This month’s cool creation was built for Charlie Perrault (43) of the Perrault Corporation in Bonsall, California. Handling material sales and running trucks in and around northern San Diego County (Bonsall is located about 10 miles east of Oceanside), Charlie likes to think of his trucks as the “shovels” of his business – and it’s hard to move dirt without a shovel.
The Perrault Corporation was started by Charlie’s dad Chuck over 30 years ago, which also owns 76 Sand & Gravel, that specializes in concrete and asphalt recycling. Currently running 23 trucks, along with various pieces of construction equipment, Charlie says, “We don’t own the trucks, the trucks own us!” It is sort of a love/hate relationship with him, but every job needs the right tools for success.
After Charlie’s mom and dad split-up when he was five years old, he grew up literally on the floorboard of a dirt truck. Raised by his dad and his grandmother, Elinore, Chuck was Charlie’s best friend. Elinore passed away in 2014, but she was a big help to Chuck when Charlie was little. Elinore had one girl (Mary Ann) and four boys (Chuck, Leon, Jerry and Tom). Today, all the boys work together, but each has their own separate business, which includes Perrault Corp., 76 Sand & Gravel, Moodys El Corazon Recycling and Bonsall Petroleum Construction.
Chuck and his brothers started out driving for Jim Brown Trucking, running transfers, before going out on their own. Growing up with trucks, Charlie was responsible for greasing the trucks on Saturdays, and then Sunday was wash day. For those of us who were raised in that type of environment, it’s just a way of life. Married to his wife Sarah for nine years, who also runs the office, the couple has three girls – Kaela (18), Makenna (6) and Chelsea (4).
Last year, when it came time for Perrault Corp. to get some new units, Charlie was referred to me by a friend. The first order was three trucks for dumps. After making the orders, we had the trucks drop-shipped to Superior Trailer in Fontana, California, where two of them became truck and pup setups, and one became a transfer set. All these trucks were orange and white, like the latest one you see here.
When it came time to order a nice long hood to pull a lowboy, Charlie called me again, and we ordered him another white truck with an orange frame and orange fenders. Wanting it to be special, we brought it into the shop and hid the DEF tank, installed dummy pipes, and mounted stainless Hogebuilt fenders on hidden brackets. The body shop added a small drop visor, along with painted cab and sleeper skirts, and then my dad chopped the air cleaners. After picking it up and taking it home, they finished the lowboy ramps and got it all dialed-in for work.
Specializing in trucking and hauling services and material sales, Perrault has been serving both commercial and residential construction projects in San Diego and surrounding counties for over three decades. Their reputation is built upon integrity and professionalism. From the top down, they take pride in their top-quality customer service and safety record. No matter the project scope or size, Perrault Corp. has the experience, knowledge and tools (trucks) to get the job done right.
1 Comment
Awesome article about a 1st class company withsecond to none trucks and equipment and employees and drivers andwho take pride in what they do and a family behind all of it that are trulya cut above the rest!! They truly are awesome!!!