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in Perkasie |
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in Perkasie |
| TRUCKING In 1935, because of changes in trade law, rail traffic was declining and automobiles, buses, and trucks were popping up everywhere one looked. Improved highways enabled the trucking industry to expand significantly. Changes in the laws regarding interstate highway use by the Interstate Commerce Commission encouraged the development of roads and favored the trucking industry over the railroads; it was difficult for train freight to compete. Trains also ran on a schedule and trucks could run when they were needed. |
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A turnpike, the Bethlehem Pike (Route 309) had been transformed into a glorious three lane highway. This made traffic lighter on Bethlehem Pike which made it easier for truckers to drive on the road between Philadelphia and Allentown / Bethlehem areas.
| Branch Storage 1925 above, circa 1979 below (with original Model T at right).
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BRANCH STORAGE CO. Eastern U.S. truck transportation was developed with the key help of a Perkasie family. It began in 1916 when Robert T. Hendricks took a load of pants from Perkasie to New York in a Model T Ford truck. Doing this enabled him to create a motor truck company called Branch Storage Co. with his brothers Eugene and Harvey. They called the company Branch Storage because it was located near the Branch Creek. |
In 1922 Branch Storage Co. had ten trucks going between New York City and Bucks County at a time. They sold their business to Butensky Brothers of New York City in the early 1930's and changed the name of the company to Branch Motor Express Co.
For many years Eugene Hendricks was manager of the Allentown Depot. The Branch trucks were seen for many years on major highways throughout the Eastern United States.
ALL WAYS MOVING & STORAGE
All-Ways Moving and Storage was located at Ninth & Market Streets in Perkasie, began on April 4th 1964. The company provided local and long distance moving and also provided storage facilities. There motto: Always A Move Ahead.
TRUCKING TODAY
| Today no major trucking or freight service exists in Perkasie, but these services are available locally. Firms in Chalfont, Lansdale, and other localities ship from anywhere in the country to and from Perkasie. |  |
Today individuals can also rent their own trucks with companies such as U-Haul to move their residence or ship materials.
Note that Delbar, manufacturer of truck mirrors is the largest manufacturer in Perkasie today.
