About Us

History

international-truck-HX-series-heavy-haul-dump-cement-truck 3Five Star International Trucks, Inc. was formed by Peter F. Scheler in 1974 in Erie, PA, where the company quickly became the premier transportation solutions provider in Northwestern Pennsylvania. After numerous expansions and improvements, Five Star received one of the highest honors given to International truck dealers, the Circle of Excellence award. This became a string of consecutive awards offered by Navistar.

In September of 1997, Five Star International, LLC was formed as a Limited Liability Company owned by Peter F. Scheler and his sons Frederick P. Scheler and John A. Scheler. This LLC would embrace the opportunity to purchase assets of the former International dealer in Harrisburg, PA.

The formation of Five Star International, LLC led to a multitude of acquisitions and dealer enhancements. By July of 2006, Five Star would cover the majority of Pennsylvania with seven locations: Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, Reading, Williamsport, and York. Five Star would partner with numerous affiliates, including Idealease, Isuzu, Workhorse, and Continental Mixer; parts would grow to become the largest International Parts Department in the Northeast; and Five Star would strive to be the most customer-focused, innovative commercial truck dealership in North America.

History

Five Star International Trucks, Inc. was formed by Peter F. Scheler in 1974 in Erie, PA, where the company quickly became the premier transportation solutions provider in Northwestern Pennsylvania. After numerous expansions and improvements, Five Star received one of the highest honors given to International truck dealers, the Circle of Excellence award. This became a string of consecutive awards offered by Navistar.
In September of 1997, Five Star International, LLC was formed as a Limited Liability Company owned by Peter F. Scheler and his sons Frederick P. Scheler and John A. Scheler. This LLC would embrace the opportunity to purchase assets of the former International dealer in Harrisburg, PA.

The formation of Five Star International, LLC led to a multitude of acquisitions and dealer enhancements. By July of 2006, Five Star would cover the majority of Pennsylvania with seven locations: Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, Reading, Williamsport, and York. Five Star would partner with numerous affiliates, including Idealease, Isuzu, Workhorse, and Continental Mixer; parts would grow to become the largest International Parts Department in the Northeast; and Five Star would strive to be the most customer-focused, innovative commercial truck dealership in North America.

international-truck-HX-series-heavy-haul-dump-cement-truck 3
Over the next decade, Five Star grew its footprint throughout Pennsylvania, growing to 10 locations and more than 350 team members. In 2022, Five Star International officially joined Ascendance Truck Centers, instantly making the organization a leading provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial trucking needs.
Today, Ascendance Truck Centers focuses on innovation and customer satisfaction, setting us apart from the competition. We invest in the latest tools, technology, and training to provide cutting-edge services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of the trucking industry. Our team of highly skilled experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional support and service, ensuring that your fleet is maintained and repaired to the highest standards.

Timeline of Events

Present Day

Today, Ascendance serves more geography and customers through our 10 locations in Pennsylvania – more than any other International truck dealer in the state. Our more than 350 team members are dedicated to taking care of our customers and making them strong and profitable by running the best trucks with the best support behind them.
Present Day

2022

Five Star International officially joins Ascendance Truck Centers.
2022

2021

Five Star International receives the 2021 International Truck Presidential Award for the fifth consecutive year. The only dealership to achieve this accomplishment.

2021

2021

Five Star International acquired the dealer in Lewistown, PA. Included in this acquisition was an additional branch in Milesburg, PA focused on parts sales and distribution.

2021

2021

Five Star International was awarded the King of Prussia territory by Navistar.

2021

2020

Five Star International was named the 2020 North American Dealer of the Year by International Truck and Navistar. This prestigious award recognizes top International dealers for their commitment to provide industry-leading uptime and unparalleled performance in annual sales, service and customer satisfaction. It is the highest honor International Trucks bestows upon its dealerships.

2020

2020

Five Star International receives the 2020 International Truck Presidential Award for the fourth consecutive year.

2020

2020

Five Star International acquired the dealer in Johnstown, PA.

2020

2019

Five Star International receives the 2019 International Truck Presidential Award for the third consecutive year.

2019

2018

Five Star International receives the 2018 International Truck Presidential Award for the second consecutive year.

2018

2017

Five Star International receives the 2017 International Truck Presidential Award for first time.

2017

2006

Five Star launched its largest endeavor to date with the opening of its brand-new facility in Lancaster County. This 31,000 square foot facility located in in Mount Joy was designed for customers to get in and out with ease. With 16 service bays and an extensive parts inventory, Five Star can serve Lancaster County with ample room for growth.

2006

2006

The International dealer in Williamsport was purchased in May of 2006. With this acquisition, Five Star began to service Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, and more counties from this location.

2006

2004

Five Star International purchased the dealer in Allentown, PA. This would become the fifth full-service location in the Five Star family. This location on the border of Allentown and Bethlehem serves Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and northern Bucks counties.

2004

2003

Navistar awarded the territory of Lancaster County, PA to Five Star International. Until 2006 Five Star would service this territory from Harrisburg, Reading, and York.

2003

2002

Five Star was awarded Schuylkill County by Navistar. This county is now served from Reading and the Lehigh Valley branches.

2002

2001

Five Star International added a 12,000 square-foot, full-service heavy truck body shop in Erie on its existing site.

2001

1999

Five Star International, LLC purchased the International Dealer who had locations in Hanover and York, PA. Five Star companies became one of the largest International Dealers in Pennsylvania. Five Star later consolidated the Hanover operations into the York operation.

1999

1997

Five Star International, LLC was formed as a Limited Liability Company owned by Peter F. Scheler and his sons Frederick P. Scheler and John A. Scheler. This LLC purchased the assets of the former International Dealer in Harrisburg and Reading, PA.

1997

1995

Five Star International was awarded one of the highest honors given to International truck dealers, the Circle of Excellence award. This became the first of a string of consecutive awards stretching to present day.

1995

1990

Five Star relocated to a new 20,000 Square Foot Facility on 90 acres owned by Peter F. Scheler at the Intersection of I-90 & Rt. 8 in Erie, PA. This new location enabled Five Star to grow into the premier transportation solutions provider in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

1990

1984

Five Star became a member of the Idealease Cooperative of International Truck Dealers throughout North America. Full-Service Truck Leasing, Truck Rentals, and Contract Maintenance were added to Five Star’s capabilities.

1984

1974

Five Star International, Inc. was formed – Peter F. Scheler purchased the Erie, PA branch of the International Harvester Company.

1974