Since 1972

Family-Owned Excavating Company Since 1972

Carlson-Loy Trucking & Excavating started in 1972 as a family-owned operation based in Ishpeming, Michigan. We've stayed family-run through the decades since, and that hasn't changed as the business has grown.

The same family that started the business still runs it today. Our crew has spent over fifty years learning the terrain, weather, and seasonal ground conditions unique to the Upper Peninsula, from spring thaw softness to frost heave in winter.

Local Terrain Knowledge Sets Our Work Apart

We handle a wide range of excavation and hauling work, and every job gets shaped by what we know about Upper Peninsula ground. Here's what that looks like in practice.

Excavation and site prep: Rocky soil is common up here, and we plan our dig depth and equipment around it before we ever break ground.

Trenching for utilities and drainage: Frost depth varies a lot across the U.P., so we set trench depth to keep lines protected through winter.

Septic system excavation: Spring runoff can saturate a site fast, and we grade and dig with drainage in mind so your system holds up.

Grading, driveway, and road work: We build a base that can take frost heave without shifting or cracking come spring.

This breadth means one crew handles your project from initial dig to finished grade, start to finish.

Yellow excavator grading a dirt road on a construction site, with trees and blue sky in the background
Two large mining dump trucks on a dirt site, one loaded with ore, under a cloudy sky.
Yellow excavator bucket digging soil beside a wooden fence and green foliage

Common Questions About Our History and Service Area

  • How long has Carlson-Loy Trucking & Excavating been in business?

    We've been excavating and hauling in the Upper Peninsula since 1972. The same family that started the company still owns and runs it today, which means over fifty years of hands-on experience with local soil, terrain, and seasonal ground conditions across Marquette County.

  • Is Carlson-Loy licensed and insured?

    Yes, we're fully licensed and insured for residential and commercial excavation, trenching, and hauling work. That coverage protects your property and gives you peace of mind on every job, whether it's a small driveway repair or a full septic excavation.

  • What areas does Carlson-Loy serve?

    We serve Ishpeming, Negaunee, Marquette, Palmer, National Mine, and Champion, along with the surrounding Upper Peninsula. If your property sits within that region, we can typically get a crew out for an estimate within a reasonable timeframe.

  • Does Carlson-Loy offer free estimates?

    Yes, every estimate is free with no obligation. We'll walk the site, talk through what you need, and give you a straightforward number before any work begins, so you know what to expect from the start.

  • What kind of work does Carlson-Loy handle besides excavation?

    Beyond excavation, we handle trenching, septic system digging, grading, driveway and road work, and dump truck material hauling. Most projects only need one crew from us, from the first dig to the final grade.

Get a Free Estimate From a Team You Can Trust

Reaching out costs nothing and starts with a conversation about your property. The same family-run crew that's worked the Upper Peninsula since 1972 will be the one showing up to your site.