Two family-run fleets and valued OTA member carriers are celebrating anniversary milestones this year.
Harland Veinotte Transport of Morrisburg, Ont. is celebrating its 50th anniversary and Bolton, Ont.-based Cavalier Group of Companies is marking its 35th year in business.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to both of these great companies and loyal members on achieving their milestones,” says OTA President David Bradley. “On behalf of industry friends and colleagues at OTA, we wish Harland Veinotte and Cavalier Transportation many more years of continued success.”
Fifty years ago, Harland Veinotte moved his family from Sudbury to Morrisburg. Instead of hiring someone to do the job, he bought a 1956 Ford Flatdeck and did it on his own. Once the family was settled, he decided that since he had the truck, he should at least put it to good use. And a transport company was born. Today, the fleet is run by sons Randy and Terry, who are strong supporters and actively involved in the OTA.
“Harland Veinotte’s story of hard-working people, with a strong family foundation – who from modest beginnings persevered in a fledgling industry to build a company that is stronger today than it ever was – is really the story of the prosperity we all enjoy,” says Bradley.
Cavalier, another strong family-operated carrier, was founded in 1979 by George Ledson with the simple goal of linking diverse truckload shippers in Ontario with local and international carriers looking to fill their available capacity. What started as a consulting company with its offices at the Ledson family’s kitchen table has grown to become one of Canada’s true full-service, cross-border company. George, who still runs the company today with his family, played a vital role over the years at OTA and served as chairman between 2002-2004 –post-Sept. 11 years which were critical for the trucking industry.
Ledson’s genuine call to arms “I love trucking!” continues to serve as a motivating force.
“For a family business in the ever-challenging transportation industry, Cavalier’s story is an outstanding accomplishment. It is a testament to George’s vision, hard-work, and entrepreneurial spirit,” says Bradley.