Montway Auto Group : Driving Distinction in Automobile Logistics

When it comes to transformative players in logistics, Montway Auto Transport is boldly steering its way to the top with a blend of innovation, customer-centricity, and a dash of daring ambition. In an industry often bound by tradition, Montway has stood out, achieving a remarkable 86% three-year revenue growth while keeping its people-first culture firmly in the driver’s seat.

Led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tom Gartland, Chief Financial Officer Alberto Anguiano, and Chief Information Officer Eftim Eftimov, Montway has transformed from a consumer-focused auto transport provider to an industry leader blending technology, service, and strategic growth.

The American Executive had the pleasure of speaking with this dynamic leadership trio about Montway’s recent milestones, the pivotal role of culture in their success, and their plans to dominate the logistics landscape.

A Legacy of Leadership

Tom Gartland, Montway’s Chairman and CEO, radiates the confidence of a leader who’s been through the corporate trenches. Having previously helmed Avis Budget Group and played a role in building Scan Global Logistics, Gartland’s resume reflects his knack for scaling businesses. 

When we initially spoke to Gartland, he had just returned from a trip to the United Kingdom. One of the first things he mentioned was the excellent customer service he had experienced on his flight back to the U.S. and mentioned that he intended to write a letter to the company praising the staff on the ground. In particular, Gartland noted the organizational culture that would be needed to make this level of service possible. It was clearly the sort of eye that only a veteran of large organizations would have.

But why would a leader accustomed to overseeing massive organizations with tens of thousands of employees pivot to a more agile company?

“Montway’s entrepreneurial environment was irresistible,” Gartland explains. “It’s not just about the size of the business; it’s about the speed of decision-making. At Montway, we can pivot quickly—whether it’s introducing a new service or reacting to customer feedback. That agility is invigorating.”

For Gartland, stepping into the CEO role was an opportunity to inject strategic capital and leadership into a founder-led business. Under his guidance, Montway has not only cemented its position as a consumer favorite but has also expanded aggressively into business-to-business (B2B) logistics.

Alberto Anguiano brings a wealth of experience in finance, from organizations as diverse as Allstate to US Foods. Eftim Eftimov has been with Montway Auto Transport for nearly a decade, playing a pivotal role in its transformation under AEA sponsorship. As part of the leadership team since its early days, he has helped shape the company’s technological vision and operational strategy, positioning it as a leader in the auto transport industry.

A Culture of People-First Resilience 

At Montway, people come first—whether they’re customers, employees, or partners. This ethos isn’t mere lip service; it’s deeply embedded in the company culture. Gartland credits much of Montway’s success to creating an environment where employees feel empowered to lead from their seats.

“Leadership is about understanding your limitations and surrounding yourself with people who complement your skill set,” says Gartland. “You need diversity—not just in backgrounds but in thought processes and approaches. That’s how you build an organization capable of innovation and sustained growth.”

Anguiano echoes this sentiment, describing how Gartland’s leadership has transformed Montway’s culture: “Tom has instilled a sense of trust and collaboration across the organization. It’s a people-first approach that motivates employees to go above and beyond.”

This people-centric ethos extends to the company’s customer interactions. Whether it’s a consumer moving a prized vehicle or a dealership managing fleet logistics, Montway’s approach is consistent: failure is not an option.

This quote, as many readers will recognize, comes from Gene Krantz, the famed NASA flight director who guided the Apollo 13 crew safely back to Earth. For Gartland, Krantz’s iconic declaration—“Failure is not an option”—is more than just a memorable line; it’s a guiding principle. Having had the opportunity to meet Krantz personally, Gartland draws inspiration from the resilience and resourcefulness that defined the Apollo 13 mission. 

“It’s not about avoiding mistakes entirely—those are inevitable in any organization,” he explains. “It’s about how you respond, recover, and make sure they don’t happen again.” This philosophy has become a cornerstone of Montway’s culture, fostering a team ethos focused on solutions rather than blame and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For Gartland, Krantz’s example is a vivid reminder of the transformative power of great leadership during moments of adversity.

Naturally, this culture of resilience is the backbone of Montway’s operations. Gartland recounts a time when the company faced a logistical hiccup involving a high-value vehicle. Instead of pointing fingers, the team focused on finding solutions.

“At Montway, we don’t dwell on blame,” notes Gartland. “We figure out what went wrong, fix it, and make sure it doesn’t happen again. That approach not only builds trust internally but also strengthens our relationships with customers.”

This collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset has been a game-changer for Montway. It’s also a significant factor in why the company has been repeatedly recognized as a top workplace.

This is echoed by Eftimov, who leads Montway’s tech operations. He reflects on a value system built around respect and inclusion within the organization. “The tech team isn’t hired to write a piece of code,” he says. “They are integral members of the Montway family, with significant domain knowledge and a shared sense of purpose.” 

Eftimov highlights the company’s commitment to creating an environment where their global engineering teams feel valued and empowered. From fostering long-term relationships to investing in their personal and professional growth, Montway ensures that these individuals know they are more than just contributors—they are collaborators in the company’s success. 

Innovation in Motion

At the heart of Montway’s growth lies its ability to leverage technology as a differentiator. “Montway has always been ahead of the curve,” Eftimov says. “We were among the first in the industry to offer instant online quotes. That may sound simple now, but at the time, it was transformative. It set a new standard for transparency and making sure customer needs are met.”

Ship.Cars, Montway’s proprietary technology platform, has evolved into a multi-faceted tool that streamlines operations for both consumers and B2B clients. The Montway Automation Portal (M.A.P.) is a prime example, enabling dealerships and fleet managers to manage auto logistics with unprecedented ease and transparency.

Eftimov adds, “Our tech teams work closely with the business side to ensure that every solution we develop addresses a real-world need. This collaboration has allowed us to create tools that not only enhance operational efficiency but also elevate the customer experience.”

Customer-Centric Growth

Montway’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past three years, the company has achieved an 86% growth rate, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. But Gartland and his team aren’t content to rest on their laurels.

The next phase of Montway’s journey involves both organic and inorganic growth. On the consumer side, the company is pursuing a multi-brand strategy to cater to diverse customer needs. In the B2B arena, Montway aims to solidify its position as a leader through strategic acquisitions and continued investment in technology.

“Our goal is to be the largest and best in the industry,” says Anguiano. “But it’s not just about size; it’s about being the partner of choice for our customers and setting new standards for service and innovation.”

One of Montway’s key differentiators is its obsessive focus on customer experience. From the moment a customer interacts with the brand, they are guided through a transparent, stress-free process. This approach has earned the company hundreds of thousands of five-star reviews.

“Moving a vehicle is a big deal,” explains Gartland. “For many people, their car is their second most valuable asset after their home. Our job is to ensure they feel confident and supported every step of the way.”

Anguiano highlights the importance of consistency in pricing. “We were one of the first in the industry to offer instant quotes. More importantly, we stick to those quotes. Pricing transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of long-term customer relationships.”

The Road Ahead

As Montway looks to the future, the company’s leadership remains focused on blending innovation with a relentless commitment to excellence. From expanding its footprint in the B2B space to refining the customer journey, the company is poised to lead the industry into its next chapter.

“We want to create value for everyone involved—our customers, employees, and shareholders,” says Gartland. “If we can achieve that while staying true to our values, then we’ve truly succeeded.”

Anguiano underscores Montway’s readiness to embrace change and seize opportunities in a transforming industry. He highlights the company’s commitment to executing a strategic plan designed to solidify its leadership position. By staying ahead of industry shifts, Montway aims to remain a dominant force in the auto transport sector.

Eftimov adds, “Our focus on technology will continue to drive our growth. Whether it’s automating processes for dealerships or providing real-time tracking for consumers, we’re committed to pushing the industry forward.”

What makes Montway truly remarkable is its ability to combine the agility of a startup with the strategic foresight of an industry giant. Under Gartland’s leadership, supported by Anguiano and Eftimov, the company has become a model of what’s possible when vision, culture, and execution align. It’s clear that Montway is not just moving cars, they are moving an industry forward and are doing so with people, passion, and purpose.