Industry & Services >> CEO Interviews >> June 15, 1998
JAMES R. CRANE is the Chairman, President, CEO, and major
shareholder of EGL-Eagle Global Logistics, the largest and
fastest-growing freight forwarder in the domestic heavy freight
market and a growing presence in the international arena. Since
founding EGL in 1984 ' then known as EAGLE USA Airfreight ' Mr.
Crane has directed the company's growth by creating a unique
business model within the transportation industry that combines
the flexibility of traditional freight forwarding with multi-
modal transportation using integrated global logistics. EGL's
non-asset based model allows the company to provide customized
transportation solutions without the schedule limitations and
higher costs of dedicated aircraft and truck fleets. In October
2000, EGL completed a merger with Circle International that
doubled the size of the company. The merger combined the strength
of EGL's comprehensive US network with the scope of Circle's
international infrastructure creating a full-service freight
forwarding and logistics company. The company's stock is publicly
traded on the NASDAQ market. Mr. Crane was educated at Central
Missouri State University where he received a Bachelor of Science
degree in industrial safety in 1976 followed by Master's work.
Following college, Mr. Crane worked with a major insurance
carrier for seven years before entering the transportation
industry. After gaining transportation experience from two
airfreight companies, Mr. Crane founded EAGLE USA Airfreight in
1984. Recent recognition enjoyed by Mr. Crane and EGL employees
include the following: 1996 Entrepreneur of the Year in Houston
and Runner-up in the National Award. He is President of The Crane
Foundation, which contributes to local and national charities. In
May 1999, the Houston Chronicle named Eagle USA to the Chronicle
100 Leading Companies in Houston. Profile
Mr. Crane: Eagle USA Airfrieght is a value-added, non-asset based
transportation company offering overnight, same-day,
