Transportation Solutions Built Around Your Business
For more than seven decades, businesses throughout the Chicago metropolitan area have trusted Carmichael to keep their fleets moving safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. As a family-owned transportation company and proud NationaLease member, we provide much more than commercial trucks. We deliver responsive service, experienced fleet support and practical solutions tailored to the way each customer operates.
Whether you need one vehicle or support for an entire commercial fleet, our goal is to simplify transportation management so you can concentrate on your core business. Carmichael NationaLease brings truck leasing, rentals, maintenance, and repair, together through one dependable relationship.
A Multi-Generational Legacy
Serving Chicago's Business Transportation Needs
An early photograph of our founders (pictured from left to right): Mike Bechina (Sr.), Mike Bechina, Jr. and Mel Bechina.
Carmichael NationaLease was founded in 1951 by Michael Bechina and Carl Arridia. The company name itself reflects that partnership—Carl and Michael forming “Carmichael.” Shortly after its founding, Carl exited the business, and Michael, alongside his wife Irene, assumed full leadership of the company.
Together, they built a strong family foundation, raising three children—Marylou, Mel, and Mike Jr. (identical twins)—who began working in the business in the late 1960s. Their involvement marked the beginning of Carmichael’s multi-generational legacy.
In 1972, Carmichael Truck Leasing was officially established, laying the groundwork for the company’s long-term growth in the transportation industry. Continued expansion led to the construction of the current headquarters at 2200 S. Loomis in 1980. By 1991, a major facility expansion doubled both office and maintenance space to support increasing customer demand.
To further enhance its service capabilities, Carmichael became an affiliate of NationaLease in 2004—the largest full-service truck leasing organization in North America, comprised of over 150 independent businesses. This partnership allows Carmichael to deliver the personalized service of a local company with the resources and reach of a national network.
Built on Performance, Not Promises
“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” The principle behind Henry Ford’s familiar observation continues to reflect Carmichael’s approach: earn trust through dependable service, consistent follow-through and results.
Personal Service
A Family-Owned Company Focused on Customer Relationships
The third generation of leadership began early, as Max Bechina, son of Mel, started working in the business in the mid-1980s and joined full-time in 1993. Today, Carmichael is led by President Max Bechina, who continues the company’s long-standing tradition of hands-on, family-driven leadership. Mel, Marylou, and Mike Jr. have since retired, leaving a legacy of dedication and growth that continues to shape the organization.
Company President Maximillian M. Bechina shakes hands with his father, Melvin J. Bechina, as he assumes the helm of Carmichael NationaLease in 2021—the same leadership role his father held for the previous half century.
From Food Distribution to Manufacturing
Carmichael Trucks Keep Chicago Businesses Moving
Carmichael has built a diverse and loyal customer base that includes Chicago-area manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and other businesses with demanding transportation needs. The company is especially well known for its expertise in food distribution and refrigerated transportation, serving the region’s wholesale meat, fish, and produce markets. From the historic Union Stock Yards to today’s Chicago International Produce Market—and businesses throughout the region—Carmichael has remained closely connected to the industries that keep Chicago’s economy moving.
Another important factor in Carmichael’s success is its exceptional employee retention. Many team members have been with the company for 20 to 30 years or more, across both office and maintenance operations. Leadership maintains a highly engaged presence, regularly walking the shop floor, fostering an open-door culture, and building personal relationships with employees.
Much like Carmichael itself, many of its customers are family-owned, multi-generational businesses rooted in Chicago. These companies rely on dependable, personalized service—and that is where Carmichael continues to excel. By combining deep industry experience, long-standing relationships, and a commitment to customer care, Carmichael delivers a level of service only a local, family-owned business can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Carmichael NationaLease
What transportation services does Carmichael NationaLease provide?
Carmichael provides commercial truck leasing, long- and short-term truck rentals, fleet maintenance, truck repair, and used truck sales. Services can be combined to create a solution tailored to a customer’s fleet and operation.
What does Carmichael’s NationaLease membership mean for customers?
NationaLease membership allows Carmichael to pair personalized local service with access to a broad North American support network, including 24/7 emergency breakdown assistance for vehicles traveling beyond the Chicago area.
Can Carmichael help manage an entire commercial fleet?
Yes. Depending on the customer’s needs, Carmichael can provide integrated support involving equipment, maintenance, fuel, insurance, licensing, permitting and transportation management. The objective is to improve efficiency while allowing customers to focus on their core business.
Does Carmichael serve businesses throughout the Chicago area?
Yes. Carmichael works with commercial customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and supports a range of transportation requirements, including local delivery, refrigerated operations, fleet leasing, maintenance and logistics.
Let’s Build a Better Fleet Together
Talk with Carmichael NationaLease about truck leasing, fleet maintenance, rentals, repair or a customized transportation solution for your business.
To further enhance its service capabilities, Carmichael became an affiliate of NationaLease in 2004—the largest full-service truck leasing organization in North America, comprised of over 150 independent businesses. This partnership allows Carmichael to deliver the personalized service of a local company with the resources and reach of a national network.
