This past March, at the Mid-America Trucking Show, the American Historical Truck Society had the first ever trailer ever produced by Talbert Manufacturing on exhibit. This 80 year old piece of equipment gave attendees a chance to get an up-close and personal look at the trailer that would set in motion a legacy of innovative and reliable heavy-haul solutions from then on out. The VP of sales and marketing, Troy Geisler, even made an appearance to share the history of the trailer, which made it’s humble debut in 1938, as well as the innovations pioneered by founder, Austin Talbert, that would follow for years to come.
“Talbert has been developing heavy-haul solutions for 80 years, and this event was a great way to recognize how Austin and his inventions helped shaped the industry.”
- Troy Geisler, VP of sales and marketing
Austin Talbert started the company as a heavy haul, crane rental and construction equipment business in Lyons, Illinois. He quickly became known as a pioneer in heavy-haul trailer safety when he built the first-ever trailer with removable rear suspension. The 60-ton fixed gooseneck unit, which was featured at the MATS, revolutionized the way heavy equipment was loaded and unloaded. Users could remove the rear axles, set the trailer’s back end on the ground, and maneuver equipment onto the deck of the trailer without having to hoist it over the tires and axles as with previous models. This enhanced safety by leaps and bounds.
“Our mission is to preserve the history of the trucking industry and the innovations that have brought it to where it is today. It’s great to see companies like Talbert do the same and honor where this industry came from.”
- Mark Schroyer, American Truck Historical Society VP
Arnold Braasch, 88, who has held several roles with Talbert since he was 16 and continues to contribute to company’s day-to-day operations, co-founded the American Truck Historical Society and has served as president. Braasch is currently on the Society’s board of directors. The society often features rare and vintage models of equipment in its booth during the MATS. This is the first time the organization has displayed a company’s original heavy-haul trailer.
Since the launch of its first trailer, the Talbert name has become synonymous with many other industry innovations, including removable goosenecks and beam deck units. The company continues Austin Talbert’s legacy with its comprehensive approach to trailer design, which ensures every part of Talbert’s design and manufacturing process contribute to solving customer’s challenges.