Hodges Trucking Company

History

Hodges Trucking has a rich history that spans more than 75 years. Founded in 1932 by Bill Hodges, the company started business with only three trucks in the height of the Great Depression.

Hodges’ three sons, Jack, J.D. and Clarence, learned the business from the ground up, starting as “swampers” or general helpers. The three brothers climbed the company ladder and purchased the business from their father in 1964.

Hodges continued to set new standards for the Oklahoma oilfield and trucking industry by bringing in large mobile cranes to streamline the process of transporting rigs from one location to another. Over time, the company expanded and began to transport a variety of equipment including trains, bridges and airplanes. It adopted the slogan, “If there is anything that can be moved, we can move it.”

A new manufacturing and maintenance facility was completed in September 1975. The facility, which also served as Hodges’ corporate headquarters, doubled in size just a few months later. A heavy haul division was added in 1991, enabling the company to transport loads in excess of 500,000 pounds.

Since January 2006, Hodges has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation. Joe and Jimmy Hodges currently lead the company, now in its fourth generation of family management. Through the efforts of generations of dedicated employees, Hodges has grown into one of the largest heavy equipment transportation firms in the world. With a fleet of more than 130 trucks and 13 cranes, Hodges has terminals in Elk City, Enid, Woodward, Wilburton and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Bryan and Alvarado, Texas.

Look over the timeline below to see the history of Hodges Trucking.

1932: Hodges Trucking is founded by Bill Hodges, specializing in moving oilfield equipment.
1935: Hodges increases its fleet of trucks to 12.
1964: Bill Hodges sells the business to his sons, they incorporate the company and Jack Hodges is elected president.
1968: Hodges adopts a new philosophy: “If there is anything that can be moved, we can move it.” This takes Hodges into the heavy haul industry, moving trains, bridges and airplanes.
1975: The company moves into new headquarters just miles from downtown Oklahoma City.
1976: New maintenance and welding shops are constructed totaling 40,000 square feet. Jimmy Hodges joins the company to head trucking operations.
1977: Hodges doubles in size with the acquisition of J.D. Hodges Trucking Co., increasing their fleet to 95 trucks. Bob Amyx joins the company as vice-president and CFO.
1978: Core Oil and Gas Corporation is founded to drill prospects for Hodges to service.
1980: Joe Hodges joins the company.
1981: Hodges purchases four rock crushers and places them strategically throughout Oklahoma. This ensures easy access to rock for the construction of rig foundations.
1982: Hodges and Core Oil and Gas Corporation employ a total of 450 employees, 194 trucks, 124 fleet vehicles, 33 cranes, 22 forklifts, 13 drilling rigs, six bulldozers and two road graders.
1983: The oil bust of the 1980s hits hard. Hodges sells Core Oil and Gas Corporation and focuses on the trucking business.
1991: A heavy haul division is added to Hodges’ fleet. The ability to move loads in excess of 500,000 pounds gives the company an edge over their competition.
2006: Hodges becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
2007: Hodges celebrates 75 years as a leader in the transportation industry.
2012: Hodges is now one of the largest rig-moving fleets in the nation with more than 280 trucks, 35 forklifts and 30 cranes. Hodges celebrates 80 years as a leader in the transportation industry and unveiled a new logo.