New Ownership and Deregulation
Two major changes took place in the '80s that would have far reaching effects. The company was sold to its executives and the industry was deregulated.
In January 1985, an agreement for the purchase of American Red Ball Transit Co., Inc. was reached and a holding company, Red Ball Corporation, was formed by company executives. The buyout was completed on March 15th.
The new ownership and management team included: Walter E. Saubert, president and general manager of Red Ball International; Melvin D. "Don" Duncan, Jr., president of Red Ball Van & Storage; Ralph E. Davis, president and treasurer of Red Ball Corporation and Dalton A. Burdge, president and general manager of American Red Ball Transit Co., Inc.
The passage of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 ushered in a new era for our industry and our vibrant new management team was up to the task. The post-1980 regulatory environment saw the beginnings of price/service options and vastly increased levels of carrier competition.