hesstoytruck.com

What Hesstoytruck.com Is

hesstoytruck.com is the official online site for the Hess Toy Truck line, a long-running collectible toy brand that has been releasing new vehicles every year since 1964. Initially tied to Hess gas stations, the brand now operates online, where visitors can explore the history of the toys, purchase current and past products (while supplies last), and sign up for alerts about upcoming releases.

The site functions as both a storefront and a brand heritage hub — offering product listings, historical context, customer service info, and educational initiatives connected to its products.

The Core Tradition Behind the Brand

From the beginning, the Hess Toy Truck wasn’t just another toy product line. It started in 1964 when Leon Hess, founder of Hess Corporation, wanted to offer a high-quality toy with batteries included at his gas stations during the holiday season. That combination of quality, low price, and immediate playability became a hit and set the tone for what the brand would become.

Over the years — spanning more than six decades — the annual release of a Hess vehicle around the holidays became a tradition for many families. Collectors and parents alike still look forward to each year’s new model.

What You Can Find on the Website

Holiday Toys

This is the main section of the site. It lists the latest annual release — the new Hess Toy Truck or vehicle for that year — and past models for reference. These toys typically sell out. The current year’s model is usually front and center on the homepage during the holiday season.

For example, the 2025 release was a pair of Stock Car Racers — a departure from traditional trucks, but still part of the annual series. They feature lights, sounds, and batteries included, combining collectible detail with play value.

Plush Toys

Beyond the classic hard plastic trucks and vehicles, the site also highlights plush versions — soft, cuddly toys designed for younger children. These Hess plush toys often include lights and songs, are safe for all ages, and have become a newer collectible tradition in their own right.

Educational Programs (STEM)

The site features a STEM educational section where Hess partners with educational institutions to provide free learning kits and curriculum guides that use toy trucks as teaching tools. This is part of a broader effort to tie play with learning.

History and Brand Story

There’s content detailing the history of the Hess Toy Truck tradition, including how and why it began, how the product evolved, and how it stayed relevant even after Hess sold its gas station business. Today, the toy line is sold directly online rather than through gas stations.

Customer Support and Contact Info

The site includes ways to get help with orders, track shipments, understand return policies, or reach customer service via email or phone.

How Hesstoytruck.com Fits Into the Larger Hess Story

Originally, Hess Toy Trucks were sold primarily at Hess gas stations during the holidays. Families would often line up during Thanksgiving weekend to grab the new truck before it sold out. That tradition spanned decades until Hess sold its retail gas operations in 2014. Even after that sale, the toy business lived on.

Today, the toys aren’t tied to gas station sales anymore — they’re sold online directly through hesstoytruck.com, and fans around the world follow announcements and stock drops there.

Despite ownership changes at the corporate level (Hess being acquired by Chevron), the toy line continues as a standalone brand, with plans to grow and expand under the Hess family’s oversight.

Why the Brand Has Lasted

There are a few clear reasons why hesstoytruck.com and the Hess Toy Truck tradition endure:

• Consistent annual releases that create anticipation.
• Quality and collectibility — many older models are now worth significant amounts on the collectors’ market.
• Family tradition and nostalgia — many people receive a new truck each year, passing the practice down through generations.
• Adaptation — from gas station sales to online exclusives, plush toys, and educational tie-ins, the brand keeps evolving.

How to Use the Site

If you’re interested in Hess Toy Trucks, here’s what you’ll typically do on hesstoytruck.com:

1. Browse the current year’s toy release on the homepage.
2. Sign up for email alerts so you don’t miss future releases.
3. Explore past models and collectibles for reference or gift ideas.
4. Contact customer service for order help or questions.

Key Takeaways

• Hesstoytruck.com is the official online home of the Hess Toy Truck brand, which has been releasing collectible vehicles every holiday season since 1964.
• The site lets you view, order, and learn about annual holiday toys, past releases, plush versions, and educational programs.
• The brand began as a holiday promotion at Hess gas stations but transitioned to an online-only presence.
• Even after changes in corporate ownership of Hess, the toy tradition continues — now run as a family business with plans for future product expansions.
• The appeal comes from a blend of quality design, tradition, and collectibility.

FAQ

Is hesstoytruck.com the real Hess Toy Truck website?
Yes — it’s the official site where Hess releases its annual toy products and brand content.

Can I still buy the toys at gas stations?
No. Since Hess sold its gas station business, the toys are sold online only through the official site.

Why are these toys collectible?
Annual limited releases and strong historical interest have made older Hess Toy Trucks highly collectible among enthusiasts.

Does the website offer something beyond toys?
Yes — it includes educational STEM resources and background on the toy tradition.

Are the toys only trucks?
No. While originally trucks, the annual releases now include a variety of vehicles (e.g., stock cars) and sometimes themed plush toys.