Jack Tanner Towing Company was established in 1959 by Jack Tanner. Later incorporated in 1961, Jack ran the business for just over 20 years before selling. It was purchased in late summer of 1980 by Loyd Cole. Loyd successfully built the company for over 40 years to what you see today with the help of his Manager, Daniel Houghton, and Assistant Manager, Norman Lemaster. Danny managed the company from 1980 until 2023. Norman joined JTT in 1981 and retired in October of 2021. Loyd unfortunately passed away in December of 2022, leaving a profound legacy in the marine industry. Evan Houghton the son of Daniel Houghton, along with his father, purchased the company in early 2023. Since the purchase they have added a new vessel to the fleet, M/V Miss Hazel, named for Evan’s first born daughter and they have retired the M/V Norman L. As of 2026 Jack Tanner Towing Company lives on with the founders namesake and provides one of the busiest grain harbors on the Illinois Waterway a safe and efficient level of transportation moving on average over 100 million bushels of grain per year.

Our Fleet is managed by 3 vessels.

M/V Danny H. – 850 HP

M/V Evan H. – 1,000 HP

M/V Miss Hazel – 1,368 HP