Independent Trucks

What Independent Trucks does

Independent Truck Company, doing business as Independent Trucks, is a US-based skateboard truck manufacturer founded in 1978 and operating as a brand under the privately held skateboarding conglomerate NHS, Inc. The company designs and sells precision-engineered skateboard trucks across three core product platforms (Stage 11, Stage 4, and Mid) and four configurations per platform (Standard, Hollow, Forged Hollow, and Forged Titanium), spanning axle widths from 109 to 215mm. Notable technical features include a patented inverted kingpin design on the Mid truck line and proprietary forged baseplate and hollow-axle technologies that reduce weight for performance riders. The product line is complemented by Genuine Parts hardware (bearings, bolts, multi-durometer cushions, riser pads) and a full apparel and accessories line (t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, beanies, youth apparel, socks). Trucks carry a lifetime guarantee, signaling durability as a core functional promise.

The company's go-to-market combines a global dealer network of authorized skate shops (accessed via a dealer locator) with direct-to-consumer e-commerce through NHS Skated Direct in the US and Canada and a dedicated European storefront (independenttrucks.eu serving EU and UK). Pricing is unit-based and varies by model and configuration, with tiered options from Standard through Forged Titanium supporting price segmentation across entry, performance, and premium rider segments; free shipping is offered on orders above $85 alongside a 60-day return policy. Marketing is primarily organic social across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X, targeting individual skateboarders (primary segment, spanning street, vert, park, and bowl disciplines) and youth skateboarders (secondary segment). Independent's revenue streams (trucks, hardware, apparel) and brand positioning are anchored by its iconic rounded cross logo, a registered brand identity asset used since the late 1970s and recognized globally as a symbol of hardcore skateboarding.

Name

Independent Trucks

Legal name

Independent Truck Company

Website

https://independenttrucks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Independent Trucks, founded in 1978 and owned by NHS, Inc., designs and manufactures skateboard trucks (Stage 11, Stage 4, and Mid product lines) sold globally to individual skateboarders through a dealer network and regional e-commerce platforms in the US, Canada, and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Fairview

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Skateboard Trucks: Core revenue stream from manufacturing and selling skateboard trucks including Stage 11, Stage 4, and Mid models in various configurations (Standard, Hollow, Forged Hollow, Forged Titanium).
2. Hardware Components: Genuine Parts including bearings (GP-B, GP-R, GP-S), bolts (various sizes and colors), cushions (different hardness ratings), and riser pads.
3. Apparel and Accessories: Clothing line including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, beanies, youth apparel, and accessories like socks.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Independent Trucks designs and manufactures skateboard trucks across three core lines—Stage 11 (durable all-purpose, multiple axle widths), Stage 4 (original single wing hanger, 1986 design), and Mid (patented inverted-kingpin for technical street skating)—each offered in Standard, Hollow, Forged Hollow, and Forged Titanium configurations. The company also sells Genuine Parts skateboard hardware (bearings, bolts, cushions, riser pads) and a branded apparel line (tees, sweatshirts, jackets, hats/beanies, youth apparel, accessories), distributed through a global dealer network and parent-operated e-commerce platforms in the US, Canada, and Europe.

Product overview

Independent Trucks is a skateboard truck manufacturer founded in 1978, offering a comprehensive product portfolio centered on their core skateboard trucks (Stage 11, Stage 4, Mid) available in multiple configurations (Standard, Hollow, Forged Hollow, Forged Titanium), complemented by Genuine Parts hardware accessories (bearings, bolts, cushions, riser pads) and a full clothing line (t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats/beanies, kids/youth apparel, accessories). The company sells directly through regional e-commerce platforms for Americas and Europe, with a dealer locator for retail purchases.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Stage 11 Standard Skateboard Truck Durable all-purpose skateboard truck with 55mm height, available in 129, 139, 144, 149, 159, and 169 sizes for individual skateboarders across disciplines.
• Stage 11 Hollow Skateboard Truck Lightweight version of the Stage 11 with hollow axle and kingpin, 55mm height, available in 139, 144, 149, 159, and 169 sizes for performance-oriented skateboarders seeking reduced weight.
• Stage 11 Forged Hollow Skateboard Truck Super lightweight Stage 11 with forged baseplate, hollow axle, and hollow kingpin; 53.5mm height, available in 129, 139, 144, 149, 159, and 169 sizes for high-performance skateboarders.
• Stage 11 Forged Titanium Skateboard Truck Ultra-lightweight Stage 11 with forged baseplate, titanium axle, and hollow kingpin; 53.5mm height, available in 129, 139, 144, 149, 159, and 169 sizes for the most performance-focused skateboarders.
• Stage 4 Standard Skateboard Truck An update of the original Stage 4 single wing hanger design introduced in 1986, with 55mm height and available in sizes 136, 146, 151, and 166 for skateboarders preferring the classic single-wing geometry.
• Mid Standard Skateboard Truck High-performance mid-profile truck with patented inverted kingpin for technical street skating; 52mm height, available in sizes 129, 139, 144, 149, and 159 for street-focused skateboarders.
• Mid Hollow Skateboard Truck Lightweight Mid truck with inverted kingpin and hollow axle; 52mm height, available in sizes 129, 139, 144, 149, and 159 for technical street skaters seeking reduced weight.
• Mid Forged Hollow Skateboard Truck Super lightweight Mid truck with inverted kingpin, forged baseplate, and hollow axle; 50.5mm height, available in sizes 129, 139, 144, 149, and 159 for performance-oriented street skaters.
• Genuine Parts Skateboard Bearings (GP-B and GP-R) Skateboard bearings including GP-B and GP-R models, sold in boxes of 8 (one complete set) for individual skateboarders building or maintaining setups.
• Genuine Parts Skateboard Bolts Hardware bolts available in 1in, 7/8in, and 1.50in sizes with Phillips and Allen head types in multiple color options for skateboard assembly and replacement.
• Genuine Parts Skateboard Cushions Truck cushions available in multiple hardness levels (78a to 96a) and styles (Original Stage 4, Cylinder Stage 11, Conical Stage 11) for tuning different truck models.
• Genuine Parts Riser Pads Riser pads available in 1/8in size with multiple color options (white, red, black) for skateboard setup customization.
• Independent Trucks T-Shirts Men's t-shirts featuring graphic prints, team logos, and artistic collaborations with the Independent Trucks brand, sold to skateboarders and brand enthusiasts.
• Independent Trucks Sweatshirts Hoodies and crew sweatshirts in pullover and zip styles with various designs for skateboarders and brand enthusiasts.
• Independent Trucks Jackets Outerwear including windbreakers, sherpa jackets, fleece jackets, canvas work jackets, and denim jackets branded with the Independent Trucks logo.
• Independent Trucks Hats and Beanies Headwear including snapback hats, dad hats, trucker hats, and beanies in various styles and colors for skateboarders and brand enthusiasts.
• Independent Trucks Kids and Youth Clothing Youth-sized t-shirts and apparel featuring Independent branding for young skateboarders and brand enthusiasts.
• Independent Trucks Accessories (Socks) Accessories including socks in various designs for skateboarders and brand enthusiasts.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bennett Skateboard Trucks: Bennett is a heritage skateboard truck brand and direct competitor to Independent on longboard/cruiser trucks and vintage-style setups. It overlaps on product format and the broader skateboard hardware market.
• Venture Trucks: Venture is another long-standing direct competitor in skateboard trucks, distributed through the same skate-shop channel and serving street, park, and vert skaters. It competes with Independent on durability, performance, and team-driven brand cachet.
• Krux Trucks: Krux is a direct competitor offering skateboard trucks sold through the same specialty skate-shop and online channels. It is a relevant peer for product, distribution, and customer overlap.
• Carver Skateboards: Carver competes with Independent in the surfskate/truck category, where truck geometry and turning performance are central to the product. It targets a similar but more surf-adjacent customer base.
• Royal Trucks: Royal is a direct competitor in skateboard trucks, sold through skate shops worldwide and targeting the same core/park/street disciplines. It is a relevant peer on product, customer, and channel.
• Paris Trucks: Paris is a direct competitor in skateboard trucks with a particularly strong position in the longboard/cruiser segment. It overlaps with Independent on product, materials (cast aluminum), and the dealer/specialty channel.
• Thunder Trucks: Thunder is one of Independent's most direct competitors in the skateboard truck category, offering polished and lightweight truck lines to the same skater demographic. It competes head-to-head on the same skate-shop shelves and team rider rosters.
• Tensor Trucks: Tensor is a direct competitor in the skateboard truck space, known for lightweight and inverted-kingpin designs. It overlaps with Independent on product format and target customer (technical street and transition skaters).
• Ace Trucks: Ace is a direct competitor offering classic and modern skateboard truck designs through the same skate-shop and online channels. It competes with Independent on heritage, durability, and team-driven authenticity.
• Theeve Trucks: Theeve is a direct competitor offering cast and CNC skateboard trucks with a focus on strength-to-weight engineering. It targets the same technical skater customer as Independent's Stage 11 and Mid lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Indy_Trucks
• YouTubeyoutube.com/IndependentTrucks
• Facebookfacebook.com/IndependentTrucks
• Instagraminstagram.com/independenttrucks
• TikToktiktok.com/@independenttrucks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/independent-trucking

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Independent Trucks