Columbia company taps Springfield market

White Knight Transportation is ready to begin construction of its second office, near I-44 between Springfield and Strafford. Owner Tim Littell said he hopes for a May 1 opening.

The coach and luxury transportation provider first entered the Springfield scene with a contract with Missouri State University’s athletic department. White Knight has been transporting the school’s teams and visiting teams to games since fall 2005, Littell said.

That contract, along with similar deals with the University of Missouri in Columbia and Rolla, has kept White Knight busy enough to expand its operations.

Littell said he also was attracted to Springfield because of the heavy traffic the city receives from Branson. White Knight is working with local tour companies to package trips to and from the Branson area.

The new 6,000-square-foot building will have office space as well as shop space for White Knight’s fleet. Littell estimates he will hire between 10 and 15 employees for maintenance, vehicle detailing and driving. Several positions have been filled.

Littell did not disclose projected construction costs or the value of the MSU contract.

White Knight began in 1991 with Littell and his brother Ted – and one limousine. Since then, the company has amassed a 22-vehicle fleet that includes an executive coach with bunk beds and a leather sofa, passenger coaches holding up to 56 people, sedans, limousines and a glass-ceiling motor coach.