R&D Transport, Inc. began operation on July 20, 1981 in Brownsburg, Indiana. The principals, brothers Rex and Dan Hockaday, had similar backgrounds in the trucking industry, thus the name R&D Transport, Inc.
The company started with five drivers, two of which were Rex and Dan, and one office administrator/dispatcher, Rex’s wife Fredda. They started with three trucks which hauled gasoline and diesel. Throughout the years, the products hauled expanded into many different petroleum based liquids.
In 1982, Rex and Dan’s father Reo, joined R&D Transport, Inc., and added a sister company, Transport Service. This company repairs transport tanks for R&D and many other companies. Transport Service currently holds an “R” rating as a required credential for welding.
During 1993 and 1994 both Rex and Reo passed away, leaving Dan Hockaday as the President of both companies. Although times were rough, both companies prospered. R&D Transport, Inc., currently operates 32 company trucks and and has 50 employees. Due to continued growth for both companies, in April 1996 R&D Transport, Inc. was relocated to Clermont, Indiana while Transport Service remained at the original Brownsburg location.
In 2012, with the retirement of Dan Hockaday approaching, Cathy Reed, daughter of Rex Hockaday and company controller for 20 years, purchased R&D Transport, Inc. The company started as a family owned business and is proud to continue operating with a family oriented atmosphere.