About Us
Our Story
Chris developed a love for trucks in early childhood. His dad was a truck driver and regularly brought his truck home in which Chris could not get enough of. He was always climbing all over it, wanting to ride along, and helping wash it whenever he could. As a young adult Chris entered into the construction field as a heavy equipment operator and was able to acquire his CDL (truck driving license) through the operators union and training school. Working in construction alongside various heavy trucks, he would drive one whenever he had the opportunity. Fast forward to our wedding in 2018, were he really wanted to have a big rig as our "get away" ride after our ceremony. With many thanks to our friend Ralph, we were able to use the beautiful Peterbilt shown in our wedding photo for the "get away". This further flamed Chris's passion to own his own truck and the dream of Tarte Trucking started. The big red Peterbilt truck was for sale at the time and as much as we tried to find a way, it wasn't in our cards to purchase it. We were not discouraged and continued to dream and soon after, our friend Ralph, told us of the little red Petebilt that was for sale. We were able to make the purchase and that is how Tarte Trucking officially began.
Tarte Trucking Then and Now
The Dream Begins - August 25, 2018
Our wedding day. Chris dreamed of owning his own truck one day. We borrowed this truck for our wedding starting the dream of purchasing it to begin our business.
First Truck - 1999 Peterbilt 385 - January 2019
We decided to start out a bit smaller and purchased our first truck from Gary Merlino Construction.
Truck #1 - 1999 Peterbilt 385 - February 2019
Lots of elbow grease, blood, sweat, and tears later the ole Pete shined again.
First Trailer - 1990 Trail King 40 Ton Lowboy - March 2019
Our first lowboy trailer. Purchased from Gary Merlino Construction.
First Load Hauled on the Trail King Lowboy - April 2019
We took the leap and officially started Tarte Trucking LLC in April 2019. This was our first load hauled on the the lowboy. Uncle Willie's excavator.
First Paying Client Haul as Tarte Trucking - June 2019
Our first paying client haul.
First Truck Show - Brooks, OR - August 2019
This was our first show. It was the Brook's Truck Show in Brooks Oregon. We had so much fun and met so many great people. We were hooked and would be back again.
2nd Trailer - 2000 Aspen 50 Ton Lowboy- December 2020
Time for an upgrade to a bigger lowboy trailer.
Aspen - December 2020
The Aspen.
2nd Truck - 1997 Kenworth W900B - December 2021
Now it's time for an upgrade to our fleet. The KW was purchased from Class 8 Trucks in Spokane, WA. We were so lucky to be first in line as there were others waiting to buy it when we arrived.
2 Trucks and Trailers- Time to sell the OG - December 2021
After purchasing the Kenworth we now had two trucks and two lowboy trailers. We soon sold our original set, the Pete and Trail King, to focus on growing with the Kenworth and Aspen.
The 37's Side by Side- A Tribute to Papa - March 2022
We were able to make the truck upgrade thanks to Papa, Chris's grandpa. The KW is named "The 37" as tribute to Papa and his beloved 1937 Cadillac affectionately called "The 37".
Truck Show - Brooks, OR - August 2022
Lots of polishing and a few upgrades later "The 37" went to the Brooks Truck Show. We also took this beautiful 1937 Mack Log Truck owned by the Hild Family.
Truck Show - Brooks, OR - August 2023
Another trip to the Brooks Truck Show 2023.
Truck Show - Brooks, OR - August 2025
Brooks Truck Show 2025