Indian Cycle Delivery was founded in 1928 by Max and Ida Steinhart in Tacoma, Washington, at the corner of 6th and St. Helens. Originally part of their motorcycle dealership, the business allowed customers who couldn’t afford a bike to work off their debt by performing local courier services.
In 1940, a young Western Union bicycle courier named Jack Laycock noticed how Indian motorcycles handled Tacoma’s hills with ease. Though he couldn’t afford one, Jack charmed Ida into lending him a used Indian motorcycle, working to pay it off through his courier job.
After serving in World War II, Jack returned with his wife, Nettie, and purchased Indian Cycle Delivery from the Steinharts for $1,200. They began with two used Indian motorcycles with sidecars, a permit to deliver packages in the City of Tacoma, and a new name—Motorcycle Parcel Delivery.
As the business expanded, the sidecars gave way to panel vans to support the booming post-war economy. Due to the negative image of motorcycles in the 1953 film The Wild One, Jack and Nettie rebranded to M C Delivery, complete with a lively kangaroo logo symbolizing speed and responsive service.
Their son Andrew, groomed to lead from a young age, started as a truck washer and climbed through the ranks. He took the helm in 1986 and has been the driving force behind M C Delivery’s growth ever since.
Today, M C Delivery operates an extensive fleet of vans, straight trucks, and semis, reliably serving the Greater Puget Sound area and beyond.
As we approach our centennial, M C Delivery vehicles proudly feature images of Max and the early couriers who laid our foundation. Though times have changed, Max and Ida’s original commitment to prompt, dependable service remains at the heart of what we do.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our employees, past and present, and to the local business community for your unwavering support over the years. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we look forward to another century of service.
