Why Houston Transport Chooses OSW Equipment for Their Dump Trucks

Nearly four decades ago, Kevin Houston climbed into his first dump truck. He didn’t know it then, but that decision would pave the way—literally and figuratively—for a career defined by persistence, hard work, and a dedication to quality. Today, as co-owner of Houston Transport, Kevin and his team have become one of the most respected asphalt haulers in Arizona’s Valley.

Reaching 25 years in business was a milestone that took Kevin by surprise. “Every year, you’re wondering if you’re going to make it to the next year,” he says. “Hitting 25 years is a huge milestone… I feel like you’ve made it, that you’ve done enough where you’re a little more anchored in the work.”

Anchored is the right word. Houston Transport’s reputation was built on the same principles that drive the paving projects they serve—precision, consistency, and reliability. For Kevin, that reliability extends beyond his crew and into the equipment they use every day.

“The drivers that I hire need to be able to dump in pavers, know how to work in the plant. That’s what I’m looking for. We’re not just dirt haulers—we specialize in asphalt hauling.”

That specialization demands equipment that performs under pressure. Over the years, Kevin has worked with OSW Equipment, a company whose products and service have become integral to his operation’s success.

“I started with my father-in-law,” Kevin recalls. “He’s actually the one that introduced me to the OSW bed.” What began as a recommendation evolved into a long-term partnership built on trust and responsiveness—two things Kevin values most in this business.

When Houston Transport began moving to longer trucks, Kevin turned to OSW again. “They were willing to build a bed to our specs,” he says. “One of the things we like is not having an apron on the back. They slid the tub back so it could get in the paver so it’s not dropping rocks or asphalt in front of it.”

That kind of flexibility is exactly what sets OSW apart. With a local presence in Tempe, their team provides quick turnaround and personal service—critical advantages in an industry where downtime can mean missed deadlines. “Being in the valley has made it so that if we do have issues, we can call OSW and run over, and they’ll take care of our problem,” Kevin explains. “If it’s something that can be fixed on the next build, they’re willing to make that adjustment and make the next bed even better.”

Kevin adds, “It’s a good product, but the customer service is top-notch.”

That commitment to customer service—backed by dependable products and quick lead-times—has made OSW Equipment a trusted partner for haulers across the region. Kevin points out that the relationship goes both ways. “It’s nice to have a partner that you can work with and trust,” he says. “When you’re designing something, they’ll listen to you and then use your experience as well. They know how to build beds, and I know how to truck.”

As Houston Transport looks toward the future, Kevin’s outlook balances realism with optimism. “The future is a little exciting and a little terrifying at the same time,” he admits. “We don’t know what’s the future is, but we’re only as good as the people we work for and I’m only as good as the drivers that work for me. So when we go out on these jobs, we need to make sure we’re at the top.”

And with OSW Equipment as a partner, he’s confident they’ll stay there.

“As long as OSW is in the valley and still producing a good product,” Kevin says, “we’re going to stick with them.”

To watch the full interview with Kevin Houston of Houston Transport, click here.