In 1975, Wally Tielens and his two sons, Bruce and Randy, had a simple vision for a family business called Wisconsin Express Lines. The company quickly grew into an industry-leading refrigerated trucking business, providing both truckload and less than truckload services.
The business soon blossomed into more than 150 trucks and trailers by 1987 providing nationwide service to some of the largest companies in the food, beverage, and dairy industries.
In 1988, Bruce and Randy purchased the business from their father and changed the company name to WEL Companies. In addition to the name change, WEL added warehousing services to their portfolio to more closely reflect their migration to logistics services.
Sadly, Wally passed away in 2005 and Randy in 2013. Yet, their spirit drives our reputation for customer service and driver respect. At WEL, we are excited to embrace change that helps move us forward such as Bruce’s son, Chris, being named President in 2014. Chris has been an integral part of WEL for many years and brings his own unique vision for moving WEL forward. Another son, Dalton, has since joined WEL and is making his contribution in various departments.
We address the challenges of an ever-changing world, through innovative, sustainable, people-centered supply chain solutions.
Our many great employees, customers, and the adherence to core and family values have allowed WEL to continue to grow from its humble roots to a diversified transportation, logistics, and warehousing company now running over 500 trucks 800 trailers.
Communication. Relationships. Accessibility. When you’re part of the WEL Companies team, you’re treated like family. Many trucking companies do a decent job with logistics, technology, and compensation. We do all that, and more … because the value of a positive, supportive open-door culture is priceless. Keeping great drivers on our team is vital to our future success. That’s why we help them build a career grounded in respect, support, and long-term fulfillment. In turn, they’re driven to uphold WEL’s industry-leading track record in safety and performance.
WEL Companies is a proud member of Truckers Against Trafficking. We recognize that members of the trucking industries are invaluable in the fight against this heinous crime.
WEL Companies believes in giving back to the communities we call home. One example of that is our involvement with Wreaths Across America, a foundation dedicated to remembering our fallen soldiers by placing wreaths on their graves.
We take pride in being able to participate in the world’s largest truck convoy to help raise awareness and funding for The Special Olympics. To date, this has helped to raise over $1 million!
WEL, alongside 4 other local businesses, competes in a friendly battle to see who can supply the most food for our local food panty over the span of a month. This effort generates over 8,000 items in total!
WEL Companies is proud of all of our drivers and their commitment to maintaining industry-leading safety and performance measures. Together, we have built a great reputation with the DOT, our loyal customers, and the trucking community. We’d like to congratulate the following drivers on making Wisconsin’s roads safer and providing “over and above” reliable transportation.
When it comes to our impeccable service and reputation, don’t just take our word for it. In addition to a long list of satisfied clients, we’re proud to highlight our deep industry roots with a number of awards and affiliations.