Martin Milk Transport, based in Visalia, California, stands as a testament to enduring values in the demanding world of raw milk and dairy product transportation. From its inception, the company, helmed by owner Eddie Martin and his wife Ivy, has operated with a simple yet powerful philosophy: “doin’ it right.” This commitment, rooted in generations of trucking experience, emphasizes unwavering dedication to quality, reliability, and going the extra mile – principles that continue to define Martin Milk Transport today.
The foundation of Martin Milk Transport is deeply embedded in family history and a lifelong connection to the trucking industry. Eddie “Big Ed” Martin, a Corcoran, CA native, grew up immersed in the world of agricultural hauling within California’s Central Valley. Similarly, Ivy, his wife of over three decades, hails from a trucking family. Her grandmother, a pioneering woman in trucking, operated her own rig hauling beets – a remarkable feat for her time. Ivy’s parents further solidified this legacy, owning and operating Long’s Trucking, a business that encompassed both hauling and dirt work. This rich heritage instilled in Eddie and Ivy a profound understanding of the trucking business and the values of hard work and dedication.
In 1979, Eddie and Ivy embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. With the support of Ivy’s parents, Jerry and Genevieve Long, they acquired a 1961 Ford N-Series diesel truck and a backhoe. Mirroring Ivy’s family business, they engaged in local agricultural hauling and dirt work. Their hauling activities were primarily seasonal, transporting commodities like grain, tomatoes, and cotton. During off-seasons, Eddie utilized his backhoe for various projects, including digging tree holes and trenches for pipelines, septic systems, and sprinkler installations.
For fifteen years, from 1980 to 1995, this diversified approach sustained them. Ivy played a crucial role, managing the business alongside raising their four children: Craig, Seth, Kaley, and Zoie. As the business evolved, so did their equipment. Eddie transitioned through a 1957 IH “Emeryville” cabover and a 1981 International Transtar II cabover, maintaining a consistent company image with tan and brown (later silver and blue) color schemes.
The mid-1990s brought economic challenges, prompting Eddie to sell his trucks and backhoe and enter a new sector: milk hauling. Joining Jim Aartman, Eddie delved into the specialized world of raw milk transportation. This transition required obtaining a “Milk Handlers License” from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, a testament to the stringent regulations and responsibilities associated with hauling milk. Maintaining specific temperatures, ensuring accurate measurements, and upholding impeccable cleanliness are paramount in milk transport. Tanker trailers and dairy tanks must be sanitized rigorously, often multiple times daily, underscoring the critical nature of hygiene in this industry.
During his time hauling milk for Jim Aartman, Eddie forged a significant connection with Gary and Donna de Graaf, and their sons Dustin and Daniel, operators of Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch, a specialty dairy in Pixley, CA. The de Graafs distinguished themselves by milking Jersey cows, a breed known for its adaptability to warmer climates and milk with higher butterfat and protein content, ideal for premium dairy products.
Recognizing Eddie’s unwavering work ethic and integrity, the de Graaf family presented a pivotal business proposition in 2007. Seeking to expand their operations, they offered Eddie an exclusive hauling contract and support to purchase his own truck and tanker. This marked the official birth of Martin Milk Transport. Eddie and Ivy acquired a 1991 Peterbilt 379 and tanker trailer, adopting a white and orange color scheme for their burgeoning fleet. Intriguingly, their first truck was designated #3, setting a unique numerical precedent.
Operating seven days a week, hauling two loads of raw milk daily, the need for a relief driver quickly became apparent. Eddie turned to his eldest son, Craig, then working in construction. Craig obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and seamlessly integrated into the family business. Younger son Seth, then serving in the Marines, eagerly anticipated joining the operation upon completing his service. Even while stationed at Camp Pendleton, Seth contributed on weekends, highlighting the family’s collective dedication.
As Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch expanded, so did Martin Milk Transport. By 2009, the fleet had tripled. Craig ventured into hay hauling, establishing Martin Milk & Hay Transport. Seth, after his Marine service concluded in 2011, followed suit, founding Martin Hay Transport. However, market shifts in 2013 led both Craig and Seth to transition back to milk hauling, rejoining their father and consolidating their efforts within Martin Milk Transport.
Today, Martin Milk Transport operates a robust fleet of ten trucks and trailers. This includes four trucks owned by Eddie and Ivy, three by Craig, and three by Seth. Their services have broadened beyond Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch to include hauling for other dairies and plant-to-plant transport of processed dairy products like cream, whey, and condensed milk for major companies such as Hilmar Cheese. While Eddie and Seth now primarily manage the administrative and dispatching aspects of the business, Craig remains actively involved in driving and also runs Martin Paint & Body, a full-time paint and body shop in Tulare, CA.
The Martin Milk Transport fleet is a diverse collection of Peterbilt and Freightliner trucks, all unified by a distinctive white paint scheme with school bus yellow, purple, and turquoise accents, paired with West-Mark tankers. Two standout rigs, truck #1 (a 1994 Peterbilt 379) and truck #9 (a 2014 Peterbilt 389), exemplify their commitment to quality and aesthetics. Truck #1, initially a daycab, underwent extensive rebuilding and customization after an accident in 2013. Truck #9 marked a milestone as their first brand-new truck purchase.
Driven by a shared ambition to showcase their trucks, Craig and Seth undertook ambitious customization projects. Truck #1 received a 36-inch flattop sleeper from E.M. Tharpe (Golden State Peterbilt), a fresh white paint job with custom striping by Ruben Flores of Visalia, and numerous white-painted accessories for a clean, striking look. Performance enhancements included 8-inch Dynaflex pipes, Hogebuilt quarter fenders, and upgraded lighting. The engine was painted school bus yellow, and the interior was revamped with leather and a high-end stereo system.
Truck #9, boasting a PACCAR MX engine, received similar attention. It features a custom-painted visor, Valley Chrome bumper, LED lighting, Dynaflex stacks, Hogebuilt fenders, and a “Gen 3” front air-ride kit. The interior was upgraded with chrome gauges, a custom steering wheel, and a powerful 2,000-watt stereo system.
Both trucks debuted at the Truckin’ for Kids show in Irwindale, CA, in October 2014, achieving notable recognition, including first-place trophies for truck #1 and awards for truck #9. These meticulously maintained and customized trucks are not just showpieces; they are working vehicles, embodying Martin Milk Transport’s dedication to quality in every aspect of their operation.
Family is at the heart of Martin Milk Transport. The family extends beyond Eddie and Ivy and their sons to include daughters, spouses, and grandchildren. Craig, a single father, has raised his two daughters, Riley and Addison. Seth and his fiancée Breesha have two children, Presley and Matix. Kaley and her husband Jesse Paez, who is also involved in the company, have two daughters, Paizley and Kezlee. Zoie, the youngest daughter, also contributes to the business while pursuing her modeling aspirations.
The success of Martin Milk Transport is a collaborative effort, built on strong relationships with partners and vendors. The Martins express deep gratitude to Gary and Donna de Graaf and their sons at Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch, Ryan Junio and family at Four J Farms, Hilmar Cheese Company, E.M. Tharpe (Golden State Peterbilt), A & L Chrome Shop, Ruben Flores, Baltzer Polishing, Danny V at Morgan & Slates Mfg., their dedicated drivers and employees, and above all, their faith.
Eddie “Big Ed” Martin, with his signature mustache, has become a respected figure in California’s milk hauling industry. Martin Milk Transport has rapidly established a reputation for excellence by prioritizing quality, embracing new opportunities, maintaining a pristine fleet, and consistently “doing things right.” This commitment to quality and family values positions Martin Milk Transport as a leading example of success in the competitive milk transportation sector.
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