Heil Trailer marks 125 years of industry leadership
Heil Trailer is marking its 125th anniversary in 2026.
The Engineered Transportation International subsidiary—which joined Canadian holding company TerraVest Industries in March 2025—will be promoting the milestone throughout the year, including a commemorative logo and an update to its website, which includes an up-to-date tradeshow calendar and other anniversary elements, the company reported.
Heil’s story began in 1901, when Julius Heil established the Heil Rail Joint Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. By 1902, the company was already innovating, manufacturing the first riveted oil tank.
Today, Heil remains a worldwide leader in tank trailer solutions, driving the industry forward with cutting-edge innovations and a core commitment to safety. Engineered to meet the most stringent region- and load-specific requirements in 85 countries worldwide, its petroleum, dry bulk, stainless steel, crude and asphalt trailers are backed by an extensive dealer network.
“It’s incredibly rare for a company to survive and thrive for 125 years, so this anniversary is a true testament to Heil’s customer focus and the premium, enduring performance of our products,” EnTrans CEO Ryan Rockafellow said in a news release. “I thank our dedicated team and valued customers who’ve helped us advance the transportation industry and introduce innovations that enhance safety, efficiency, and security.
Key Heil Trailer innovations:
- First electrically welded compartmental tank in the mid-1920s
- First stainless-steel milk hauling tank in 1927
- First fully welded aluminum tank truck in 1930
- First tank with a fully streamlined design in 1934
- Heil trailerized tank in 1935
- First trailerized train in 1950
- First titanium transport in 1981
- First trailer with low center of gravity in 1989
- West Coast Truck & Pull and 102-in.-wide SuperFlo in 1997
- Production began for Aero JET 1040 in 2011
- Launch of purpose-built Aluminum DOT 407 petro chemical trailers in 2012
- Juarez facility approved for production of DOT 400 series cargo tanks in 2013
- Launch of Fleet Duty petroleum trailers in 2017
- LightGUARD safety enhancements introduced to the market in 2021
- Tank Ai, a suite of advanced technologies that enhance fleet management and safety,
- introduced in 2022
- Planned expansion into the liquid hydrogen market in 2026