Est. 1974

The inception of Palmer Bus Service was August of 1974 when Floyd Palmer and his wife Lois A. Palmer bought the St. Clair, Minnesota school district’s eight buses, some miscellaneous equipment, a bus barn and three acres for $81,500; a hefty sum at the time.  Palmer used $10,000 he saved by working three jobs to make the down payment, forming the first Palmer Bus Service.  The Palmers gradually acquired more buses in more towns, sometimes from school districts, sometimes from private operators.  Today, Palmer Bus Service serves over 20 Minnesota School Districts and 2 Wisconsin School Districts.  We employ around 600 employees and operate about 500 school buses, vans and trucks.  We also have a charter company called Palmer Charter Services in Little Falls, Minnesota.   

Palmer Bus Service received a 2001 National School Transportation Assn. Golden Merit Award “in recognition of excellence of service, safety and outstanding demonstration of community responsibility.” Our philosophy has always been safety, service and kids first.  We strive to be a reflection of perfection. In the future, the Palmer’s daughters and their husbands will assume responsibility for the companies. They, too, are looking forward to serving our districts and charter clients for many years to come.