For over 75 years Brockman Trucking has been a true family business based in the eastern metro.
For over 75 years Brockman Trucking has been a true family business based in the eastern metro.
Harvey and Evelyn Brockman were true entrepreneurs, owning a gas station and a grocery store while helping start the Oakdale Fire Department. Amidst all their work and contributions, it was the trucking business they founded in 1938 would provide for generations to come.
After starting out moving cattle, Harvey got his big break hauling freight for 3M during World War II. His work ethic and professionalism helped Brockman grow with 3M and eventually led to the storage business. His determination grew the business until he left it in the capable hands of his sons Jim and Tom Brockman.
Jim graduated from St. Thomas with an accounting degree, while Tom went to the University of Minnesota for psychology before they came to work full time at Brockman Trucking. Before long they switched the focus of the company from freight to storage solutions, growing to one of the largest businesses of its type in Minnesota with over 2,000 trailers.
The next generation of Brockmans is now in place and learning the business. Jim’s son Joe has a degree in logistics and supply chain management from Iowa State and hopes to help Jim retire someday. Joe is currently part owner and a driver. Tom’s daughter Jenny graduated with degrees in mathematics and chemical engineering from University of Minnesota, Duluth—she currently handles billing and coordinates shipments. She too hopes to take over for her father someday.
Brockman Trucking has come a long way since Harvey hit the road with his first load of cattle in 1938, but he would certainly be proud of the business it is today.
“I have been working with the Brockman group for 35 years here at the Incinerator in Cottage Grove. I have nothing but great things to say about all dealings we have had, and I would recommend them to anyone in need of their services. They have a very fast and efficient response time to any issues, and keep in great communication of things that are going on. ”
–David Kokkeler
“I have worked with Brockman Trucking for over 2 years. Throughout this time, I have found them to be consistent, trustworthy, and personable with every interaction. Shipments and rental of trailers flow seamlessly: scheduling is quick, communication is clear, trucking is reliable, invoicing is smooth, and the overall experience has always been positive. I look forward to continuing to work with Brockman for years to come. ”
–Ken Welander, Tech Dump
“I work for the commercial division at Pella Windows and Doors. Brockman Trucking has been a vital piece of our business’s success for more than a decade. Working with commercial projects, we often have multiple deliveries and trailers going out on the same day. For one day we had six trailers scheduled to go out for either a live unload or dropping off at a site location, Brockman didn’t miss a beat. We have never had an issue getting the number of trailers needed or with getting them to their destinations on time. Brockman Trucking has always been able to accommodate last minute changes, and their flexibility has helped keep our customers happy and our business running smoothly. If a site is unable to take their delivery, Brockman offers the convenience of storing the trailers at their property until needed. Ultimately, the great service we receive from Brockman makes my job easier. I know once I schedule a trailer, they will contact my customer with times and take it from there. They will exceed your expectations and offer a reasonable price.”
–Kayla, Commercial Project Coordinator, Pella