Veriha Trucking / Volvo Trucks

Every day, Veriha Trucking is fulfilling the ambitious goal of “bringing the world to you.” The company’s journey from a small operation to a prominent player in the transportation industry is a testament to the Veriha family’s determination and commitment to excellence.

John Veriha, the company founder, needed money to raise his growing family and took a chance hauling a load of insulation, that job would change his family’s trajectory. He borrowed a trailer and rented a truck, after his first delivery what was he going to do for the rest of the month?

“That’s how I got into the business. I knew that I had to run the truck and make money.”

JOHN VERIHA – FOUNDER, VERIHA TRUCKING

Play Video

In 1978, he established his trucking company in Porterfield, Wisconsin. As the company’s sole employee, John made long haul interstate runs, transporting products to California and back. John’s reputation of dedication and reliability allowed the company to grow and prosper. The business moved to nearby Marinette, Wisconsin in 1982 to allow for continued expansion.

Fast forward 45 years, and Veriha has evolved into a family business providing transportation solutions including regional, over the road, compressed natural gas and an entertainment division with a fleet of 250+ trucks running in 48 states and parts of Canada.

PASSING THE TORCH

Today, the company is owned and operated by John’s daughter, Karen Smerchek and son, Joe Veriha, two trailblazing figures in the trucking industry. Their mission is to attract Gen Zs, including women, to this traditionally male-dominated field. Despite the company’s evolution and growth, its core values and goals have remained unchanged: to provide sustainable, affordable, and safety-conscious transportation solutions to their customers.

“We are training the next generation of truckers, how to do it productively and how to do it safely.”

Partnering with Kriete Truck Centers, Veriha utilizes the latest Volvo Trucks technology to achieve cost savings. “We are focused on our fuel consumption and what’s right for the environment,” says Smerchek. The company’s new Volvo trucks feature I-Torque, a cutting-edge system that offers superior fuel efficiency, performance, and maximum agility for fleets handling diverse haul loads.

VOLVO I-TORQUE

This not only optimizes fuel mileage but also ensures a driver-friendly experience without compromising engine performance. Tim Menard, Director of Maintenance at Veriha, sees this first-hand. “The Volvo I-Torque system has not compromised the engine, so the product is very driver friendly.” Benefits like excellent startability and the 13-speed I-Shift’s crawler gear provide easier backing and the added benefits of less vibration and noise for Veriha’s drivers.

PRIORITIZING SAFETY

However, safety is the bedrock of Veriha’s operations. Smerchek’s long-term goal for the company is crystal clear: “to be the safest fleet on the road.” She underscores the importance of safety in every conversation with drivers, reminding them of their duty to be safety-conscious stewards of the highway.

For Veriha, safety is not just a company value; it’s a moral imperative. “It’s bigger than just our organization; it’s about the motoring public,” Smerchek says. They utilize every tool at their disposal to ensure the efficiency and safety of their drivers. Volvo’s built-in safety features have become an integral part of their commitment to safeguarding both their drivers and the public.

“We want to be the safest fleet on the road.”

She concludes with unwavering determination, “Safety is our number one value, and we’re not going to compromise safety in any way.” Their aim is for every driver to return home to their family after every trip, an aspiration deeply rooted in the Veriha family’s values and dedication. John Veriha, the man who started it all, reflects proudly, “I’ve seen a lot of families come through here. We’ve supported a lot of families, a lot of mouths fed. I’m proud that my son and daughter have taken over the company and done well with it.” The legacy of Veriha Trucking is not just about transportation; it’s about family, commitment, and an unyielding dedication to safety and excellence on the road.

MORE STORIES FROM FORWARD WITH KRIETE

Imperial Industries delivers coast-to-coast with quality products and dedicated support.

Design Air relies on telematics and total cost of ownership to keep deliveries on time.

Kutzler Express’ trust in partnerships and bold product selection drives their success.

SIGN UP TO LEARN MORE.