Independent Skateboards

Independent Truck Company History

Independent Truck Company is a skateboard truck manufacturer based in Santa Cruz, California and established in 1978. The company was co-founded by Richard Novak, Jay Shiurman, Fausto Vitello, and Eric Swenson. Vitello is also the founder of Thrasher Magazine and two major skateboard distribution companies -- Deluxe and Street Corner. Their first truck, the Stage 1, changed it all in 1978.

The Independent Truck Company logo is known as the Alisee, not the Iron Cross. NHS, Inc. distributes and owns the Independent Truck label. They also have an extensive line of skate clothing, accessories, and parts.

Independent Truck Company Construction Technology

• Stage 10 Forged (also known as “Stage X”) is a solid base plate that is manufactured using a solid piece of aluminum under a high pressure mold. This construction is lighter weight compared to the other base plates in the industry. It has an overall cleaner look and a higher strength-to-weight ratio. It uses a light-weight hollow body aluminum hangar with high rebound urethane bushings. All guaranteed by Independent Truck Co. for Life!
• Stage 10 Low has a similar construction and design as the Stage 10 with a smaller hangar height.
• Stage 9 features include 356 Aluminum heat-treated to T6 condition; non-slip 4140 Chrome Molly Steel axles w/ reduced length rolled threads; new Grade 8 kingpins; precision drilled pivot, kingpin and mounting holes; and high rebound cushions.
• Stage 9 Low is a lower profile version of the Stage 9. It offers the same high quality construction with a lower center of gravity feel that is better suited for the street skate style. Eric Koston was a major contributor to the construction of this low version truck.

Independent Truck Company Team Riders

Steve Alba, Danny Way, Adam Alfaro, Brian Anderson, Kenny Anderson, Sammy Baca, Chet Childress, Randy Colvin, Dan Drehobl, Fred Gall, David Gravette, Andrew Reynolds, Jeff Grosso, Emmanuel Guzman, Chris Haslam, Omar Hassan, Peter Hewitt, Christian Hosoi, Rick Howard, Kevin Long, Ryan McWhirter, Lance Mountain, Darren Navarrette, Steve Nesser, Alex Olson, Steve Olson, Al Partanen, Geoff Rowley, Omar Salazar, Braydon Szafranski, Grant Taylor, Tosh Townend, Chris Troy, Tony Trujillo, Ryan Sheckler, Eric Koston