David Thompson is very much a family man. He married Ann in 1985, with a mutual agreement that children were not in the plans. Fate knew otherwise though, and they now have three sons – David O., Chris, and William – all active leaders and co-owners in TEC Equipment today. Two very successful businesspeople in...
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The early 1980s tested the lesson in belief David learned from Monroe Jubitz. Interest rates soared to 21%. The economy tightened its grip on small businesses everywhere. TEC – still Thompson Equipment Company at the time – was selling used trucks retail and wholesale, but cash was thin and pressure was mounting. By 1983, David…
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David A. Thompson’s story begins in Syracuse, New York, where he grew up as the oldest of three children. From an early age, being the oldest meant setting the example – and, as it turned out, learning resilience sooner than most. During his sophomore year of high school, life changed in an instant. His father…
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Five Decades of Commitment It is a true privilege to celebrate this milestone with the entire TEC Equipment community – our employees, customers, partners, and friends. Reaching 50 years in business is both humbling and deeply gratifying. While TEC Equipment officially began five decades ago, the values that shaped this company were formed much earlier…
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Fuel isn’t just another expense. It’s one of the biggest costs you deal with every day. A $0.50 increase in diesel can cost around $9,600 to $10,000 per year for a truck running 120,000 miles, depending on fuel economy. The good news is you don’t need to overhaul your whole operation to see savings. A…
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The EPA’s 2027 emissions standards are one of the most significant regulatory changes facing the trucking industry in the next decade. While the rule focuses on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, the real impact will show up in a few key areas: Preparation is not optional, and fleets and owner-operators who start planning now will…
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At TEC Equipment, our story is one of grit, growth, and gratitude. Spanning over 30 locations across 8 states, our company has evolved into a leading full-service commercial truck dealership. But our roots remain firmly planted in a place known for its hard work, strong values, and Midwest determination: Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Where It…
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Midwest harvest season is a high-stakes, time-sensitive operation. Once the grain is ready, the clock starts ticking and every delay costs time, money, and yield. From erratic weather to equipment limitations, farmers, co-ops, and logistics teams face real pressures that demand solid planning and flexible resources. Here’s a closer look at five recurring challenges in…
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When a truck, trailer, or support rig goes down in the middle of harvest it can cause loads to miss their window, crews idle, and contracts tighten. This playbook gives you a clear, field-tested path from “it quit” to “we’re rolling.” Keep it handy for operators, field supervisors, and dispatch. If you need help beyond…
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When harvest season hits, uptime is everything. Whether you’re hauling grain from the field, supporting local farms with late-night deliveries, or running long hours across the valley, even the smallest parts failure can bring productivity to a halt. Smart fleets and independent operators know that preparation isn’t just about fuel and manpower it’s about keeping…
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During harvest, the job doesn’t stop with pulling crops. You’re hauling grain, clearing debris, moving silage, spreading gravel and you need the right dump trailer to handle it all. The wrong choice can slow you down. The right one keeps you running efficiently and profitably through the entire season. Let’s break down your options so…
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As the harvest season approaches across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, specialty crop growers are gearing up for one of the most logistically demanding times of the year. From vineyard managers in the Willamette Valley to orchard operators in the Yakima Valley and Central California, it’s go time. Hauling delicate, high-value crops like wine grapes,…
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Why Peak Season Puts Pressure on Fleets During harvest, trucking demand spikes almost overnight. Agricultural producers, brokers, and distribution partners rely on timely, efficient transport to keep crops moving before spoilage or storage bottlenecks occur. Fleet operators often find themselves caught between two difficult options: Neither option sets a business up for scalable, flexible growth….
