Bulk trailblazer: Industry mourns Schaupp’s passing
Tank truckers are mourning the loss of a female industry trailblazer.
Joan Pomprowitz Schaupp grew up in trucking and in 1962 joined LCL Transit—which developed into LCL Bulk Transport—as director, secretary, and treasurer after the death of her father, Joseph Pomprowitz, who founded LCL in 1926. She went on to devote more than 60 years to the company, eventually succeeding her husband, Robert Schaupp, as chairman in 2018.
Joan died July 20 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was 92 years old.
“She was always looking toward the future, and always challenging the company to be better,” Hans Schaupp, LCL president and Joan’s son, told Bulk Transporter. “She was just a very intelligent person who thrived in what was a man’s world—and she excelled at navigating it.”
Initially seeking a journalism career, Joan spent a year as an editor with the Green Bay Press-Gazette before officially entering the family’s business—which early on operated out of the Pomprowitz’s home—and remained a prolific author and freelance contributor throughout her faith-driven life. She eventually rose to director of P&S Investment, LCL’s parent company, in 1982 and vice chairman in 1994, while also serving as director of strategic planning.
“Joan embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our industry,” NTTC stated in a message to members. “As board secretary and later chairman, she played a vital leadership role in LCL’s growth and evolution. Her legacy is one of vision, service, and enduring dedication—not only to the business her family built, but also to the community and values that shaped her.”
Joan’s life-long passion for learning included pursuing her interests in publishing, gardening, theology, and philanthropy—and attending every NTTC educational session and committed meeting she could make. Robert, her husband of 67 years who died in 2024, served as NTTC chairman in 1990-91, and Hans followed in his father’s footsteps as NTTC chair in 2012-13. “She’d say, ‘Why would I go on the women’s tour when I could learn?’” Hans recalled.
U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, a Republican who represents Wisconsin’s 8th district, plans to fly a flag in Joan’s honor at the Capitol on Sept. 29, which would have been the matriarch’s 93rd birthday, Hans shared. The family had hoped to present the flag to her Dec. 13 during a special event at Lambeau Field marking the food-grade hauler’s upcoming 100th anniversary.
The family-owned carrier’s corporate headquarters remain in Green Bay.
“It’s heartbreaking she won’t be there to celebrate it,” Hans said. “She was such a big part of this company her whole life.”
About the Author
Jason McDaniel
Jason McDaniel, based in the Houston TX area, has more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning journalist. He spent 15 writing and editing for daily newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle, and began covering the commercial vehicle industry in 2018. He was named editor of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines in July 2020.