A practical history of Western Canadian transportation, oilfield logistics, resilience, and service.
A practical history of Western Canadian transportation, oilfield logistics, resilience, and service.
1965
March 1
Victor Ringuette and his friend, Andy Beaupre, formed a partnership and began B&R Transport. They each borrowed $2,500 from their mother's pay and made a deal to purchase trucks from a seller in Camrose.
1965
First Loads and First Fleet
They pulled their first loads from Edmonton. The early days were not easy, but by the end of the first year, B&R had grown to a fleet of five or six trucks.
1965
Working From Home
In the beginning, B&R's office was located in Victor's home. His wife handled reception, secretarial work, accounting, and even the janitorial duties. Pro-bills were completed by hand by 7:00am, with no typewriter, no adding machine, and long columns of numbers added by hand every month.
1968
Bonnyville Trucking
B&R bought Bonnyville Trucking's business, marking an early step in the company's growth.
1972
Cold Lake Expansion
B&R purchased its land and building, expanded into Cold Lake, and established its long-standing relationship with RCAF Station Cold Lake, now known as 4 Wing Cold Lake.
1974
A New Chapter for Ownership
Wanting to try his hand at other things, Andy Beaupre sold his half of B&R to Victor and left the community. That same year, Victor and seven other truckers created Central Truck Depot in Edmonton.
1977
Martin's Transport
B&R bought Martin's Transport in Cold Lake and, for a time, continued operating under the Martin's name. It was a smart business move that helped serve more customers and strengthen the company's local position.
1978
Eckel's Transport
B&R purchased Eckel's Transport in Goodsoil. The company name was changed as B&R's service reach continued to grow.
1978
Elk Point and Bonnyville Growth
B&R bought Bill Fox in Elk Point and expanded freight service from that terminal. Around the same time, the company also bought BM Transport in Bonnyville.
1979
Pierceland and Oilfield Work
B&R purchased Pollock's Transport in Pierceland. By the late 1970s, the company was becoming increasingly involved in the oilfield industry.
1983
Fire and Recovery
A fire destroyed 11 trucks and the entire maintenance shop. Victor Ringuette kept the business moving, rented shop space within days, and operations carried on.
1986
Edmonton Terminal Demand
B&R hauled approximately 50 loads out of its Edmonton Terminal, showing the scale the business had reached before the downturn.
1986
Riding the Rough Road
Oil prices bottomed out and the company faced difficult conditions. B&R parked trucks, sold what equipment it could, and held on through a hard market without giving up.
1987
The Economy Turns
The oil sector rebounded and the economy turned the corner. B&R survived the downturn and continued moving forward.
1991
Freight Division Rebuilt
B&R re-established its freight division and Victor bought back his shares in Central Truck Depot.
1998
Pipe Yard Established
B&R established its pipe yard to warehouse and transport pipe for numerous customers in the oil sector.
1998
Major, Saskatchewan
A small oilfield terminal was established in Major, Saskatchewan, expanding the company's regional support for oilfield customers.
2000
Cruthers' Transport
B&R acquired the assets of Cruthers' Transport in Vermilion.
2000
Edmonton Office and Shop
B&R Eckel's opened its own office and shop in Edmonton. Before this, the business had operated out of an office at Central.
2001
Lloydminster Expansion
B&R purchased Roy's Trucking, a small picker operation in Lloydminster. The operation expanded considerably, and freight service was also developed in Lloydminster.
2001
Thorhild Trucking
Thorhild Trucking was added to B&R's fleet.
2004
Wainwright Freight Service
A small freight service was set up in Wainwright.
2007
Hi-Way 28 Transport
B&R acquired the transportation assets of Hi-Way 28 Transport in St. Paul.
2008
Bison Transport Assets
B&R acquired the assets of Bison Transport in Wainwright.
2008
Arly's / Rocky Transport
B&R acquired the assets of Arly's / Rocky Transport in Calgary, Red Deer, and Rocky Mountain House.
2011
Boyle Transportation
B&R acquired the assets of Boyle Transportation.
2015
Eastline Transfer
B&R acquired the assets of Eastline Transfer in Vegreville.
2020
Pack Mule Cartage
B&R acquired the assets of Pack Mule Cartage in Vermilion.
2021
Remembering Victor Ringuette
Founder and President Victor Ringuette passed away in November, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, service, and hard work.
2023
Mullen Group Ltd.
B&R Eckel's was acquired by Mullen Group Ltd., beginning a new chapter in the company's history.
2025
60 Years of Service
B&R Eckel's celebrated 60 years of service, recognizing six decades of growth, resilience, and commitment to customers across Western Canada.
2026
New Brand Launch
B&R Eckel's launched its new brand, carrying its history forward while looking to the future.
