Innovation and customer service have lifted the company to success.

In 1919, other printers were using teams and wagons to move paper stock in and out of Kansas City printing plants. But Richard Belger saw the future was in motorized transportation, so he purchased a truck to serve his printing customers. As Richard and subsequent generations of Belgers continued to innovate, Belger Cartage Services, Inc., became a leader in the crane industry. After 98 years, the company’s cranes lift delicate and heavy equipment, their trucks haul it away and customers can store the haulage and other equipment in Belger’s warehouses.

As the company grew, it expanded its services outside the printing industry and outside Missouri. Today it has customers in aviation, defense, energy, medicine and construction. Besides Missouri, the company has offices in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Plans are already underway for the company’s centennial in 2019.

Evelyn Craft Belger, the company’s current CEO and president, said that for a company to reach its 100th anniversary, it adapts to what customers need. “Focus on your strengths, listen to your customers and don‘t be afraid to take a chance,” she said.

Evelyn is the fourth to lead Belger. Richard’s sons John and Larry followed him, as did his grandson, C. Richard (Dick). Evelyn became president on July 3, 2015, after working as the company’s chief financial offer.