From Driver's Seat to C-Suite with Colby Varley | A Trucking Podcast

How Do You Go from Trucking to Executive Leadership?
The path from behind the wheel to the boardroom isn’t easy, but Colby Varley proves it’s possible. With 14 years in perishable freight, Colby’s journey from driver to Vice President at Advanced Transportation Services, Inc. (ATS) is a story of hard work, strategic growth, and industry leadership.

In this episode, Colby shares how early exposure to agriculture and logistics shaped his career and how relationship-building, continuous learning, and operational excellence have been the cornerstones of his success. If you’re a driver, freight broker, or logistics professional looking to grow in the industry, this episode is packed with real-world strategies for long-term success.

📍 Episode Highlights

00:00:39 – Introducing Colby Varley: From driver to Vice President.
00:03:09 – The evolution of produce logistics and its industry impact.
00:06:00 – The importance of relationships in perishable freight.
00:10:11 – Key lessons learned through hands-on industry experience.
00:16:14 – Advice for transitioning to owner-operator or fleet owner.
00:22:15 – 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 Advanced Transportation Services (ATS), he blends