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Colby Varley

Colby Varley

Redefining Excellence in Refrigerated Transportation

EntrepreneurLeadership
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Colby Varley Podcast Episodes

The Miles and Mentors Podcast

The Miles and Mentors Podcast

From Driver's Seat to C-Suite | Colby Varley | Ep 21

December 24, 2024

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About this episode

In Episode 21 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers sits down with Colby Varley, Vice President and Principal at Advanced Transportation Services, Inc. (ATS). Colby shares his remarkable journey in the perishable freight transportation industry, from hands-on experience behind the wheel to leading his company as an industry innovator.

Discover how Colby’s early exposure to agriculture and logistics shaped his career and fueled his passion for creating sustainable, value-driven freight solutions. This episode is packed with practical advice for those looking to grow in the logistics sector, emphasizing relationship-building, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Episode Highlights

00:00:39 – Introducing Colby Varley: From driver to Vice President

00:03:09 – The evolution of produce logistics and its impact

00:06:00 – The importance of relationships in the perishable freight niche

00:10:11 – Lessons learned through hands-on industry experience

00:16:14 – Advice for transitioning to owner-operator or fleet owner

00:22:15 – Key insights on patience and sustainable business growth

00:29:20 – The value of being bilingual in logistics

00:36:19 – Networking and staying fluid in professional growth

About Our Guest Colby Varley is a seasoned logistics professional with 14 years of experience in the perishable freight industry. As Vice President and Principal at ATS, he combines hands-on knowledge with strategic leadership to drive innovation and operational excellence. Colby is a strong advocate for continuous learning and relationship-building, key elements of his approach to business success.

Links to Learn More

Website: https://www.AdvancedTransportationServices.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AdvancedTransportationServices

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast Stay connected with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you.

Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Want to Be Featured? Are you a leader in the logistics industry with a story to share? Or are you interested in sponsoring an episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com

Colby Varley Podcast Episodes

The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

Driving Sales Success in Highly Saturated Markets with Colby Varley

The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

Jun 2025

The Shades of Entrepreneurship

Episode 208: Keeping It Fresh: Cold Chain Logistics and the Agri-Business Hustle with Colby Varley

The Shades of Entrepreneurship

Jun 2025

Barriers and Boundaries Resilience Leadership

58 Developing Organizational Resilience with Colby Varley, VP of Advanced Transportation Services

Barriers and Boundaries Resilience Leadership

Feb 2025

BCF ORG Podcast - The Business of Business

#113 - High Stakes Logistics with Colby Varley

BCF ORG Podcast - The Business of Business

Feb 2025

Living the Dream with Curveball

From Truck Driver to VP Colby Varley's Journey in Refrigerated Transport

Living the Dream with Curveball

Feb 2025

This Week In Trucking

What you NEED to know before hauling FRESH PRODUCE | Ep 42

This Week In Trucking

Jan 2025

The Resilient Journey

Episode 168 - Inside the Trucking & Logistic Company with Colby Varley

The Resilient Journey

Jan 2025

That’s Delivered Podcast

ATS Advanced Transportation Services: Colby Varley on Logistics, Technology, and Strengthening Supply Chains

That’s Delivered Podcast

Dec 2024

The Heavy Duty Parts Report

The Value of Premium Service: Lessons from Refrigerated Transportation

The Heavy Duty Parts Report

Dec 2024

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Latest video

Find the Perfect Load Partner for Your Refrigerated Trucking Business With Colby Varley

Find the Perfect Load Partner for Your Refrigerated Trucking Business With Colby Varley

Latest episodes

The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

Driving Sales Success in Highly Saturated Markets with Colby Varley

The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

The Shades of Entrepreneurship

Episode 208: Keeping It Fresh: Cold Chain Logistics and the Agri-Business Hustle with Colby Varley

The Shades of Entrepreneurship

Barriers and Boundaries Resilience Leadership

58 Developing Organizational Resilience with Colby Varley, VP of Advanced Transportation Services

Barriers and Boundaries Resilience Leadership

View all episodes →

Key topics

The Power of Premium Service in a Price-Driven Industry

By emphasizing the long-term benefits of premium service, such as increased reliability, efficiency, and satisfaction, Colby challenges the prevailing notion that cheaper is always better. He showcases how his company’s commitment to excellence has not only attracted discerning clients seeking superior value but has also set a new standard of quality that competitors aspire to emulate. This focus on prioritizing quality over cost demonstrates the critical role that leadership plays in establishing and maintaining high standards in competitive industries.

Navigating a Career in Logistics: From Truck Driving to Executive Leadership

Colby’s journey from truck driver to Vice President and co-owner of ATS is a testament to the opportunities for growth and advancement in the logistics industry. His career path demonstrates the importance of hands-on experience and continuous learning, which have shaped his leadership style and deep understanding of every operational aspect. Through his story, Colby highlights the value of resilience, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach to business. He also provides aspiring professionals with practical advice on navigating their career paths, emphasizing the role of hard work, perseverance, and building trust in achieving leadership success.

Maintaining Quality in High-Stakes Logistics

Colby emphasizes the importance of operational excellence and best practices to ensure that every shipment is handled with care and precision. He highlights the role of strong relationships with clients and carrier partners, underlining the value of trust and communication in delivering exceptional service. Drawing from his extensive experience, Colby shares actionable insights into navigating industry challenges, such as temperature control and unexpected delays, and explains how proactive measures and innovative solutions ensure reliability and success even in demanding circumstances.

View all topics →