The Evolution of the Semi-Truck Part 3: John C. Endebrock

In Part 1 of our three-part series on how the semi-truck came to be, we introduced you to the Winton Motor Carriage Company. In Part 2, the Fruehauf Trailer Corporation was brought into the mix. Today, we will dive into the history of a visionary of the industry, John C. Endebrock.

Endebrock started from the ground level at Sechler & Company- a company that produced all types of horse-drawn carriages, started by a man named Daniel M. Sechler. After the company's formation in 1879, it became the number one producer of all styles of horse drawn vehicles, and eventually became the export leader in auto carriages in America. Sechler & Co. shipped products as far as South Africa, and was a major player in the larger European markets.


John C. Endebrock brought his vision to the company in 1889. After years of working his way through the ranks, Endebrock realized the future of the company around 1910 when he came up with the idea to build the first "truck trailer". Prior to his innovative idea, the automobile world was content with heavy hauling done by horse. Everyone recognized the obvious benefits to using a motor carriage to transport heavy loads, however, no one had successfully created a method of coupling a motor vehicle to a trailer.

At this point, Endebrock decided to focus solely on developing a vehicle that would allow it to be easily pulled by the Model T Ford. After several failed attempts at this idea, Endebrock realized he needed to develop an entirely different trailer, able to withstand the resistance of starting and stopping. It also needed the ability to balance when attached to the vehicle.

In 1915, thanks to Endebrock's innovation, Sechler & Company introduced their first trailmobile to the world. The invention was aptly named, simply because it was designed to trail the existing automobile. As soon as the development of the first trailers were debuted, WWI began, which increased the demand for military-style trailers almost overnight. It is recorded that in short notice the company developed about 10,000 units for military use during the war.

The “Trailmobile” garnered much respect and admiration by the public, which resulted in the company eventually changing their name to The Trailmobile Company in 1944.

Sechlar & Company, later The Trailmobile Company, underwent many changes over a 30 year time frame. A merger with the leading manufacturer of quality automatic trailers Lapeer Company in 1928 orchestrated the creation of the Trailer Company of America. The company built their name in the industry by mergers and purchasing other truck manufacturing firms, which helped to bolster their reputation. After acquiring Highland Body Manufacturing Company, they began production on truck trailers with bodies. In addition, they became one of the first firms to integrate both production of the automobile and the trailer at the same time.

As WW II grew closer Trailmobile took a strong interest in developing military models. It is recorded that TrailMobile Company developed 40,000 “Trailmobile” units for various military uses like M-5 bomb carriers, mobile machine record trailers, tank retrievers and many other platforms and vehicles that assisted military transportation needs. By 1941 the company had set its eyes exclusively on war purposes.

The history of the Semi Truck is vast and many factors are credited with the evolution of the industry. Companies like Trailmobile took a niche and prospered vastly over the last century creating and leading the industry to the level it is now. John C. Endebrock’s vision to focus on the hauling side of automobile manufacturing set forth the ideas and innovations that make up the semi-truck we see on daily basis. His contribution to the industry will always be remembered and many of his ideas are still a major part in the construction and development of the modern day semi-truck.