Have you ever considered what more than a hundred years of progress looks like? For us, this year is one for the books. We’re celebrating 125 years—a century and a quarter of dependability, innovation, resilience, and partnership in helping to shape the transportation industry.
That’s not just a number, it’s a testament to the people, partnerships, and progress that have brought us here.
Why It Matters: The Heart of 125 Years
What makes this milestone even more meaningful? It’s you—our customers, partners, and employees. Your trust has fueled our journey from an innovative idea in 1900 to becoming a trailblazer in transportation solutions today. With every innovation and challenge, you’ve been there, helping us live up to our promise of being “Tried and True.”
Rick Mullininx, our President and COO, puts it best: “Commemorating 125 years is more than a milestone. It’s a reflection of our resilience, adaptability, and commitment to our customers. While we’re proud of where we’ve been, we’re even more excited about where we’re going.”
What “Tried and True” Means Today
For us, being “Tried and True” means delivering solutions that stand the test of time while preparing you for what’s next:
- Quality You Can Trust: Every Great Dane trailer is designed for durability like our wood-free floor design in our Everest reefer, and more galvanized components across all models to resist corrosion and meet your fleet’s evolving needs.
- Safety You Can Rely On: From SLIPNOT anti-slip surfaces and Microban antimicrobial protection to the IHHS TOUGHGUARD award-winning RIG30 rear impact guard, ensuring the safety of your drivers and others on the road remains our top priority.
- Availability When You Need It: Our stock program ensures quick access to the equipment you need, keeping your operations running smoothly.
- Support You Can Count On: With responsive customer service and comprehensive aftermarket solutions, we ensure your fleet keeps moving, no matter the challenge.
“For more than a century, our focus has been on creating value for our customers. Through product innovation, streamlined service, and sustainability initiatives, we’re committed to delivering solutions that help our customers reach greater productivity,” said Chris Hammond, Great Dane’s EVP of Sales.
The Future Looks Great
While we’re proud of our past, we’re all about looking forward. Here’s what the next 125 years look like for us:
- Electrification Evolution: From electric-powered refrigeration units to zero-emission technologies, we’re helping fleets stay ahead of the curve.
- Serious About Sustainability: With smarter aerodynamics and renewable materials, we’re making strides toward a greener future.
- Less Weight. More Power: From connectivity to more lightweight trailers, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
More About Electrification |Learn About Our Sustainability Efforts
Looking Back to A History of Firsts
But what about our past? How has it shaped us to be innovative leaders for more than a hundred years?
In 1900, automobiles were just gaining traction, skyscrapers were redefining cities, and industries were growing faster than ever. Like most companies, the Steel Blowpipe Company, our original name, was founded with an idea—a solution to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
This innovative idea eventually helped to grow the American steel industry—and led to constructing flatbed trailers out of necessity.
Innovation Is in Our DNA
With the advent of the U.S. highway system, we expanded into dry freight products, and in the 1940s, we helped pioneer some of the first refrigerated trailers. Perfectly located in Savannah, GA, we revolutionized the movement of fresh produce from Florida to the Northeast, helping to transform cold chain logistics and setting a standard of innovation that drives us to this day.
From then on, every trailer and truck body we’ve built has combined craftsmanship, unique inventions, technology, and performance to deliver reliability for businesses across industries. Much more than a moving box, our trailers and truck bodies are partners in your success, equipped with patented technologies and backed by industry-leading support.
But our story goes beyond equipment, it’s about our people and our contributions to a vital part of modern life. Our solutions help serve as the backbone of countless industries, reliably moving everything from life-saving medicine to intricate equipment for Taylor Swift concerts.
During World War II, we responded to our country’s call, providing scores of heavy-duty trailers for the war effort, earning Great Dane the prestigious Army-Navy E For Excellence commendation. The diverse industries we support and the people we help reflect the critical role we play in ensuring the flow of goods that touch every corner of life.
Help Us Commemorate Our Milestone
Celebrating 125 years is just the beginning. We invite you to explore our story, dive into our innovations, and join us as we continue shaping the future of transportation.
When dependability is built into every trailer, the future looks great.
Learn about the ways Great Dane can help meet your trailer and truck body requirements.
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