Built on Strength. Driven by Reliability.
Metro Gravel delivers quality materials and trusted service across Minnesota’s toughest jobs.
A Family Tradition Since 1963
Although the work began in 1963, Metro Gravel was officially founded in the spring of 1965 when Everett “Red” Houle and Bill Ebertz joined forces. Their first projects came during record Mississippi River floods, hauling dirt to build dikes and later removing it once waters receded.
Fueled by hard work, family support, and several bright orange International 190 dump trucks from the City of Minneapolis, Metro Gravel was launched and began building a reputation for dependable hauling services in Minnesota.
Early Partnerships and Local Impact
In those early years, Metro Gravel formed lasting partnerships with companies like 3M in Maplewood, MN, while also developing a gravel pit on family land in Woodbury. Family members including Red’s sons West and Steve Houle, and Bill’s brothers Jake and Johnjoined the effort, running equipment in the pits and supporting growing demand.
Metro quickly became the go-to partner for flood berm construction and demolition projects across Washington County, playing a key role in protecting communities along the Mississippi River.
Growth Fueled by Equipment and Family Commitment
To keep up with demand, Metro invested in new equipment: Ford F-850 Super Duty dump trucks, Pettibone loaders, Bobcats, and rollers. Much of this equipment became part of Metro’s identity kept alive and running by the Houle and Ebertz families.
The business was never just about machines; it was about people. Family members like John Ebertz (the fuel man) and Blackie Houle were integral to the company’s growth, building a culture of resilience and teamwork.
Tragedy and Transition
In July 1970, tragedy struck when co-founder Bill Ebertz was killed in a gravel pit accident. His loss marked the end of an era, and Red continued the business with the support of his wife Sally and their family.
Through the 1970s and 80s, Metro Gravel expanded relationships with Minnesota contractors, haulers, and construction companies, growing to seven employees by the late 70s. Cash flow challenges and seasonal ups and downs didn’t stop Metro from doubling its fleet and workforce, laying the foundation for long-term stability.
A Family-Run Business Through the Generations
By 1987, Red’s wife Sally and son West Sr. stepped forward to lead the company, joined by West’s wife Laurie, who brought sharp business acumen in accounting, HR, and dispatch. This family leadership team, supported by loyal employees, pushed Metro into another era of growth and strength.
Metro’s ties with 3M deepened as they provided aggregate hauling, excavation, grading, and snow removal services in Maplewood and across the Twin Cities. Metro became a trusted name for both commercial and municipal projects.
A Growing Team and a Growing Fleet
Metro’s success attracted more family and friends to the workforce. Red’s uncle Harry Edwards, Herb Tezzlaff, Don Pilger, and others joined, while the Houle brothers and Ebertz brothers continued running equipment.
But growth wasn’t without heartbreak. In 1996, Steve Houle died in a Bobcat accident, and in 2003, Sally Houle passed away after a long battle with cancer. Both remain central to Metro’s legacy. In 2010, West Sr. also passed away after his fight with lung cancer, remembered as a leader who shaped the company’s culture of hard work and integrity.
Driving Standards of Excellence
In the late 1970s and beyond, Metro expanded into partnerships with Northern States Power (NSP) and later Xcel Energy, hauling for plants in Mankato, Red Wing, King, Riverside, and Blackdog. To better serve clients, Metro added a second location in Elk River, MN, strengthening its footprint across the state.
With these partnerships came new infrastructure: IT systems, employee benefits, and improved processes that allowed Metro to scale. Metro also expanded laterally, adding fleet maintenance, truck and trailer repairs, and over-the-road transport. In 2009, Metro purchased D. Biscoe Trucking, expanding into hazardous material hauling and nationwide services under the Metro Transport Services name.
Renewed for the Future
More than 60 years later, Metro Gravel is still family-owned, Minnesota-based, and trusted across the Midwest and beyond. From gravel hauling and aggregate delivery to regional transport and nationwide shipping, Metro continues to operate with the same values it was built on: hard work, loyalty, and reliability.
Metro Gravel’s story is one of resilience that is rooted in family, strengthened by community, and driven by the promise to deliver quality service on every job.
Join the Team.
Metro Gravel is always looking for dedicated drivers and skilled mechanics.
Work with a company that has your back.
Trusted by Builders,
Backed by Homeowners
We’ve hauled for construction crews, landscapers, city projects, and families fixing up their driveways. Our customers trust us because we don’t cut corners, we deliver exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed.”
Contractors & Builders
Municipal Projects
Landscapers
Residential Homeowners
Metro Gravel Feedback
"Quality service"
Quality service, friendly staff! Found a new place to bring my truck for service
- Aaron W.
"Best trucking company"
Family owned, one of the best trucking companies around. 60+ years in business, customer service is still #1
- Shawn H.
"Great atmosphere"
Best placeplace to work at!
- Alfonso S.
Powering What’s Next
Metro Gravel proudly partners with Green APU to keep our fleet efficient and environmentally responsible. By investing in smarter power solutions, we’re reducing idle time, saving fuel, and keeping operations lean.
What Drives Us
At Metro Gravel, our values aren’t just words. They’re the backbone of every load we deliver.
Dependability
You can count on us to show up
on time, every time.
Quality
Materials you can trust to stand
the test of time.
Integrity
Straightforward, honest service
with no surprises.
Elk River, MN
Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00
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