DIXON, CA (MPG) - When Dixon’s population was a mere 3,000 in 1963, Bob Nickum bought some trucks from Cargill Grain Company and started Valley Farm Transport. That was 60 years ago and today as you drive along Interstate 80, you can see part of the fleet of 243 trucks and more than a thousand trailers that has grown into the premier bulk agriculture hauler in California, employing 275 employees in the summertime.

They transport tomatoes, rice, walnuts, almonds, sunflower, corn, wheat, garlic, onions, pistachios, finished goods, prunes, carrots, and more.

With the recent opening of a new truck terminal in Orland, California, there are now six fully-operational terminals – Dixon, Arbuckle, Stockton, Bakersfield, and Firebaugh.

Growing Up with Trucks
The Nickum children, David, Amy, and Matt grew up in Dixon, went to Dixon schools and graduated from Dixon High School. While Amy’s interest might have been fashion, the brothers were into playing with trucks and sports when they weren’t working with their Dad. They grew up in the business and never doubted that they wouldn’t work there as adults.

There was a job “culture,” or plan, to start at the bottom and learn while you grew up, David explained. Matt, who is eight years younger, remembers hoeing weeds in the truck yard.

“That was what we were supposed to do,” Matt explained. “Then you went up to airing tires, then taking care of trailers, then welding on trailers, then trucks. I enjoyed growing up there and got a lot of knowledge, heard a lot of funny jokes, and gained a lot of wisdom. It was great to help and a neat experience.” Both men said that training was invaluable to know every job in the company. They even hauled at night and still don’t hesitate to drive trucks in the summer if needed.

Inside the VFT office, there are shelves of children’s miniature trucks and pedal cars along with photos and two restored Shell Station gas pumps, memorabilia from Bob’s days. The office – as well as the yard and all the green and white Kenworth trucks and equipment are organized and spotless clean.

Culture of Caring
In Stockton, Matt mentors the younger guys and teaches them to be strong managers.

“We look for employees who are not just mechanically inclined but also who take pride int their work,” he said. “I like managing the mechanics, but I like to jump in a truck and help out. It’s such a peaceful environment. I enjoy seeing the beautiful fields.” Matt talked about his Dad coming to work for many years and after dropping off things in the office in the morning, he’d come by the shop to say hello to the guys.

“He really cared for them, and they wanted to work for him,” he added. “They can tell we treat people with respect and they end up caring for one another.”

“It’s a culture Bob established from the beginning,” said Craig Gnos, a 3^rd generation farmer who uses VFT for his farming like his own father did. “I have no trouble calling David anytime. He’s demonstrated strong leadership and he’s done a good job. Trucking is not easy in California, and it’s been a very good family and business to work with.”

Family Pride
“I always admired my Dad,” said David about stepping into his father’s shoes in 1988. “His handshake was the contract, his word was his bond, and he built trust with growers and processors.”

When David graduated from college, he had skills and interests more on the business side and Matt was more hands on out in the shop.

“He allowed me to grow,” David said. “I miss most the conversations we used to have. He lived just down the street and I’d go there after work.”

Matt runs the Stockton terminal commuting from Dixon a few times a week. Amy’s son, Dylan Pretti, runs the Bakersfield terminal.

“All of us including my wife, Lisa, my brother, sister, my nieces and nephews all worked here. When family earns their own keep, they are very effective employees. We survived the pandemic,” he added. “We’ve never forgotten our roots and give back to the community.” They also serve on Boards and participate in fundraisers or sponsor teams.

“He’d be proud of the company and even more proud that we kept the same values,” David said.

Future Trucks
On March 31, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allowed California to be the world’s first government to require zero-emission trucks. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced the state will require truck manufacturers to accelerate their sales of zero emission vehicles (ZEV,) setting increasing ZEV manufacturing standards starting from 2024 through 2035.

“We’re bullish about the future of where agriculture is going,” said David. “The mandated electric truck is a major concern and will give balance sheet stress. It will double the price of business, trucks cannot go the range needed to haul and charging stations are non-existent.” But even with that, David knows they will find a way to adapt. “To start a business in a Quonset Hut in downtown Dixon and become one of the largest trucking companies – and do it the right way – says something,” he said.