About Fruehauf

A legacy of pioneering trailers

Fruehauf’s story is a testament to innovation and dedication in the trailer industry. Our journey began over a century ago, and we continue to push the boundaries of trailer design and manufacturing. This About Fruehauf page explores our rich history, unwavering commitment to quality, and exciting vision for the future.

How we drive progress

“Our Mission is to deliver the best commercial trailers to our customers, focusing on innovation, flexibility, and turnkey solutions, while continuously striving for excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction.”

Tom O’Rourke, CEO

Our values

At Fruehauf, our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our actions, shape our culture, and define our commitment to excellence. Quality, Integrity, Innovation, Customer Focus, Sustainability and Community Engagement.

Our responsibility

We are committed to conducting our business in a socially responsible manner, well-being of our employees, customers, and the environment.

What we believe in

Our beliefs shape our vision and drive our mission. We are guided by a strong set of principles that define who we are and how we operate.

Our heritage

Our journey began with a simple vision: to create robust, reliable trailers that meet the diverse needs of our customers. Over the decades, we have evolved and refining our production processes while remaining true to our core values.

Pioneering the semi-trailer (1908)

The Birth of Modern Transportation

In 1908, the transportation landscape was forever changed with the invention of the semi-trailer by August Fruehauf in the USA. This revolutionary concept laid the foundation for the modern trailer industry, enabling more efficient and cost-effective freight movement.

Global expansion and UK strength

A Legacy of Excellence Around the World

As North America embraced the motorised age, Fruehauf capitalized on the growing demand for trailers, expanding its operations worldwide. This global expansion included a significant milestone in the early 1960s with a successful alliance formed between Fruehauf and Cranes, a respected UK manufacturer of heavy-duty trailers. 

The resulting partnership, known as Crane Fruehauf, introduced advanced trailer designs that captured a significant share of the UK market and were exported to numerous countries.

A new chapter in UK manufacturing

Building on a Strong Foundation

Fruehauf production in the UK has seen changes in ownership over the years. However, the core values of customer loyalty and dedication to product development have remained constant. 

Today, Fruehauf benefits from the experience and resources of MV Commercial, a leader in commercial vehicle sales and specialised crane trucks. This strong partnership positions Fruehauf for continued growth and innovation in the trailer industry.

Our commitment to you

At Fruehauf, we understand the importance of reliable and robust trailers for your business success. That’s why we remain committed to:

  • Uncompromising Quality: We utilise cutting-edge manufacturing processes and high-grade materials to ensure our trailers are built to last.
  • Innovative Design: Our team of engineers are constantly developing new and improved trailer designs that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: We believe in building strong partnerships with our customers. Our dedicated team is here to provide exceptional service and support throughout the entire ownership experience.

Looking to the future

Fruehauf is poised for an exciting future. With a rich heritage of innovation, a commitment to quality, and a strong partnership with MV Commercial, we are dedicated to delivering the industry’s most reliable and advanced trailers. We invite you to explore our website and discover how Fruehauf can help you achieve your transportation goals.

News & Insights

Stay connected via press releases, stories, announcements, and industry insights.

Interested in our new & used trailers?

Whether you’re looking to purchase, rent, or hire our new or used trailers, contact our sales team for expert advice, detailed information, or to explore solutions tailored to your specific needs