SPRINGFIELD, Minn. — The owner of a school transportation company here lost most of his operation in a fire last week, just four months after he had bought it, Mankato Free Press reports.
The fire destroyed the garage, 10 school buses and a couple of semi-truck tractors belonging to Joe Schieffert, the owner of Superior Transportation Services, according to the newspaper. He recently bought the business after having been co-owner of the Sleepy Eye school bus company along with his dad and uncle for a decade before branching out on his own this year.
About an hour after the fire, Schieffert made phone calls to bus dealers and got a response from North Central Bus Sales in St. Cloud, which provided six new buses on Sunday, according to Mankato Free Press. Those buses, along with four that weren't damaged in the fire, were enough to complete school routes on Monday. The fire marshal who inspected the scene told Schieffert the cause of the fire is most likely not arson, according to the newspaper.
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Keith Kottke told Mankato Free Press Schieffert’s quick actions despite the loss are impressive. Schieffert told the newspaper he appreciated the firefighters, the bus drivers who offered to help him, and the school, and that he hopes to rebuild the company in the same location.
To read the full story, go here.
School bus company owner bounces back from fire
Joe Schieffert, the owner of Superior Transportation Services in Minnesota, lost 10 buses and the garage in a fire four months after buying the business. He was able to get six buses from a dealer to complete school routes soon afterward.
More Safety

Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Read More →
Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders
Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.
Read More →
NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety
A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.
Read More →
'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders
Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.
Read More →

