Ever since Western Trailers built what was quite possibly the first aluminum cattle trailer in the West back in 1969, our reputation has been built on quality, innovation and service. As we expanded into outside-frame flatbeds and grain hopper trailers, we made it our business to thoroughly understand the delicate balance between payload and profit. Along the way, the idea that "light weight pays" has become our guiding philosophy. It's made us one of the nation's leading trailer manufacturers, and given our products the highest resale value of any trailer on the road today.
When the company started in 1958 we built truck bodies in an old fire station and later, in a converted gymnasium. In the late 1960's our owner, Jerry Whitehead, saw a market for better trailers that could be made lighter. Using his experience in the Idaho Air National Guard he began to incorporate aircraft aluminum into the design and manufacturing processes of a new breed of trailer.
We started making livestock and hopper trailers in 1969, and added platform trailers the following year. In 1980 we introduced our Commodity Express® trailer, then wood residual, refuse, Express Floor®, chip, and other specialty trailers soon followed.
In 1982 we opened the doors of our new, self-designed 30,000 square foot plant. We now occupy a campus in Boise, Idaho that is comprised of over 22 acres and nearly 200,000 square feet of space. Over half this space is devoted to our state of the art manufacturing processing, and the balance to our aftermarket heavy duty parts sales warehouse, truck and trailer service, new trailer sales and business office. We also have service, parts and trailer sales centers in Albany, Oregon, and in Spokane, Seattle and Vancouver, Washington.
Fifty-plus years later Western Trailers has over 450 dedicated employees, and is guided by a group of managers and supervisors with an average tenure of service of 18.5 years. We recruit good people who care about doing quality work, and then give them the tools to succeed. Experience and talent are a valuable combination. They are infused into each trailer we build, along with the quality and craftsmanship that Western's trailers have become known for on the highways and byways of North America.
We continue to manufacture all of our trailers with Western Trailer's prime directive in mind - "build the highest quality and lightest weight trailers, and then make them better."
To be the preeminent trailer industry leader, by listening to our customers' needs, continuously delivering quality and innovative transportation solutions, and utilizing our people, core values, and technology to build, supply, and service the best products on the road.
Deliver quality, innovative transportation solutions.
These are the principles that guide our company.
Respect - for people and the environment. Engineered excellence Passionate about professional workforce Unbeatable customer support Trust and value in all relationships Adaptable to a changing environment Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork Inspired to constantly innovate and improve Originality Never settle for second best!