58 Years of History... And Counting.
B&R Eckel’s has a robust history founded on humble roots. Over the years, B&R Eckel’s has grown to be a leader in transportation service in the Freight and Oilfield industries across Western Canada.
They each borrowed $2500.00 from their mothers to pay for insurance, etc., and made a deal to purchase trucks from a fellow in Camrose.
They persevered and by the end of the first year, B&R had a fleet of 5 or 6 trucks.
In the beginning, B&R’s office was located in Victor’s home. His wife was the receptionist, the secretary, the accountant, and the janitor. Pro-bills were all done by hand and had to be completed by 7:00am. They had no typewriter and no adding machine. The long columns of numbers were added by hand every month.
The business did find its footing, though, and in….
Around this time, they began hauling in and out of Cold Lake. B&R also established its long-standing relationship with RCAF Station, Cold Lake – now known as 4 Wing, Cold Lake.
Victor is still part of the ownership team of Central Truck
This was a wise business move – those customers who did not want to haul with B&R were able to hire Martin’s instead. Everyone was happy and the business prospered.
The company name was changed to secure running rights in Saskatchewan.
Around the same time, B&R also bought out BM Transport in Bonnyville.
Late 70’s – B&R became involved in the Oilfield industry.
Sales continued to grow, but the years were not without some serious setbacks.
Adversity tends to bring out either the best or the worst in people. Victor Ringuette doesn’t fold – he focuses. Within days Victor had rented space for the shop and business carried on.
Early 80’s – B&R was hauling much of Imperial Oil’s freight and with the heavy speculation about oil development, the business expanded to be ready.
The “patch” did boom and B&R grew right along with it until the bust of 1986.
Those were hard times. Mr. Ringuette did what he had to do to “ride the rough road.”
He sold his freight division to Byers Transport. He sold what equipment he could. He sold his shares in the Depot. He just didn’t give up. Always a futurist, he believed that things would turn around if he could just “hold tight”.
And he was right.
B&R Eckel’s continued to grow……
Prior to this, the business had operated out of an office at Central.
That operation has expanded considerably since then. A freight service was also developed in Lloydminster.
Currently, B&R Eckel’s Transport Ltd. employs approximately 420 people and its fleet consists of 400 power units and 975 trailing equipment units.
Management of the company is assumed by a Management Committee.