Our company
About us
On the road since 2018. Sam City Express Inc incorporated in 2020. Ohio-based, nationwide lanes: Power Only, Dry Van, Open Decks, and Reefer when the load calls for it.
Our foundation
Built from one truck.
Still building.
Sam City Express Inc grew from one truck and a driver who understood the realities of the road. Today we run a mid-size asset fleet with dedicated freight, drop-trailer programs, and internal systems built to keep operations organized and communication clear.
“Sam City Express is built on one principle: quality over quantity. We don’t chase numbers. We build reliable service, strong relationships, and consistent performance.”
Executive leadership
Leadership team
The people guiding our fleet, our standards, and how we work with drivers and brokers.
CEO & Founder
Yashnarbek Otakulov
He started as a driver, bought his first truck in 2018, and built the company from the cab outward. That background shows up in how we talk to drivers and how we set expectations with brokers.
Executive VP of Operations
David Yooldashev
Operations Manager
Steve Adams
Dispatch Manager
Daniel Carter
Senior Dispatcher
Jonah Abramov
Load Planner
Zack Jackson
Safety & Compliance Manager
Alan Ross
Accounting / Payroll
Shah Kamal
Marketing / Target
Murad Naimov
Fleet Manager
John Hawkins
Built year by year
Our history
From one truck to a mid-size fleet. Each step is visible below. Same standard: show up, communicate, and deliver.
Where it started
2015
1 power unit
Incorporated
2017
Sam City Express Inc.
Fleet today
0+
tractors
Trailers
0+
in the network
- 182018Milestone
Built from the ground up
- Founded by Yashnarbek Otakulov, starting with one truck and a clear vision: build a company based on reliability, discipline, and long-term growth.
- 202020Milestone
Sam City Express Inc.
- Officially established Sam City Express Inc., laying the foundation for a scalable trucking operation.
- 212021Milestone
Four trucks
- Expanded to 4 trucks, building early partnerships and broker trust.
- 222022Milestone
Eight trucks
- Doubled the fleet to 8 trucks, improving operational structure and consistency.
- 232023Milestone
Scaling with systems
- Fleet grew to 25 trucks.
- Began development of an internal TMS (Transportation Management System).
- Focus: efficiency, tracking, and automation.
- 242024Milestone
Asset growth & dedicated freight
- Expanded to 40 trucks and 50 trailers.
- Entered drop-trailer programs and secured dedicated lanes.
- Shift from spot market toward stable, contract freight.
- 252025Milestone
Brand & market positioning
- Full company rebrand and new logo.
- Dedicated lanes doubled.
- Fleet reached about 80 trucks and 100+ trailers.
- 262026Milestone
System-driven future
- Focused on building a strong internal system: advanced operations management, scalable processes, and long-term partnerships.
From one truck to a scalable fleet. Our journey is driven by discipline, growth, and commitment to excellence.
What drives us
What we stand for
Reliability
We deliver on our commitments. On-time pay for drivers, on-time delivery for our partners.
Respect for drivers
No forced dispatch, straight talk from ops, and home time you can actually plan around.
Partnership
With brokers and shippers we aim for relationships that still make sense years out, not one-and-done loads.
Get in touch
Whether you're a driver, a broker, or a shipper, we'd like to hear from you.