Compton Transfer & Storage - History

In early 1902, Mr. James R. Compton brought his team of horses and dray wagon to Boise and began hauling freight, coal and personal effects from the railroad to downtown customers.  He expanded his drayage firm over the next several years by merging with other small operators. 

 In 1924, the largest growth and expansion of Compton Transfer & Storage began when Mike Compton took over the company leadership. With an eye for growth, Mike began the conversion from horse and buggy to motor vehicles. Moving household goods along with temporary storage in warehouses became a major part of the business.  Rail service has always been a part of the company, and in 1948 Union Pacific Railroad built a state-of-the-art warehouse to accommodate the heavy rail traffic Compton's handled. Boise was growing and along with the number of items that needed to be distributed or transported.  During World War II the use of motor trucks in heavy hauling took off.  Compton's was the main contractor for Morrison-Knudsen Co. (now Washington Group). Mike later partnered with Harry Morrison to purchse Olson Mfg., Co to supply fabricated steel items for the war effort. After the war, Olson was sold to Gate City Steel.  By the 1950's, Glenn and Roger had divided up the responsibilities of Compton Transfer & Storage. Compton's was the exclusive Mayflower agent for Boise which allowed us to provide top service to accounts such as Albertson's, Boise Cascade, Morrison-Knudsen, Micron and Mountain Home Air Force Base.  In the 1970's, Union Pacific was considering moving all the tracks out of downtown Boise therefore causing us to look at property outside of the downtown Boise area. 

Proud of this heritage, the fourth generation of Compton's grandchildren joined the company in 1976 and are still in the building that was constructed after the move out of the downtown Boise area.

108 years later, the vision, courage and focus on transporation needs that J.R. Compton had is alive and well.