Serving Our Communities By Safely Transporting Students
Visit Us Online!
Parents/guardians: To contact someone in Palmer with ANY questions/concerns, please reach our to your local site manager! For contact information, visit our locations page and navigate to your local site. Thank you!
Serving Our Communities By Safely Transporting Students
Visit Us Online!
Parents/guardians: To contact someone in Palmer with ANY questions/concerns, please reach our to your local site manager! For contact information, visit our locations page and navigate to your local site. Thank you!
What's New At Palmer?

Spring Time
With the thaw already underway, and the promise of new life in the air, now is the perfect time to shed the winter layers and venture outdoors. Whether it's exploring the awakening trails along the Minnesota River, sharing a picnic in a budding local park, feeling the soil between your fingers in a hopeful garden, or simply pausing to listen to the chorus of returning songbirds, spring in Minnesota offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with nature. And as the world around us renews, perhaps a classic spring clean indoors will also reveal its own refreshing rewards. Let the quiet power of spring's return guide your days, bringing a sense of lightness and new beginnings.
Bus Stop Safety Tips: A Refresher for Parents and Students
- Arrive at the bus stop early
- Stand at least 10 feet away from the curb
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching
- Always cross in front of the bus, never behind it
- If something falls under the bus, tell the driver, don’t try to get it yourself
As the final school bell approaches, marking the start of a well-deserved summer break here in Minnesota, let's remember to keep safety a top priority as we transition into new routines and adventures. Whether your summer plans involve splashing at a water park, biking along the river trails, enjoying time with friends, or simply relaxing at home, a little awareness goes a long way in ensuring a happy and healthy break. Be mindful of water safety, stay hydrated in the summer heat, remember sun protection, and always be aware of your surroundings. Let's make this a summer filled with fun and safe memories for everyone in our community!
The Morning Route Podcast
We’ve launched 'The Morning Route' podcast, your go-to source for insights into the school bus industry. Hear from leaders shaping student transportation, discuss the latest tech innovations, and stay informed on the issues impacting our community. So don't miss out – tune in to 'The Morning Route' with Shane Johnson and stay ahead in the world of school bus transportation.
What's New At Palmer?
The Morning Route Podcast
We’ve launched 'The Morning Route' podcast, your go-to source for insights into the school bus industry. Hear from leaders shaping student transportation, discuss the latest tech innovations, and stay informed on the issues impacting our community. So don't miss out – tune in to 'The Morning Route' with Shane Johnson and stay ahead in the world of school bus transportation.

Spring Time
With the thaw already underway, and the promise of new life in the air, now is the perfect time to shed the winter layers and venture outdoors. Whether it's exploring the awakening trails along the Minnesota River, sharing a picnic in a budding local park, feeling the soil between your fingers in a hopeful garden, or simply pausing to listen to the chorus of returning songbirds, spring in Minnesota offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with nature. And as the world around us renews, perhaps a classic spring clean indoors will also reveal its own refreshing rewards. Let the quiet power of spring's return guide your days, bringing a sense of lightness and new beginnings.
Bus Stop Safety Tips: A Refresher for Parents and Students
- Arrive at the bus stop early
- Stand at least 10 feet away from the curb
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching
- Always cross in front of the bus, never behind it
- If something falls under the bus, tell the driver, don’t try to get it yourself
As the final school bell approaches, marking the start of a well-deserved summer break here in Minnesota, let's remember to keep safety a top priority as we transition into new routines and adventures. Whether your summer plans involve splashing at a water park, biking along the river trails, enjoying time with friends, or simply relaxing at home, a little awareness goes a long way in ensuring a happy and healthy break. Be mindful of water safety, stay hydrated in the summer heat, remember sun protection, and always be aware of your surroundings. Let's make this a summer filled with fun and safe memories for everyone in our community!
What's New At Palmer?
The Morning Route Podcast
We’ve launched 'The Morning Route' podcast, your go-to source for insights into the school bus industry. Hear from leaders shaping student transportation, discuss the latest tech innovations, and stay informed on the issues impacting our community. So don't miss out – tune in to 'The Morning Route' with Shane Johnson and stay ahead in the world of school bus transportation.

Spring Time
With the thaw already underway, and the promise of new life in the air, now is the perfect time to shed the winter layers and venture outdoors. Whether it's exploring the awakening trails along the Minnesota River, sharing a picnic in a budding local park, feeling the soil between your fingers in a hopeful garden, or simply pausing to listen to the chorus of returning songbirds, spring in Minnesota offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with nature. And as the world around us renews, perhaps a classic spring clean indoors will also reveal its own refreshing rewards. Let the quiet power of spring's return guide your days, bringing a sense of lightness and new beginnings.
Bus Stop Safety Tips: A Refresher for Parents and Students
- Arrive at the bus stop early
- Stand at least 10 feet away from the curb
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching
- Always cross in front of the bus, never behind it
- If something falls under the bus, tell the driver, don’t try to get it yourself
As the final school bell approaches, marking the start of a well-deserved summer break here in Minnesota, let's remember to keep safety a top priority as we transition into new routines and adventures. Whether your summer plans involve splashing at a water park, biking along the river trails, enjoying time with friends, or simply relaxing at home, a little awareness goes a long way in ensuring a happy and healthy break. Be mindful of water safety, stay hydrated in the summer heat, remember sun protection, and always be aware of your surroundings. Let's make this a summer filled with fun and safe memories for everyone in our community!
Why choose Palmer?
Safe, Reliable, and Caring Student Transportation!
At Palmer, safeguarding the students we transport is not just a priority – it's our passion. We believe that school districts should focus on education, not transportation logistics. That’s why we seamlessly take on the responsibility, ensuring peace of mind for educators and parents alike.
Why Palmer Stands Out
-Cutting-Edge Facilities: Proudly hosting one of Minnesota's largest drive-through paint booths, we ensure our fleet is always in pristine condition.
-Leading Innovation: Embracing the future with advanced routing software, real-time GPS bus tracking, comprehensive camera systems across all buses, vans, and buildings, state-of-the-art training software for exceptional employee development, and exceptional clean energy fuel initiatives.
-Community and Environmental Stewardship: With humble beginnings, we stay rooted in our communities through active volunteerism and donations to local programs. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to adopt alternative fuel buses, paving the way for a greener future.
Choose Palmer, where exceptional student transportation is a promise. Together, we’ll drive towards a safer, smarter, and more connected future for our students.
Please visit our Culture page to learn more about our commitment to our communities, our core values, our environmental initiatives, and more!
Greater Mankato Area Growth helped Palmer celebrate 50 years of safely transporting students!
Why choose Palmer?
Safe, Reliable, and Caring Student Transportation!
At Palmer, safeguarding the students we transport is not just a priority – it's our passion. We believe that school districts should focus on education, not transportation logistics. That’s why we seamlessly take on the responsibility, ensuring peace of mind for educators and parents alike.
Why Palmer Stands Out
-Cutting-Edge Facilities: Proudly hosting one of Minnesota's largest drive-through paint booths, we ensure our fleet is always in pristine condition.
-Leading Innovation: Embracing the future with advanced routing software, real-time GPS bus tracking, comprehensive camera systems across all buses, vans, and buildings, state-of-the-art training software for exceptional employee development, and exceptional clean energy fuel initiatives.
-Community and Environmental Stewardship: With humble beginnings, we stay rooted in our communities through active volunteerism and donations to local programs. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to adopt alternative fuel buses, paving the way for a greener future.
Choose Palmer, where exceptional student transportation is a promise. Together, we’ll drive towards a safer, smarter, and more connected future for our students.
Please visit our Culture page to learn more about our commitment to our communities, our core values, our environmental initiatives, and more!
Greater Mankato Area Growth helped Palmer celebrate 50 years of safely transporting students!
Award Winning Transportation!
Palmer was awarded the 2024 Top Transportation Team award from Transfinder!


Trace Johnson and Tony from Transfinder Go with the Top Transportation Team award.
Palmer received the 2024 NSTA Contractor Of The Year award!

Shane Johnson and Chris Champlin with the NSTA Contractor of The Year award.
See What Palmer Can Offer You!
Who is Palmer?
At Palmer Bus Service, we’re more than just a transportation company – we’re a close-knit, family-owned business with a rich history and a bright future. It all started back in 1974 with just 8 buses and a big dream, and today, that dream has grown beyond our wildest expectations.
We take immense pride in the unique culture we've cultivated over the years, fostering a sense of community and togetherness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Our unwavering dedication to safety is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that students get to where they need to go, safely and on time, every single day.
Join us on this incredible journey, where tradition meets innovation, and family values drive our mission forward. At Palmer Bus Service, we’re not just transporting students – we’re shaping futures, one safe ride at a time.

Thinking about contracting your transportation services? Listen to the superintendents we serve!
As the new school year gets underway, our focus remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of the students we transport every day. Recently, our team was interviewed by KEYC to discuss the start of the school year, the increased presence of buses on the roads, and how the driver shortage is beginning to ease slightly.
Watch the full interview here, or at;
https://www.keyc.com/2024/08/27/back-to-school-bus-safety-with-palmer-bus-service/
to learn more about how we’re navigating these changes while continuing to prioritize student safety.
Who is Palmer?
At Palmer Bus Service, we’re more than just a transportation company – we’re a close-knit, family-owned business with a rich history and a bright future. It all started back in 1974 with just 8 buses and a big dream, and today, that dream has grown beyond our wildest expectations.
We take immense pride in the unique culture we've cultivated over the years, fostering a sense of community and togetherness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Our unwavering dedication to safety is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that students get to where they need to go, safely and on time, every single day.
Join us on this incredible journey, where tradition meets innovation, and family values drive our mission forward. At Palmer Bus Service, we’re not just transporting students – we’re shaping futures, one safe ride at a time.

Thinking about contracting your transportation services? Listen to the superintendents we serve!
As the new school year gets underway, our focus remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of the students we transport every day. Recently, our team was interviewed by KEYC to discuss the start of the school year, the increased presence of buses on the roads, and how the driver shortage is beginning to ease slightly.
Watch the full interview here, or at;
https://www.keyc.com/2024/08/27/back-to-school-bus-safety-with-palmer-bus-service/
to learn more about how we’re navigating these changes while continuing to prioritize student safety.
The Department of Public Safety and the State Patrol are excited to announce the release of their “School Bus Safety: Be Ready for the Ride” training video.
This is a great resource and we, at Palmer Bus, encourage you to view it with your bus riders!
The following videos are great resources from the Department of Public Safety, that illustrate why paying attention while driving and respecting the school bus stop arm is so important.