Brockway Logo PNG
Brockway: Brand overview
In 1875, William Brockway laid the foundation for the Brockway Motor Company in Cortland, New York, initially focusing on carriage manufacturing. However, in 1912, the company’s direction changed when William’s son, George Brockway, steered the company into the truck manufacturing business, leading to the Brockway Motor Company in its current form.
The company initially produced high-wheel drive trucks but soon moved into heavier models, notably creating the 1-5 ton Class B Liberty trucks, which played an important role in World War I.
The 1920s and 30s were a time of innovation and expansion for Brockway. The company produced many commercial trucks during this time, including the remarkable 1920s Continental-powered models and the 1930s V1200, powered by a powerful 240-horsepower V12 engine capable of hauling up to 15 tons. Brockway also acquired Indiana Truck Corp during this period, although the Great Depression later forced it to divest that company.
For more than six decades of its existence, Brockway specialized in manufacturing heavy-duty vocational trucks for a variety of industries, including construction, utilities, and trucking.
Despite its prominent role in the trucking industry, Brockway could not escape the challenges of rising prices and increased competition. After surviving for more than half a century, Brockway closed in 1977.
The closing of Brockway, located in upstate New York, marked the end of an era for one of the nation’s most enduring specialty truck manufacturers. Its legacy in the field continues to be remembered, reflecting a history rich in innovation, expansion, and dedication to the craft of truck manufacturing.
Meaning and History
1912 – 1977
The Brockway logo has great historical roots as it depicts the real beginning of the company, which started with trucks and tractors. Allegorically, this is represented as a dog (presumably) harnessed to a sled and carrying a load. The peculiar position of the paws and the lowered head indicate the animal’s great endeavor. The dog is drawn with jagged strokes of uneven thickness. Under it is a geometric figure framed in gold. On the red background, the name of the company is also highlighted in gold.
The whole thing is reminiscent of a scene from an old movie with toughness, determination, and nostalgia. The dog looks like he is really trying hard, and you want to cheer for him. The strokes with which it’s drawn aren’t all perfect and even, giving the impression that it’s part of a sketch done a long time ago. The geometric shape of the gold border combined with the gold letters on the red background kind of ties everything together. It’s not flashy, but it has a sense of reality and character, like a cool vintage flea market find.
