THE HISTORY OF HEYL
1949
Humble Beginnings
Founder Don Heyl began his career in trucking in 1949 with a single gravel truck.
Not long after, Don decided to branch into the temperature controlled sector of transportation. He found himself hauling produce, primarily watermelons, out of Texas. In 1957, he hauled his first cross border load from Texas into Canada.
The cross-border work really began to flourish not long after, and the business began to grow rapidly.
1963
Flourishing Business
By 1963, Heyl was operating 35 trucks and 85 trailers.
It was at this time that Don came off the road to manage the business. He will tell you even to this day that that was the hardest thing he ever had to do.
During the late 60s and 70s, 4 of Don’s children joined the company - sons Roger, Alan, Scott, and David.
Roger and Scott have since retired, David works within our Operations department and Alan serves as our current CEO.
1987
Continued Growth
In 1987, Heyl opened a terminal in Edmonton, Albert, which was later moved to Calgary and now resides in Okotoks, AB.
A year later, the company purchased Quasar out of Sioux Falls, SD. This location became our Sioux Falls terminal. At that time, we were operating 79 trucks.
Heyl underwent significant growth in the 90s and early 2000s. We opened terminals in Edinburg, TX and Zephyrhills, FL which allowed us to start regional fleets across the country. By 2009, we were operating about 350 trucks.
2023
Looking Toward the Future
Fast forward to today - Heyl Truck Lines is currently operating over 500 trucks and over 1,000 trailers. We continue to specialize in refrigerated and dry freight across the US and Canada.
We provide top of the line equipment to our drivers that comes equipped with all of the newest safety features and driver accommodations, and we have support staff in house around the clock.
Over the last few years, we have invested in a new operational software, built a brand new terminal in Okotoks, Alberta, upgraded our shops in Florida and Texas, and built a brand new, state-of-the-art, full service shop at our headquarters in Akron, IA. We also acquired Holiday Express of Estherville, IA in 2021 which opened up a new terminal in the state and allowed us to expand our freight lanes.
Here at Heyl, it is our goal to remain and industry leader and uphold our remarkable reputation with our customers and for our drivers. It is the same values that we have held from the beginning that will allow us to continue to flourish in the years to come.
Heyl Truck Lines has provided Award-Winning service
for over 70 years, and we plan to continue that into the future.
If you're interested in learning more about how you can become a part of the Heyl Family or interested in shipping freight with a Top Carrier in the industry, drop us a line. Our team is excited to speak with you.
Heyl Truck Lines
200 Norka Dr.
Akron, IA 51001
800-234-4395