The Independent Truck Company was co-founded by Richard Novak, Jay Shiurman, Fausto Vitello, and Eric Swenson in 1978. Independent trucks are manufactured at the Ermico trucks foundry which is the only dedicated truck foundry in America. Independent Trucks are distributed through NHS Distribution alongside Flip Skateboards, Venture Trucks, Krooked Skateboards, MOB griptape and Santa Cruz. The logo for Independent Trucks which is often mistaken for the Iron Cross is actually a variant of the Cross Pattee inspired by an image of Pope John Paul II, who was wearing the icon on his vestment in an edition of TIME magazine. The logo has remained the same since to companys inception. Independent have many different types of Skateboard Trucks in five different sizes, ranging from 129 to 215 and have 2 different height options which are Lo and Mid. The Stage 10s use a solid base plate that is manufactured using a solid piece of aluminium 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 doesnt compromise on strength. It uses a light-weight hollow body aluminium hanger with high rebound urethane bushings. The Stage 11s are a revamped upgrade on the popular Stage 10s with Improved turning, improved stability on landings and at high speeds, less wheels bite and a better overall grind clearance. The GC Hollow uses The Stage 11 truck silhouette and combines performance with engineered geometry for incredibly precise turns, less wheel bite, and better stability on landings. With a hollow kingpin, hollow axle reducing the weight but not compromising on strength. These trucks are guaranteed for life. Independent Trucks sponsor an extensive list of team riders such as 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 Hasla