Warren Transport Inc., nestled in the heartland of Iowa’s farming landscape, stands as North America’s premier carrier for agricultural machinery and specialized equipment. With over 65 years of dedicated service, Warren Transport, Inc. has evolved into a powerhouse in the transportation industry, renowned for its expertise in moving oversized and specialized loads. This article delves into the history, unique business model, and commitment to safety that sets Warren Transport apart as a leader in the field.
A Legacy of Hauling: The History of Warren Transport Inc.
Warren Transport History
Image: Black and white historical photograph of early Warren Transport trucks, showcasing the company’s long-standing history in transportation.
The Warren Transport Inc. story began in 1949 when the Warren brothers established their business in Waterloo, Iowa. Their initial focus was on hauling newly manufactured John Deere tractors directly from the assembly line to dealerships. This early partnership with John Deere proved foundational, fostering a relationship built on reliability and commitment. As Corey Vesely, Warren’s Director of Maintenance and Inventory, notes, their unwavering “never say no” attitude to Deere was instrumental in the company’s growth, mirroring the expansion of their key client. Starting with a modest fleet of six trucks and ten trailers serving just three states, Warren Transport Inc. has experienced remarkable growth. Today, the company boasts thirteen terminals strategically located across the United States, along with two facilities in Mexico, extending its reach and capabilities significantly. While John Deere remains a key partner, Warren Transport Inc. has diversified its client portfolio to include other industry giants such as Case, Caterpillar, and New Holland, solidifying its position as a versatile and trusted transportation provider for major equipment manufacturers.
The Owner-Operator Advantage: Warren Transport’s Unique Business Model
Warren Transport Bio Pic
Image: Portrait of Corey Vesely, Director of Maintenance and Inventory at Warren Transport Inc., discussing the company’s owner-operator model.
Warren Transport Inc. distinguishes itself within the trucking industry through its unique business model, operating with a 100 percent owner-operator fleet. Unlike traditional trucking companies that own their vehicles and employ drivers, Warren Transport contracts with independent drivers who operate their own trucks. This model encompasses two primary divisions: flatbed and van. The flatbed division specializes in transporting large, heavy commodities, including farm, construction, and forestry equipment. Conversely, the van division utilizes enclosed trailers to transport smaller, more protected goods such as parts and supplies. This owner-operator approach fosters strong driver loyalty and allows Warren Transport Inc. to attract experienced and dedicated contractors. As Vesely explains, this loyalty and commitment from contractors have been crucial to the continued success of this business model. This structure provides drivers with the autonomy of being their own boss while benefiting from Warren’s established network, consistent load availability, and fleet advantages. Warren Transport also accommodates driver preferences regarding travel areas, understanding that some drivers prefer specific regions like staying east of the Mississippi River or avoiding travel west of the Rocky Mountains. This consideration for driver preferences is integrated into dispatch scheduling, emphasizing Warren’s commitment to driver well-being. “Our goal is to get them loaded, keep them safe, and get them home to their families,” Vesely emphasizes, highlighting the company’s driver-centric approach. While owner-operators are responsible for their truck maintenance and operational costs, Warren Transport Inc. provides valuable support through fleet discounts on fuel and services. Furthermore, the company offers a maintenance account program, enabling drivers to allocate funds per mile for vehicle upkeep and repairs, easing the financial burden of maintenance. “Over time, they have built that bank account, so to speak, so it’s not so hard on their pocketbooks,” Vesely states, underscoring the financial support mechanisms in place for their contracted drivers.
Safety First: Cargo Securement and Warren Transport Inc.
Warren Transport Cargo Securement
Image: Close-up of a US Cargo Control strap securing tarps on a Warren Transport Inc. flatbed trailer, demonstrating the company’s focus on load securement.
Ensuring cargo safety is paramount for Warren Transport Inc., particularly when hauling heavy and oversized machinery. The company provides detailed guidelines to its owner-operators on proper load securement techniques and the use of appropriate tools, adhering strictly to state and federal regulations. Warren Transport develops custom tiedown procedures tailored to different types of equipment. These procedures are meticulously documented in manuals provided to each driver, complete with visual aids. Moreover, drivers are encouraged to proactively seek clarification or assistance whenever they encounter securement challenges. “We will create a tiedown procedure, a manual showing, with pictures, how to do it so we don’t damage product,” Vesely explains, emphasizing the preventative measures taken to protect both cargo and drivers. “Using the proper chain or using the proper corner pieces or winches or whatever it may be,” he adds, detailing the comprehensive approach to securement. For reliable securement equipment, Warren Transport Inc. trusts US Cargo Control. They source essential supplies like transport chains, binders, and straps from US Cargo Control, valuing both the quality of the products and the customer service provided. Warren Transport appreciates the clear labeling on US Cargo Control products, which prominently displays the working load limit and grade of chain, crucial information for safe and compliant operations. “With US Cargo, it’s very clear. It’s on the banding, it’s on the straps, and the grade of chain is on there,” Vesely affirms. Warren Transport utilizes US Cargo Control’s 3/8 and 1/2 inch chains, lever binders, and ratchet straps, including the BlackLine ratchet strap with chain extensions, showcasing their reliance on high-quality securement solutions. Vesely also highlights US Cargo Control’s responsiveness and flexibility, noting their ability to source specific items even if not readily cataloged. “We’ll say ‘hey can you guys get this stuff’ which you have been very responsive in being able to do for us,” Vesely states, emphasizing the strong partnership and responsive support from US Cargo Control.
Driving Excellence: What Sets Warren Transport Inc. Apart
Warren Transport Inc.’s enduring success is rooted in a deep commitment to service and safety. This dedication is visibly evident at their headquarters, where an entire room is filled with safety awards and plaques accumulated over decades. The company’s consistent high ranking in the ATA National Truck Safety Contest, achieving fourth place or higher for 18 of the last 19 years, underscores their unwavering focus on safety. Warren Transport attributes its continued success to a combination of factors. “Our safety, driving records, our contractor responses and our responses as a company — committing to something then exceeding those expectations,” Vesely concludes, summarizing the core values that drive Warren Transport Inc. forward as a leader in specialized equipment transportation.
