring safety meeting, where staff will review performance milestones and renew operational commitments.
Fleet investment and emissions focus
Looking ahead, fleet modernization remains a priority. The company began refreshing its chassis pool for drayage operations in 2025, a process that will continue through 2026 as intermodal demand evolves along Gulf Coast trade corridors.
Jetco is also evaluating zero emissions truck alternatives, reflecting broader industry pressure to decarbonize regional trucking networks serving ports and petrochemical hubs.
Project freight drives next phase
A significant share of forward investment is being directed toward heavy haul and project freight.
Customer demand over recent years has driven the expansion of Jetco’s specialized transport division. The company is adding trucks and multi axle heavy duty trailers to support oversize and infrastructure related cargo.
For project logistics professionals, the move signals deeper regional capacity for complex cargo moves linked to energy, construction, and industrial projects.
From two trucks in 1976 to a diversified asset based operation, the company’s trajectory mirrors the wider evolution of Gulf Coast logistics. The next phase appears set to hinge on specialized freight, fleet technology, and the same safety framework that shaped its first 50 years.
