In this engaging interview, OU Kosher speaks with Mario Reyes, the president of TRD Trucking—a company he founded at just 18 years old with a single truck. Now overseeing a fleet of 200 trucks and 250 tankers, Mario has expanded his operations to include two OU kosher-certified tank wash facilities in New Hampton, Iowa, and Vineland, New Jersey. Specializing in the transportation of liquid eggs and other food products, TRD Trucking plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of kosher goods nationwide. Mario shares his personal story and the challenges of running a 24/7 logistics operation, highlighting how communication, reliability, and a commitment to kosher standards have been key to his company’s success.

OU Kosher: Mario, let’s start with an overview of your company. Can you give us some context on your services and the industry you’re in?

Mario Reyes: Absolutely. TRD Trucking handles mostly liquid egg transportation. We also do some dairy and juice transportation, but eggs are our primary focus. Our operations are kosher certified, which is important for many of our clients.

We also own two tank wash facilities:  New Hampton Tank Wash in New Hampton, Iowa, and Vineland Tank Wash in Vineland, New Jersey. These are kosher-approved facilities that serve both our own trucks and other carriers as well.

Roles and Responsibilities at TRD Trucking

OU Kosher: What’s your role in the business?

Mario Reyes: I’m the president and founder of TRD Trucking and I oversee both tank wash facilities. So, I manage operations for all three companies under our umbrella.

Clients and Industry Served

OU Kosher: Who are your main clients, and what’s the scope of the industry you serve?

Mario Reyes: We serve some of the biggest players in the egg industry. Our clients include Deb El Foods, Michael Foods, Rose Acre Farms, Pine Valley, and Daybreak Foods. Outside of the egg industry, we also work with companies like Ben & Jerry’s and Kraft.

Our job is to transport liquid eggs—whole eggs, egg whites, and yolks—from farms where the eggs are cracked and stored in silos. From there, we take them to processing facilities for pasteurization and shipment to buyers.

How the Tank Washing Service Works

OU Kosher: Can you explain how your tank washing service works, and how it fits into the overall process?

Mario Reyes: Our tank washes are essential, especially for maintaining kosher standards. After a truck delivers a load, it needs to be thoroughly washed before it can pick up another load. This is where our kosher-certified washing process comes in. We wash our own trucks as well as trucks from other carriers that need kosher washes.

Handling Public and Kosher Washes

OU Kosher: So, your tank washes are open to the public as well?

Mario Reyes: Yes, we’re open to other carriers. They can schedule washes with us by calling our tank wash manager, who operates 24/7. They just need to let us know what kind of wash they need—whether it’s a standard wash or a kosher wash for companies like Cargill that require special handling.

Kosher Certification Process

OU Kosher: What does the process of getting OU Kosher certification involve for your trucks and washing facilities?

Mario Reyes: To maintain our OU Kosher certification, we go through regular inspections. Rabbis (RFR’s) come in to review our washing processes, check temperatures, and ensure everything complies with kosher standards. After every wash, our tank wash manager inspects the tank and seals it to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with before it reaches the customer.

Importance of Sealing and Inspection

OU Kosher: What’s the significance of sealing the tanks after a wash?

Mario Reyes: Seals are crucial. Once a tanker is washed, it’s sealed to ensure no one tampers with it before the next load. The seals come with unique numbers that are recorded on the paperwork. When the tanker reaches the shipper, they break the seals to confirm that it’s clean and untouched. Without seals, the load could be rejected because there’s no guarantee that the tanker wasn’t compromised along the way.

Challenges in the Tank Washing Business

OU Kosher:  What are the biggest challenges you face with truck washing?

Mario Reyes: One of the biggest challenges is timing. We have to make sure trucks arrive on time for their washes. If a truck is late, it disrupts the entire schedule, which can affect other customers. Staying on schedule is critical in this business.

Customer Priorities and Communication

OU Kosher: What do your customers value most about your services?

Mario Reyes: Customer service and communication, hands down. Clients expect timely deliveries and quick responses. We always keep our clients informed, whether a load is on time or delayed. Good communication builds trust, and that’s something we take a lot of pride in.

Changes and Innovations in the Industry

OU Kosher: How has the industry changed over the past few years, especially with innovation?

Mario Reyes: The biggest change is the increase in competition, which has driven down transportation rates. While that’s tough, it also forces us to stand out with better service. Communication has always been key for us, and that’s how we maintain our relationships with big clients like Deb El Foods and Michael Foods.

Mario Reyes’ Personal Journey

OU Kosher: Can you tell us more about how you built your business?

Mario Reyes: Yeah, I started with just one truck and one customer when I was 18. Now, I’m 33, and we’ve grown to 200 trucks and 250 tankers. We’re also expanding into refrigerated transportation. We bought 20 brand-new refrigerated units to serve customers like Walmart and Panera Bread.

What’s interesting is that we never advertised. Our growth came entirely from word of mouth. Other carriers would see our trucks at pick-up locations and tell their clients to try TRD because we were always on time. That’s how we grew, just by being reliable.

Challenges and Growing the Business

OU Kosher: That’s an incredible story. What were some of the challenges you faced in growing the business?

Mario Reyes: Managing growth is tough, especially ensuring we maintain the same level of service as we scale. It’s also important to stay ahead with technology. We use GPS tracking, advanced scheduling software, and onboard cameras in all our trucks. Our team runs 24/7 to keep everything on track.

Logistics and Managing Schedules

OU Kosher: How do you keep track of all your vehicles and ensure they stay on schedule?

Mario Reyes: We use Samsara for GPS tracking and TMW Suite for load management. Our trucks have cameras that record everything inside and outside the truck. We also have a team of load planners who make sure each driver has enough time for their deliveries. If a driver’s running late, we’ll swap them out with another in a nearby location to make sure the load arrives on time.

Handling Crises and Communication

OU Kosher: What’s a typical crisis for you, and how do you handle it?

Mario Reyes: A typical crisis is anything that causes delays—whether it’s weather, traffic, or a breakdown. We always have a backup plan. For example, if a driver is running late, we might arrange for another driver to meet them halfway and complete the delivery. And, of course, we always keep the client informed.

OU Kosher: What advice would you give to someone starting in this industry?

Mario Reyes: I’d say focus on building strong relationships and never underestimate the importance of communication. Be reliable, transparent, and always strive to exceed your clients’ expectations. Also, invest in a solid team—having people you trust makes all the difference.

OU Kosher: Mario, thanks for sharing your story with us. Your growth and success are truly inspiring.

Mario Reyes: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to tell our story. It’s been a great ride, and I’m excited for what the future holds.