Cornhusker 800

What Cornhusker 800 does

Cornhusker 800, legally operating as Truck Equipment Service Company (TESCO), is a privately-held Nebraska manufacturer founded in 1964 that designs and builds specialty commodity hopper bottom trailers, carbon black and silica trailers, aluminum truck dump bodies, rock pup chassis, and grain double converter-dolly systems from a single facility at 800 Oak Street, Lincoln, NE. The company's technical foundation is its proprietary use of high-test aluminum alloys combined with an extensive in-house library of custom aluminum extrusions; this produces one of the lightest-weight hopper trailers in the U.S. market (tandem axle units under 8,000 lbs empty and aggregate hoppers carrying 57,000+ lbs of payload inside typical 80,000-lb bridge limits). Each trailer is configured to buyer-specified length, side height, axle layout, hopper configuration, tarp and trap systems, lighting, and state regulatory requirements, with full air-ride suspension as standard and a 3-year warranty on new OEM-manufactured components.

Revenue is generated through three streams: new trailer hardware sales (factory direct from Lincoln and through 8 authorized dealers across IN, KS, MN, MT, NE, OH, OK, and WA), an aftermarket parts department (OEM and generic trailer parts shipped nationwide or picked up in-store), and a service department offering scheduled maintenance, drive-in repair, and warranty work. Disclosed new-unit ASPs range from roughly $34,000 for used/consignment units to about $78,700 for a 2026-model 3-axle 51-foot hopper, with new 2025–2026 tandem units clustering in the $53,500–$65,000 range after FET. The company has produced over 9,000 trailers since the first Cornhusker 800 unit was hand-built for Searcey Grain Company in 1968 and currently builds 120+ units per year.

Cornhusker 800 serves three primary use-case verticals: agricultural and grain haulers across the Great Plains (the dominant customer base), aggregate and construction material haulers (sand, gravel, rock), and a specialized niche of carbon black and silica powder carriers requiring water-tight trailer architecture. Marketing is executed through a content-driven website with a Request-a-Quote funnel, an active social presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and a regional dealer network; go-to-market combines factory-direct enterprise sales with dealer-led mid-market and SMB transactions. Leadership is held by President Rick Cole and Vice President Deb Cole, supported by functional heads of operations, production, sales, service, parts, purchasing, and accounting. The company has remained independent with no institutional capital, no disclosed M&A activity, and no parent entity.

Name

Cornhusker 800

Legal name

Truck Equipment Service Company

Website

https://cornhusker800.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cornhusker 800 (Truck Equipment Service Company) is a Lincoln, Nebraska manufacturer of lightweight aluminum alloy hopper bottom trailers, carbon black trailers, aluminum dump bodies, and rock pup chassis serving agricultural, aggregate, and industrial haulers across the United States and Canada through factory-direct sales and an 8-state authorized dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Trailer Manufacturing

NAICS

Truck Trailer Manufacturing (336212)

SIC

Truck Trailers (3715)

akta.pro primary industry

Truck Trailer Manufacturing (Dry Van/Reefer/Flatbed/Tanker) (IMACABAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Farm Transport & Hauling Equipment (Farm Trailers, Grain Carts, Wagons) (AFAAAAAD)

Keywords

• Hopper bottom trailers
• Aluminum dump bodies
• Commodity grain trailers
• Carbon black trailers
• Commercial trailer manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Lincoln

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Trailer Sales: Manufacture and sale of specialty commodity hopper grain trailers, aluminum dump bodies, rock pup trailers, carbon black trailers, aggregate hoppers, sand haulers, and combination trailers. Both new units with full warranty and used units sold as-is. Factory direct sales from Lincoln, NE facility.
2. Parts Department: Stocking and selling OEM and aftermarket parts including lighting, aluminum and steel materials, and replacement components. Parts available for pickup at storefront or shipped directly to customers.
3. Service Department: Trailer maintenance and repair services including scheduled service and drive-in service options. Warranty work performed by certified service shops and dealer partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cornhusker 800 manufactures specialty commodity hopper bottom trailers, carbon black and silica hopper trailers, aluminum truck dump bodies, and rock pup chassis from its Lincoln, Nebraska facility. Trailers are built primarily from high-test aluminum alloys with proprietary custom extrusions and full air ride suspension, producing some of the lightest-weight hopper trailers in the industry. The company sells new units factory direct, distributes through authorized dealer partners, and supports customers with a Parts Department and Service Department.

Product overview

Cornhusker 800 (also known as Truck Equipment Service Company) is a Nebraska-based manufacturer specializing in specialty commodity hopper bottom trailers, aluminum truck dump bodies, and rock pups with nearly 60 years of manufacturing experience. The company offers a portfolio of core trailer products including Tandem Axle Hopper Trailers, 3 Axle and Spread Hopper Trailers, Rock Pup Chassis/Aluminum Dump Bodies, Aggregate Hopper Trailers, Sand Haul Hopper Trailers, Carbon Black/Silica Hopper Trailers, Combination Hopper Trailers, and Grain Doubles/Converter Dolly systems. These products are designed for durability and efficiency in commodity hauling, particularly for agricultural and transport operations across the United States and Canada. The company also provides supporting services including a Parts Department, Service Department, warranty support, and a Cubic Feet/Bushel Calculator tool. Trailers are available factory direct or through dealer partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tandem Axle Hopper Trailer Lightweight bulk commodity grain hopper trailer constructed with high-test aluminum alloys throughout, designed to maximize payload for corn, soybeans, and other grain hauling across the Great Plains.
• 3 Axle and Spread Hopper Trailer Lightweight 3-axle and spread axle commodity hopper grain trailer built to leverage state weight limits for maximum payload and operating profit, with one of the lowest empty weights in the industry.
• Rock Pup Chassis / Aluminum Dump Body Lightweight rock pup chassis paired with a durable aluminum dump body for maximum payload and years of dependable service in dump trailer hauling applications.
• Aggregate Hopper Trailer Aggregate commodity hopper trailer that merges dump trailer function with hopper-trailer lightweight design, using air-operated chambers that eliminate heavy hydraulic lift cylinders.
• Sand Haul Hopper Trailer Hopper trailer engineered specifically for wet sand transport with a steep 48-degree floor slope and hopper tub angle for smoother unloading of dense or wet sand, available in single or dual hopper configurations.
• Carbon Black / Silica Hopper Trailer Specialized lightweight, high-cube hopper trailer designed for transporting carbon black and silica powders, featuring a water-tight aluminum roof system with catwalk, tether tie-offs, Salco hatch covers, and bottom car valves for safe unloading.
• Combination Hopper Trailer Versatile hopper trailer with fold-down hollow core aluminum extruded doors that convert the unit from a bulk hopper configuration to a flat floor configuration (with forklift loading) in under two minutes.
• Grain Doubles / Converter Dolly / Turntable Trailer configurations that marry two hopper trailers using Converter Dolly or Turntable systems, intended for states where bridge laws permit these extended grain doubles setups.
• Parts Department Stocks genuine Cornhusker 800 OEM parts and a large selection of generic trailer parts and accessories, available for storefront pickup or direct shipping to customers.
• Service Department Trailer maintenance and repair services including scheduled service, drive-in service, and OEM warranty work, operated out of the Lincoln, Nebraska facility alongside authorized dealer service shops.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tandem axle trailers with standard features have estimated weight under 8,000 lbs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered standard and core.

• Tony's Trailer SalesstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Cornhusker 800 trailers located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Contact: 317-243-8201. Handles new and used trailer sales and service for the Indiana market.
• Larry's Trailer Sales & Service, LLCstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer located in Wichita, Kansas. Contact: 316-838-1491. Services the Kansas market with Cornhusker 800 trailer sales and service.
• Star Trailer Sales, Inc.standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in North Mankato, Minnesota. Contact: 507-625-2234 / 800-324-8167. Serves the Minnesota market region.
• Bouma Truck Sales LLCstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer located in Choteau, Montana. Contact: 800-500-5375. Services the Montana market.
• RDO Truck CenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer with two locations in Nebraska: Lincoln (8400 West O Street) and Omaha (13924 Valley Ridge Dr.). Contact: 402-475-8471. Major dealer partner in Cornhusker 800's home state.
• JMF Equip. LTD (DBA J&B Equipment)standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Rockford, Ohio. Contact: 419-363-2068. Services the Ohio market region.
• Class 8 Truck & Trailer SalesstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer located in Minco, Oklahoma. Contact: 405-352-9933. Serves the Oklahoma market.
• Inland Pacific Trailer SalesstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Spokane Valley, Washington. Contact: 509-416-3576. Services the Washington state market.
• Agri-coverstandardTechnology or IntegrationManual and Electric Roll Tarp Systems supplier. Based in Jamestown, ND. Provides tarp systems for Cornhusker 800 trailers.
• Air-hydraulicsstandardTechnology or IntegrationDOT Airlines, DOT Brass Fittings, and Regulators supplier based in Omaha, NE.
• Cleveland VibratorstandardTechnology or IntegrationHopper Vibrating Solutions provider for hard and vacuum mounts. Based in Cleveland, OH.
• GrotestandardTechnology or IntegrationWiring Harnesses and Custom Lighting supplier. Based in Madison, IN. Provides LED lighting systems for trailers.
• HaldexstandardTechnology or IntegrationIOS and Quick Release Valves for Air Lines. Based in Kansas City, MO.
• HartfielstandardTechnology or IntegrationSafety Scale Boxes and Dump Valve Controls supplier. Based in Minneapolis, MN.
• JoststandardTechnology or IntegrationAluminum Landing Gear supplier. Based in Grand Haven, MI.
• MeritorstandardTechnology or IntegrationABS and Tire Inflation Systems provider. Based in Troy, MI.
• PhillipsstandardTechnology or IntegrationElectrical Q-Boxes supplier. Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
• PremierstandardTechnology or IntegrationPintle Hitch and Couplings manufacturer. Based in Tualatin, OR.
• RidewellstandardTechnology or IntegrationThe Engineered Suspension Company. Based in Springfield, MO. Provides air ride suspension systems used on Cornhusker 800 trailers.
• SalcostandardTechnology or IntegrationManifold and Car Valves for Carbon Black Trailers. Based in Hermitage, PA.
• SealcostandardTechnology or IntegrationABS Systems and Control Valving. Based in Phoenix, AZ.
• Shur-costandardTechnology or IntegrationRetractable Tarp Systems and Pro Trap System supplier. Based in Yankton, SD. Provides powered tarp systems and electric trap openers for trailers.
• Sioux City TarpstandardTechnology or IntegrationRetractable Tarp Systems supplier. Based in Sioux City, IA.
• ThunderstonestandardTechnology or IntegrationPowered Tarp and Trap Systems manufacturer.
• Truck LitestandardTechnology or IntegrationCustom Lighting supplier. Based in Falconer, NY.
• VelvacstandardTechnology or IntegrationAir Cylinder and Solenoid Components. Based in Hazelwood, MO.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Great Dane Trailers: Major North American trailer OEM with broad product coverage including dry vans, reefers, and platform trailers. Adjacent in industrial/commercial trailer manufacturing and customer base, though less specialized in hopper grain trailers.
• Stoughton Trailers: Manufacturer of dry vans, chassis, and specialty trailers with broad trucking-industry exposure. Comparable in manufacturing scale and dealer-supported distribution model, though focused on different trailer categories.
• Wabash National: Large diversified trailer manufacturer serving transportation, logistics, and industrial customers. Adjacent incumbent for trailer manufacturing capacity and end-customer relationships, with only partial hopper-grain product overlap.

Direct peers

• East Manufacturing: Manufacturer of aluminum dump trailers, dump bodies, and hopper trailers engineered for lightweight, high-payload hauling. Competes directly with Cornhusker 800's aggregate and rock pup product lines on payload and durability.
• Travis Body & Trailer: Manufacturer of dump bodies, dump trailers, and refuse bodies with both steel and aluminum constructions. Comparable in product mix on the dump body / rock pup side of Cornhusker 800's portfolio.
• Timpte Industries: One of the largest U.S. manufacturers of grain hopper bottom trailers, with comparable aluminum and steel product lines and a similar dealer-driven go-to-market model. The clearest direct competitor to Cornhusker 800 in agricultural commodity hoppers.
• Jet Company: Manufacturer of pneumatic and dry bulk trailers, including hopper-bottom configurations used for grain, sand, and plastic pellet transport. Overlaps with Cornhusker 800 on grain hopper and bulk commodity trailer product offerings.
• Heil Trailer: Manufacturer of tankers and bulk commodity trailers for liquid and dry bulk haulers. Partial overlap with Cornhusker 800's aggregate and carbon black/silica product lines in industrial bulk-haul applications.
• MAC Trailer: Manufacturer of dump trailers, transfer trailers, and flatbeds, with overlapping agricultural and construction aggregate end-markets. Comparable customer base and dealer-supported sales model to Cornhusker 800.
• Wilson Trailer: Long-standing U.S. manufacturer of grain hopper, dump, and livestock trailers serving agricultural and commercial haulers. Directly competes with Cornhusker 800 in grain hopper bottom trailers and aggregate dump bodies across the Midwest and Great Plains.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_wF7DoMwITOiHO5Z1tXWLw
• Facebookfacebook.com/cornhusker800
• Instagraminstagram.com/cornhusker800trailers
• TikToktiktok.com/@cornhusker800
• Xx.com/Cornhusker800
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/truck-equipment-svc-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cornhusker 800