We’ve been Rude since 1925, and our customers love us!
If you’re looking for a transportation company that will get the job done right, call on us! We specialize in overnight and on-time deliveries. We’re big enough to get the job done and small enough to care! Pick up the phone and give us a call for our best rates!
History
On January 3, 1925, Freeman Rude and Harlan Thompson started Rude Thompson Trucklines, in Redfield, SD. Their partnership lasted 10 years when Harlan was stuck in snow while trying to help a competitor and a few days later succumbed to pneumonia.
In 1937, Freeman purchased Harlan’s share of the business from his widow.
Freeman passed away in 1945, doing what he loved. Workers found him on the docks when they came in one morning. He died of a heart attack. At the time of his death, Freeman had more than doubled the size of the operation.
Arlen Rude, Freeman’s son, took over the company after his father passed away. It was at this time that Rude went from a sole proprietor to a partnership, with Arlen’s stepmother and half-brother also coming into the business. The business was not incorporated at this time.
In 1992 Rude Transportation incorporated, with Eunice & Arlen Rude as the major stockholders. The other stockholders are Regge, Nick, Brian, and Nancy Rude. Rude Transportation is definitely a family business, with Regge, Nick, Brian, Jolene, and Nathan Rude working in the company. Though technically retired, Arlen still maintains his office at the Redfield location.
The corporate office is located in Redfield, SD. We also have offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD; Omaha, NE; Eagan, MN; and Kansas City, KS.
Sioux Falls is the hub of the corporation, having the most employees. Rude employs over 85 people, including truckers and office personnel.
To service South Dakota, the state is divided into three geographical areas. Rapid City, Redfield, and Sioux Falls each handle freight within their area. Recently, we began overnight service between Kansas City and all major locations.
Since 1925, Rude Transportation has grown to a fleet of 50 tractors and 110 trailers. They have two repair shops that service the truck fleet, one in Redfield and the other in Sioux Falls.
Rude Transportation can proudly state it is one of the oldest trucking companies in South Dakota and is one of the longest standing members of the South Dakota Trucking Association.
