History of Rowe Transfer

Rowe Transfer of Knoxville, TN, is proud of its history, as it should be! 

Rowe has withstood the course of time by continuing to develop itself to meet the ever-changing needs of the transfer industry for over 130 years. Rowe Transfer’s long history shows commitment to providing professional service for clients. Our designers, engineers, carpenters, drivers, equipment operators, and staff are dedicated to the work that we do for our clients. Over the years we have served numerous industries in designing specific rigging solutions, building crates for a variety of products and equipment, and successfully completing a wide range of projects for clients.

Rowe Transfer was started in 1883 by entrepreneur David Rowe.  The company operated out of the Knoxville train depot and used horse-drawn wagons to move products and supplies for several Knoxville businesses.  Knoxville’s population at the time was steadily growing with new factories and businesses supplying jobs in the area, and this is when Rowe provided moving services to new residents in developing neighborhoods throughout the area.

In the early 1900s, Rowe grew from small in-town moving of goods to larger items like pianos and long-distance hauling. During this time Rowe also grew its warehouse storage services.  Rowe began to offer fireproof storage, hauling to and from storage, and warehousing with wrapping and handling.

As the machinery and automotive industry evolved through the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, Rowe Transfer progressed with it.  The business began to become carriers for large equipment and machines within the city, locally, and even long-distance. Over the years, Rowe has continued to grow its brand as a transport and rigging company.  We have completed rigging jobs across the country, as well as the world, installing machines such as cyclotrons.

Rowe Transfer still continues to offer the long tradition of rigging, warehousing and transportation services that established Rowe’s success in the transfer industry, while in recent years adding other valuable services like crating, truck mechanical service through Certified Diesel Solutions, and brokerage with RTI Logistics Services.

Rowe Transfer has grown from a stable of 150 stalls and 20,000 square feet of wagon space moving housing goods and business supplies locally in the late 1800s to a state-of-the-art warehouse with over 50,000 square feet that allows for the storage of products waiting to be shipped and a crating department that can create any size container.  We’re proud to still offer transportation services around the world, and our rigging process is built to safely and efficiently resolve any project sent our way. We look forward to working with you and can begin with your request for a quote for your rigging, crating, warehousing or transportation project!