History

Linking Ships and Railroads

In our earliest years, VTC was the dominant transportation company moving passengers and freight that originated with the ships in the new Ventura Harbor. With the entry of railroads into the Ventura area, VTC expanded the services it offered to include passengers and general freight.

In the 1880s, when oil was discovered in the region, VTC immediately recognized the commercial possibilities of bulk transportation and moved from the traditional method of transporting oil in 80-gallon wooden drums to mounting large wooden tanks onto flatbed wagons.

First with Motorized Trucks

In the early 1900s, the company advanced from horse-drawn equipment to motorized trucks. By 1922, it had become the first company to install tanks on truck frames. In 1928, it was part of the first motorized transcontinental convoy from Los Angeles to New York City. In 1929, it was responsible for yet another innovation, becoming the first company in California to buy and use aluminum tanks in California.

Innovations in Transport of Petroleum and Plastic

During the 1940s, 50s, and 60s the company’s focus was on innovations in the transportation of bulk petroleum products. In the early 1960s, it became the first company in California to transport bulk plastic pellets and powders. In 1966, the Clifford family had the foresight to open the first bulk transfer facility in California. The firm they founded, “The Leasing and Brokerage Company,” became known as Lesbro.

The First Aluminum, Light Weight Self-Loading Trailer

The company made the strategic decision to change its focus from bulk petroleum products to specialty chemicals and plastic pellets. In 1973, Jack Clifford — in conjunction with local pneumatic trailer manufacturer J&L Tank — designed, and completed final assembly of the first aluminum, lightweight pneumatic self-loading trailer. Still in use today, this innovation revolutionized the way dry bulk commodities are transported.

Both Ventura Transfer Company and Lesbro Company were highly successful in transportation, warehousing, and transloading. Eventually, the two companies were joined, becoming Ventura-Lesbro.

The West Coast Pioneer in ISO Containers

In 1999, Ventura-Lesbro opened the first ISO container depot in California. Steve Clifford, (V.P/Equipment Development and Continued Improvement), redesigned the drop frame chassis, by adding lifting devices as well as other product handling improvements. This provided storage areas for hoses, and added air lines for unloading. The result: a new standard for ISO container deliveries.