Rick Weber named VP Operations at Venture Logistics

Industry veteran, Rick Weber has been named VP of Operations for Venture Logistics, a new position in the company.

A 21-year veteran of the trucking industry, Weber comes to Venture Logistics from the same position with a national trucking company based in Kansas.

His experience also includes operations and management positions with Crete Carrier Corp and Shaffer Trucking.

According to Rick, "Having worked with Ronny Betz before and after meeting Doug Williams, I was impressed with everything I learned about Venture Logistics.

This is a well-run, family-oriented trucking company with a very bright future. I'm very excited to be here and look forward to meeting and working with all our associates."

A Nebraska native and University of Nebraska graduate, Rick Weber’s responsibilities will include overseeing all Venture Logistics operations from his office at the Indianapolis terminal.

“We are proud to welcome Rick Weber to our company,” said Doug Williams, Venture Logistics President, “His extensive experience with trucking industry operations will add greatly to the ongoing success of Venture Logistics.”

Rick and wife Sandy, who will be living in Zionsville, are the proud parents of 3 children, Kelsie (20), Alex (18) and Mitch (14). Rick's hobbies and interests include activities with his family, motorcycles, hunting/camping, all sports - especially Nebraska Cornhuskers football.

We welcome Rick and his family to the Venture Logistics family.

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Venture Logistics Opens New
Chicago, IL Terminal

Venture Logistics/Oliver Trucking is proud to announce the establishment of a new terminal location in the Chicago area.

The new Venture Logistics Chicago area terminal is located at 2375 Pratt Blvd. in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Formerly J. P. Transportation, the terminal is headed by transportation industry veterans, Jim Nelson and Jamie McMurtry.

"We're excited to become a part of the Venture Logistics family as this opens up new lanes for our current customers in both the East with the Edison NJ terminal and Southwest with the Laredo, TX location." said Jim Nelson, "We also look forward to introducing new customers in the Chicago area to Venture Logistics' Total Transportation Company services."

Opened in 2001, the Elk Grove Village location has a 20,000 sf terminal building with that sits on 2 acres with plenty of room for tractor and trailer parking. J. P. Transportation currently provides large volume, broker-based LTL shipping services in southern Wisconsin and the greater Chicago area and also to the southeast, including the Carolinas and Georgia.

Jim Nelson's transportation experience includes opening AirRoad in Chicago, where he first met Venture Logistics President, Doug Williams.

"Knowing Doug William's commitment to his people and his customers is the major reason we wanted to join the Venture Logistics family." said Jim, "His company's excellent reputation for customer care and transportation knowledge provides a perfect home for our terminal. This represents a true win/win for both companies and, most importantly, for our customers. "

Along with Jim Nelson and Terminal Manager, Jamie McMurtry, other key Chicago associates include Mike Pytel, Dispatch, Anthony Sara, Dock & Customer Service and office associate, Barb Bryl.

“All of us welcome Jim Nelson and his associates to the Venture Logistics family.” said Venture/Oliver President, Doug Williams, “Establishing a presence in the Chicago area for our company has been one of our long time goals. The acquisition of J.P. Transportation provides a perfect fit for this expansion as our transportation philosophies and customer base compliment each other in every way.”

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Venture Logistics' driver, Thomas Franklin, Named
2007 IMTA DRIVER OF THE YEAR!

The 2007 IMTA Driver of the Year is Thomas Franklin. Thomas resides in Indianapolis with his wife Wanda.

Originally from Tuscaloosa, AL, Thomas married his wife in Selma, AL in Sept of 1973. They recently adopted their 5th grandchild and have 2 children of their own. 

Thomas has been an owner operator for 18 years and started driving 43 years ago out of Selma, AL pulling what they called a bull wagon (livestock). He has amassed an impressive 6½ million miles of accident free driving over the past 43 years.

“When” he gets spare time he enjoys boating/fishing around the state parks here in Indiana catching crappie, bluegill, bass...or  anything that bites his hook! Thomas' repair shop (so to speak) is always open - repairing one of his cars, a friend’s vehicle, bicycles, toys and even an appliance every now and then!!

Thomas once called 911 in Northlake, IL about an armored   that had turned over. His call saved both drivers' lives and saved the armored car company a lot of lost money! As you can imagine – his desire to take care of his family has taken over his desire to retire.   He has had his truck leased on with Venture Logistics since Sept of 2004.

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Earl Harris Scores Big At IMTA
Truck Driving Championships!

Venture Logistics driver, Earl Harris, brought home this impressive 2nd place trophy he won at the recent IMTA Truck Driving Championships.

While the weekend championships were filled with lightning and pouring rain, drivers, volunteers and the Indiana Truck Driving Championships Committee toughed it out, creating another successful event!

Shown in the above photo admiring Earl Harris's 2nd place trophy are Charles Smith, Christine Cooke, Earl Harris, Curtis Elliott and Randy Gosnell.

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Venture Logistics Associates News

Kevin James has been named as Fleet Manager at the Indianapolis Terminal. Kevin comes to Venture Logistics after years in the transportation business, most recently as a dispatcher with On Line Transportation.

A Chicago native, Kevin lives on the west side of Indy with his wife of 8 years Kari and 4 children, 3 girls Kristin 18, Keisha 12, Danielle 11 and 1 son Kevin 8.  His hobbies include landscaping and lawn mowing, bowling, and most recently playing Frisbee golf.  He also loves to watch boxing.

Welcome to the Venture Logistics Family, Kevin. 

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New Location for Venture Logistics Texas Terminal

Terminal manager, David Clemente, reports the Venture Logistics Laredo, TX terminal is in the process of moving to a new location. They plan to be up and running in their new facility by July 1st.

  Their new address will be:
   Venture Logistics,
   14618 Archer Drive
    Laredo, TX  78045

Both phone numbers will remain the same at the Venture Logistics Texas terminal: 956-727-3800 or 866-580-8291 Toll Free

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Above is the newest recruiting banner outside Venture Logistics
Indianapolis terminal.

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Venture Logistics Safety Award WINNERS
- Click Here for Awards Premiums Online!

Venture Logistics Safety Award winner are invited to visit a special website with various award premiums available.

Visit the Safety Award website at www.gifthdq.com/redeem. Then enter the numbers on your Safety Award letter.

Browse the exciting range of Safety Awards. When you are ready to order - simply click Select, fill out your shipping information and click on Order. It's that simple!

Thanks again for your outstanding contribution to Venture Logistics and congratulations on your Safety Award!