Dayton Freight shipping company to build depot off I-70 near Smithton

An Ohio-based freight company is moving into Westmoreland County and bringing at least 50 jobs with it.

Dayton Freight finalized the purchase of 31.5 acres at the Interstate 70 Industrial Park in South Huntingdon, according to Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. officials. The company, through Stream’s Edge Properties, paid $1.7 million for the parcel, according to a deed.

The company plans to build a 36,000-square-foot shipping cross-dock and 6,000-square-feet of office space. It operates less-than-truckload shipping services.

“This facility will play a critical role in strengthening our presence in Western Pennsylvania and enhancing direct service to major markets across Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and beyond,” Chief Operating Officer Anthony Rocco said in a statement.

Dayton Freight will join Dick’s Sporting Goods and Levin Furniture, among others, at the industrial park close to the Smithton interchange on Interstate 70.

Dayton Freight is based in Dayton, Ohio, and employs more than 6,000 people. It operates in more than a dozen states, including two locations in Pennsylvania — Bedford and McKees Rocks.

The South Huntingdon facility will employ drivers, forklift operators, office staff and leadership when it opens in 2027. Construction is expected to start in the spring. Chase Construction of Nashville, Tenn. will be general contractor.

“It’s exciting to welcome another company that recognizes the strategic advantages of doing business here in Westmoreland County,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said.

The access to Interstate 70 is valuable to companies like Dayton Freight, Commissioner Doug Chew said.

“The park already supports high-volume operations … and Dayton Freight seems well-suited to thrive in that location,” he said.

The 200-acre I-70 Industrial Park is home to eight companies and has just one parcel left, an 11.2-acre lot. About 850 people work there. Commissioner Ted Kopas pointed to space available at a similar park with access to Interstate 70 — Commerce Crossing.

“That combination of on-corridor siting and shovel-readiness is what project teams are prioritizing,” he said.