Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/328701
FIRST CLASS l 9 Venezia's success, and enabling such high levels of service is a fine-tuned Peterbilt spec that works. "Our strategy is to form long-term partnerships with suppliers," says Andy Venezia. "This allows us to develop a spec over time and get it honed in so it works for us. And the spec we've created with the Model 384 and the PACCAR MX engine works well." Dry bulk focus Delivery of dry bulk — and sand in particular — has long been the core com- petency at Venezia, dating back to the company's early years. But even then the company was innovating to give itself a market advantage. "My brother Frank and my father were very progressive in getting our cus- tomers to put pipes on their silos so we could service them more efficiently with pneumatic delivery," says Andy. "That created some growth opportunities for us later. We soon started a van division and hauled finished products out of those plants." While business boomed during sum- mer construction season, much of the Venezia equipment sat idle during the winter, so the company worked toward diver- sifying. Soon heating oil and propane were filling Venezia trailers, as were liquid and dry food grade products. "All the markets we serve are spe- cialized, niche businesses," says Andy. "Diversification has become our strength." Major truck order As the company grew, so did the fleet — in quantity, but not always in quality. While Peterbilts made appearances in the Venezia fleet over the years, the first major order came in 2000. "That was the beginning of the switch," says Andy. "We recognized some key issues that fell in Peterbilt's favor in comparison to some competitors' equip- ment. Driver retention and overall reli- ability were at the top of that list." Adds John Venezia, vice-president equipment and facilities, "Weight sav- ings, maneuverability and versatility were also important factors that favored Peterbilt." The company eventually transitioned its Peterbilt purchases to the Model 384, equipped with a 63-inch Unibilt sleeper and powered by the PACCAR MX engine. The Model 384 proved an ideal match for the maneuverability required of a tanker operation, and the versatility required by both the long and short hauls Venezia offers. "And the MX gives us the horse- power we need in a small, lightweight configuration," says John. "It also gives us an opportunity to save some weight. Maximizing payload is a big concern for us, and we look at every opportu- nity we can to get our weight down — aluminum wheels, aluminum bell housings, aluminum air tanks. We'll be going with single tires on our trailers and tractors, too." The MX underwent a thorough review at Venezia before joining the team. "We had two pilots that worked out very well. We put 100,000 miles on them and we were very comfortable that we were marrying a like engine to a like truck. Peterbilt's done an excellent job of inte- grating this engine into their equipment." Also undergoing review at Venezia these days is the new Peterbilt Model 579. "We're running the heck out of it," says John, who is a member of Peterbilt's Customer Council. "And I like what our drivers see from the seat. The glass is low around the sides and the visibility is unbelievable. As we continue to bring greater emphasis and awareness to safety in all of our operations, such visibility will be a key component." The Model 579, now in full produc- tion at Peterbilt, may become a greater presence in the Venezia lineup, according to John. But until that time, the Model 384 will be front and center. "Our equipment is an extension of our customers' deliveries," says Andy. "It makes a statement about our service — and about our customers' service to their customers." "Our equipment is our brand. The appearance of these trucks makes a statement about our performance." The Peterbilt Model 384, speced with a 63-inch Unibilt sleeper and a PACCAR MX engine, is well-suited to Venezia Transport's variable-length hauls and delivery/pickup in tight quarters.