For three-quarters of a century, Inland Truck & Equipment has been a beacon of excellence in the trucking and heavy equipment industry. From its humble beginnings in British Columbia to its current status as one of the largest Kenworth dealerships globally, Inland’s journey is defined by innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. As the company commemorates its 75th anniversary, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped its remarkable legacy. Western Canada Highway News sat down with Leigh Parker, Chairman of the Board at Inland, to delve into the rich tapestry of Inland’s history, celebrating the values and principles that have guided the company from its inception to the present day.

Foundations of Excellence: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader

The story of Inland Truck & Equipment began in the heart of British Columbia, Canada, where Lloyd Parker, Leigh’s father and a visionary entrepreneur, laid the foundation for what would become a world-class company. In 1949, Lloyd’s journey began with a simple yet profound commitment to meeting the needs of his customers, one truck at a time.

Leigh reflects on the company’s origins, saying, “My father, Lloyd Parker, was driven by a deep-seated dedication to customer satisfaction. He understood that success in this industry is not just about selling trucks and equipment; it’s about building lasting relationships based on trust and reliability.”

Seizing Opportunities: The Birth of Inland Kenworth

While Inland’s early years were marked by steady growth and expansion, a chance encounter in 1956 would alter the course of the company’s history forever. A customer’s request for a Kenworth truck sparked Lloyd Parker’s curiosity, leading him to explore the brand further. Impressed by the truck’s exceptional quality and performance, Lloyd wasted no time securing a dealership agreement with Kenworth in 1957, giving birth to Inland Kenworth.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Leigh notes, “Our partnership with Kenworth has been the cornerstone of our success for over six decades. Lloyd Parker’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction laid the groundwork for what would become one of the largest Kenworth dealerships globally.”

Diversification and Innovation: Meeting Evolving Customer Needs

As the trucking industry evolved, so too did Inland Truck & Equipment. At Inland, their core identity remained proudly rooted in our longstanding partnership with Kenworth. With 44 locations across British Columbia, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, they are one of the oldest and largest Kenworth dealerships. In the 1980s, recognizing the changing needs of its customers, the company made a strategic move into the heavy equipment sector. Partnering with renowned brands that today include CASE Construction Equipment, Tigercat Forestry Equipment, and Link-Belt Excavators, Inland expanded its BC offerings to provide comprehensive solutions to its valued clients.

“We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for our customers,” says Leigh. “Our expansion into the heavy equipment sector was driven by our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our clients and providing them with the highest quality products and services.”

Building a Culture of Excellence: The Power of Collaboration

At the heart of Inland’s success lies its dedicated team of employees, whose unwavering commitment to excellence has propelled the company forward for three-quarters of a century. Cultivating collaboration, dedication, and innovation has been central to Inland’s ethos, fostering strong bonds between employees and customers.

Leigh explains, “We believe in investing in our employees, providing them with the training and support they need to excel in their roles. It’s this collaborative spirit that sets us apart and allows us to deliver exceptional service to our customers.” He continues, “Our culture fosters these connections through shared values, ongoing investment in our people, and open communication. We celebrate achievements, both big and small, and encourage our team to get involved in the community. The result is a passionate workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service, building relationships that extend far beyond transactions.”

Navigating Challenges, Embracing Growth: A Testament to Resilience

Throughout its illustrious history, Inland Truck & Equipment has faced its fair share of challenges, from economic downturns and shifting industry trends to high-interest rates and recessions. Yet, it is the company’s resilience in the difficult times that has truly defined its journey.

Leigh recalls, “In the 1980s, we faced significant challenges due to economic uncertainty,”. “But instead of retreating, we saw it as an opportunity for growth. We expanded our operations into the US market through strategic acquisitions in California and Arizona, demonstrating our commitment to adapt and thrive in the face
of adversity.”

Pioneering the Future: Embracing Technological Advancements

As technology continues to reshape the landscape of the trucking and heavy equipment industry, Inland Truck & Equipment remains at the forefront of innovation. From alternative fuel models to cutting-edge clean-air solutions, the company is committed to empowering its customers with the latest technological advancements.

Leigh says, “At Inland, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve. That’s why we’re constantly exploring new technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Whether electric trucks or hybrid equipment, we’re dedicated to providing environmentally responsible solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability.”

Revolutionizing Aftermarket Support: Products and Services

Inland Truck & Equipment has long been synonymous with excellence in the trucking and heavy equipment industry, but it’s not just about selling trucks and equipment. Over the years, the company has evolved into a comprehensive solutions provider, offering a diverse range of products and financial services to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.

“At Inland, we believe in being more than just a dealership; we strive to be a total solution provider for all our customers’ needs,” says Leigh. “From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is to provide comprehensive support and solutions beyond the initial purchase.”

One significant evolution in the company’s offerings has been its focus on aftermarket support and parts accessibility. Recognizing the importance of quick and efficient access to essential truck and equipment parts, Inland embarked on a strategic initiative to bring these components closer to their customers’ point of need.

“In 2016, we launched our inaugural TRP parts-only store in Otay Mesa, California, near the US-Mexico border,” explains Leigh. “These stores are designed to provide swift access to crucial parts, particularly in situations where time is of the essence.”

The success of the parts-only store model paved the way for further expansion. Over the past decade, Inland has opened nine additional stores, including two in British Columbia, solidifying its position as the global leader. This strategic expansion not only enhances accessibility for customers but also underscores Inland’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and support.

“Our focus on parts accessibility is a testament to our dedication to meeting the needs of our customers,” says Leigh. “We understand the importance of minimizing downtime and keeping operations running smoothly, and our extensive network of dealerships allow us to do just that.”

Giving Back to the Community: A Commitment to Philanthropy

Beyond its business endeavours, Inland Truck & Equipment remains deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves. From charitable donations to employee-led fundraisers, the company has a long-standing tradition of supporting meaningful causes and initiatives.

“Our commitment to community engagement is ingrained in our DNA,” says Leigh. “Through our philanthropic efforts, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us, supporting organizations and initiatives that align with our values and beliefs. To consolidate and amplify our efforts, we launched the I-Care philanthropic brand in 2022. This unifying initiative encompasses our numerous community programs, strengthening employee and customer engagement in supporting meaningful causes.”

In 2023, Inland proudly participated in Kenworth’s 100th anniversary celebration by auctioning off three limited-edition W900s. The entirety of the net proceeds was directed towards esteemed non-profit organizations aligned with their values, such as Truckers Against Trafficking, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, and STARS Air Ambulance. This initiative marked just one facet of Inland’s extensive community-driven efforts, culminating in over $500,000 raised throughout the year.

Looking Ahead: A Future Fueled by Innovation and Collaboration

As Inland Truck & Equipment celebrates its 75th anniversary, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With a rich history of success behind it and a future brimming with potential, Inland is poised to continue leading the industry for years to come.

Lloyd Parker, Inland’s founder, frequently emphasized, ‘If you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of your customers.’ This simple philosophy has been a guiding principle throughout its 75-year journey, and its effectiveness is undeniably reflected in
its ongoing success.

“As we look to the future, our goals remain clear,” says Leigh. “We will continue to innovate, adapt, and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. With the dedication and expertise of our team behind us, we are confident that the best is yet to come for Inland Truck & Equipment.”

Inland Truck & Equipment’s 75th anniversary is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. From its humble beginnings to its position as an industry leader, Inland has left an indelible mark on the trucking and heavy equipment industry, shaping the future of transportation for generations to come. As the company looks ahead to the next 75 years, one thing is certain: the legacy of Inland Truck & Equipment will continue to inspire and endure.