Hilldrup History

More Than A Century of Excellence

Since our company was founded in 1903, Hilldrup Moving and Storage has been driven to excellence. The past century has been a journey through challenges, victories, changes and growth for Hilldrup. Rather than viewing the achievements of the past century as indication that we have reached our goal, we view them as milestones that confirm Hilldrup is on the right path towards continuing to provide the best services available in our industry.

Read through the decades to see how we grew from a horse and carriage company to a world leader in moving services.

1900s: In 1903, Mr. R.G. Hilldrup starts a horse and carriage transportation company in Fredericksburg, VA.

1910s: Hilldrup provides horse-drawn vehicles for various uses in Fredericksburg, Virginia, including hauling baggage from trains and steamships.

1920s: The company transitions from horse-drawn carriages to motor vehicles. This shift opens new opportunities in the transportation and moving industry.

1930s: Hilldrup services have expanded to include moving and storage, bus and taxi rides, rigging and freighting.   Hilldrup begins providing services for Mary Washington College, including hauling baggage and taxi service.

1940s: In 1940, R.G. Hilldrup sells the business to C.B. McDaniel, a company employee. Mr. McDaniel had been a devoted employee for eight years before buying the company.

1950s: Mr. McDaniel makes the decision to sell all divisions of Hilldrup except moving and storage. By narrowing the company’s focus, employees were able to refine their moving expertise. 

1960s: In the 1960s, Hilldrup partnered with what is now the largest and most honored van line in the world, United Van Lines. This enabled Hilldrup to significantly expand its service area.

1970s: In 1976, C.B. McDaniel turned control of the company over to his son, Charles G. McDaniel. In 1977 the Orlando, FL branch begins operations.

1980s: Hilldrup’s vision of growth and dedication to greatness is expanded by pursuing new markets and opening new branches. In 1986, Hilldrup headquarters move from Fredericksburg to Stafford, VA. In 1989, the Richmond, VA branch begins operations.

1990s: Hilldrup expands its global offerings by creating Hilldrup International. Hilldrup Commercial is created to better meet the needs of our commercial and industrial customers. In 1993, the Greenville, SC branch begins operations. In 1996, the Raleigh-Durham, NC branch begins operations. In 1999, the Charlotte, NC branch begins operations.
 
2000s: As Hilldrup begins its second century of service,  our commitment to training and quality service are reinforced through key international certifications. In 2003 we received our ISO 9001:2000 certification that reflects the rigorous attention to quality standards that is at the heart of every move we complete. Hilldrup International achieved FAIM/ISO certification in 2002, the only quality assurance standard for international moving and one that is earned by less than three percent of international moving companies.  In 2005, Charles W. McDaniel became the third McDaniel to lead the Hilldrup Companies. In 2007, the Atlanta, GA branch begins operations.

The Hilldrup Companies are imbued with tradition and the strength of family, which has created a sense of stability within the company. The name “Hilldrup” invokes a feeling of trust and quality in anyone who has relied on their services at one time or another.