H.A. DeHart and Son: Great Dane’s Longest-Running Dealership

In 1884, H.A. DeHart started building highly customized horse-drawn carriages in the Philadelphia area, mostly milk delivery wagons and beer wagons for local breweries. When motorized vehicles became available, the company began delivering produce.

 The company continued to evolve as transportation equipment advanced, adding refrigerated trailers to their equipment line. 

Today, H.A. DeHart is one of the largest transportation equipment distributors in the Mid-Atlantic region and the oldest Great Dane dealership in the United States.

We recently spent some time with Joe Tompkins, who began his career with the company more than thirty years ago and now serves as President of H.A. DeHart. Tompkins sat down with us to share what has kept the company’s drive alive for more than 100 years. 

Staying Strong Through the Decades

How can a company stay successful through decades of change? Tompkins says the way they do business has been the key to the company’s success. 

“We’re a very hands-on company. We started as a blacksmith shop, building and repairing equipment for local customers, and that same problem-solving mentality still exists today. Being employee-owned also creates a lot of pride in the work we do and how we take care of our customers,” Tompkins explained.

With each decade, H.A. DeHart has stayed strong even as the team had to navigate advancements in technology, changes in the industry, and evolving customer needs. Tompkins notes: 

“We’ve been willing to change with the industry while staying focused on quality products, good service, and long-term relationships. Diversifying our products and customer base has also helped us remain strong through different economic cycles.”

Looking Toward the Future

As Tompkins looks to the future, he sees even more changes on the horizon, but he says his team will be ready for what’s next.

“We expect to see more technology, data, electrification, and emphasis on efficiency. We’re preparing through employee training, stronger technical support, and partnerships with manufacturers that are developing practical solutions for customers,” he explained. 

“Technology, emissions requirements and customer expectations have all changed, but our approach has remained the same: learn the new equipment and help customers find what works best for their operation.” 

Partnering with Great Dane: Decades of Shared Success

In 1952, H.A. DeHart became a Great Dane dealer, selling durable trailers and truck bodies and providing aftermarket support their customers count on.

“Our partnership works because we both value quality and long-term customer support. Great Dane builds a strong product, and we provide the local sales, parts and service support behind it,” Tompkins said.

H.A. DeHart’s customers often agree about why they choose Great Dane trailers.

“Customers usually mention durability, quality of construction, and resale value,” Tompkins explained. “They also appreciate that Great Dane offers options for different applications and has a strong parts and service network behind the product.”

Customer Service That Stands the Test of Time

The best examples of customer success stories are those who have worked with H.A. DeHart through several generations of equipment. 

“We learn how their operation works, help them develop the right specifications, and continue supporting them after delivery. When they return for their next trailer or truck, that tells us we did our job,” he said.

When it comes to service and support, the H.A. DeHart team sees it as a priority rather than an afterthought.

“We view the sale as the beginning of the relationship, not the end,” Tompkins explained. “Our parts, service and warranty teams work together to keep customers operating and give them one local place to call when they need help.”

It’s no wonder H.A. DeHart has been successful for more than 100 years. By meeting their customers’ needs, they continue to demonstrate that lasting partnerships are built on trust, exceptional service, and a shared commitment to success.

If you’re in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. region and need a new or pre-owned Great Dane trailer, the team at H.A. DeHart is ready to help!

Located elsewhere? Check out our new and pre-owned trailers and truck bodies that are in stock and ready to go from our nationwide network.