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THE HOEKSTRA TRANSPORTATION STORY

Family-owned and operated for over 90 years!

Since 1928, we’ve worked with trusted manufacturers to give you the best of the best for your projects and services.

We’re dedicated to providing our customers with a premium experience in customer service with the right people and the right products. At Hoekstra, customer satisfaction is our driving force.

Proud of our past. Dedicated to the present. Excited for the future.

During the early 1900’s John F Hoekstra worked on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company as a technician. He later decided to move to Grand Rapids and perform mechanic work on the side. As the demand for John F’s work increased, and local farmers started requesting equipment made to their specifications, the side work became more than just a side job. In 1928 John F decided to make his hobby a full time job, opening Hoekstra Truck Equipment, including parts, service and sales operations for work-ready trucks.

Hoekstra Company Overview

Hoekstra History Timeline

  • Hoekstra Truck Equipment Building

     - 1928

    John F Hoekstra opens Hoekstra Truck Equipment.

  •  - 1940

    Expands product offerings, becoming a Superior Bus Dealer and entering the school bus industry.

  •  - 1964

    Alfred Hoekstra, John F Hoekstra’s brother, acquires the business.

  • Hoekstra Moves to Coldbrook

     - 1973

    Moves from 18 Coldbrook NW to 260 36th St location.

  •  - 1978

    Expands product offerings further, becoming a StarTrans Dealer, entering the shuttle bus industry.

  •  - 1979

    John Hoekstra, Alfred’s son (named after his great uncle the founder John F. Hoekstra) acquires the business.

  •  - 1980

    Superior Bus is liquidated, presenting the opportunity to become a Thomas Built Buses dealer, representing the West Side of Michigan.

  •  - 1988

    Purchases Thomas Bus Sales of Michigan, gaining the East side of Michigan & becoming Thomas Built Buses sole dealer for the state of Michigan.

  •  - 1991

    Opening of second Hoekstra operation at 555 Oliver St. in Troy, Michigan.

  •  - 1994

    Hoekstra Leasing division established to meet the growing demands for full service lease and maintenance programs in the school bus transportation industry.

  •  - 1997

    In order to meet the needs and specifications of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the customers MDOT serves, Hoekstra becomes an Eldorado Dealer.

  •  - 1999

    Hoekstra Transportation is formed, a subsidiary of Hoekstra Truck Equipment. Hoekstra Transportation includes school bus and shuttle bus sales, service and parts.

  • Hoekstra Moves to Grand Rapids

     - 2000

    Opening of third Hoekstra operation at 3741 Roger B Chaffee Mem Blvd in Grand Rapids, MI to house the West Side of Michigan school bus and shuttle bus operations. Hoekstra Transportation is awarded Thomas Built Buses Dealer of the Year.

  •  - 2001

    In order to meet the growing demand for Commercial Vans, Hoekstra becomes a Freightliner Sprinter Dealer.

  • Hoekstra's Shuttle Bus Division Expands

     - 2012

    Mark & Tom Hoekstra, John Hoekstra’s sons, acquire business.

  •  - 2013

    Allied Specialty Vehicle (ASV), now REV Group, purchases Eldorado, allowing Hoekstra’s shuttle bus division to expand their product offerings to include the Federal Coach, Goshen Coach, Champion Bus, Collins Bus, and World Trans shuttle bus brands.

  •  - 2016

    Opening of Rentals Division to satisfy growing requests to rent 8 – 28 passenger commercial vans & shuttle buses.

  •  - 2018

    Acquires Mobility Transportation Services, expanding the shuttle bus product offerings further and becoming a MobilityTRANS, BraunAbility and Revability by VMI dealer.

  •  - 2020

    Acquires B&B Truck Equipment in Byron Center

  •  - 2023

    Opening of Mercedes-Benz Van Center – Grand Rapids.