About US

Central States Bus Sales, Inc. is a dealer for several manufacturers of new and used school, shuttle and transit buses.  We are the largest Blue Bird school bus dealer in the country.  With six full-service locations staffed with ASE certified service technicians and a complete line of parts available for quick shipping, we’ll help keep your fleet in top condition.

Headquartered in Fenton, MO, with locations in Oswego, IL; North Little Rock, AR; Lexington, KY; Lebanon, TN; and Prattville, AL, we are a distributor for several manufacturers of buses and related equipment. We provide new and used Blue Bird school buses, used school buses and lease return buses from other manufacturers such as Thomas Buses and International Buses. Our commercial lines include shuttle buses, paratransit vehicles, cutaways, transit buses, ADA compliant buses and vans, special needs vehicles, lift vehicles, mobility vehicles and specialty vehicles and serve the needs of schools, churches, daycares, retirement communities, transit services, airport, parking, casinos and more in the South and Midwest.
Our six facilities have full-service repair centers with trained ASE Certified technicians providing the best possible service support in a timely manner.  We are an authorized Full-Service Cummins dealer for all bus repairs, maintenance, technical support and warranty needs.

We stock a huge parts inventory in 6 parts warehouses in the South and Midwest offering a complete line of parts and accessories for the buses we provide.  At Central States, it is our goal to make sure you get the right part, at the right price, the first time.

For over 50 years, Central States Bus Sales has committed to providing outstanding products and services to our customers and focus every day on fulfilling our mission to “PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS THAT ENRICH THE LIVES OF PEOPLE”.  Thank you for your confidence in Central States as your transportation partner.

Timeline

Present Day

Today, Central States Bus Sales has six facilities in Fenton, MO; Oswego, IL; North Little Rock, AR; Lexington, KY; Lebanon, TN; and Prattville, AL. Central States Bus Sales has partnered with many of the best manufacturers and vendors available in the transportation industry to provide dedicated transportation solutions through exceptional service.

2025

Growth Into Alabama

In 2025, Central States celebrated 50 years and opened a new facility in Prattville, AL for newly acquired Blue Bird Alabama territory.
2022

IL Location Expands

IL location builds a larger facility in Oswego, IL

2017

Missouri Location Moves to New Building

Missouri operations moved to a new facility located at 1200 Sugar Creek Square, Fenton, MO, 63026.
2014

Central States Opens Fifth Facility

On November 1, 2014 Central States opened its fifth facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
2006

Central States Becomes Blue Bird’s Largest Distributor

In May 2006, Central States acquired more territory, making Central States the Blue Bird distributor for the entire State of Illinois and Blue Bird’s largest distributor. In August 2006 the Chicago office in Big Rock, Illinois made its debut.
2004

Acquisition of Tennessee
and Kentucky

In 2004, Central States acquired additional Blue Bird sales territory for the states of Tennessee and Kentucky and built a new sales and service facility in Lebanon, Tennessee.
2000

Arkansas Facility Built

In 2000, growth continued and a larger Arkansas facility was built in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
1998

Fenton Facility Expanded

In 1998, the Fenton facility was expanded to include two additional service bays, a parts warehouse, and more office space.
1997

Additional Territory Acquired

In 1997, additional territory representing Blue Bird was added to include the remainder of Missouri and the state of Arkansas.
1985

Continued Growth of Product Lines

By 1985, the company had distribution agreements with several other bus and wheelchair lift manufacturers, a sales and service facility was built in Fenton, MO and the name was changed to Central States Bus Sales.
1980

New Territory and Product Line

In 1980, additional Blue Bird territory was acquired to include the majority of Missouri and Southern Illinois and another product line was added, becoming one of the original distributors for ElDorado National.
1975

Early Days

Central States Bus Sales began in 1975 as a school bus sales distributorship representing the Blue Bird Body Corporation for Northeastern Missouri.