Being second generation in intermodal I grew up hearing phrases like “just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in”, but I still started working in my uncle’s container freight station as a high schooler. After college and a year in banking, I partnered with my aunt in founding Wallport Transit Xpress, Inc. servicing all major port and rail facilities throughout Texas. Starting in a doublewide with three trucks, we built a company on a vision of using technology to make our operation, our drivers, and the facilities that we work with more efficient. Our key innovation was creating an application programing interface with the BNSF Railway, the first in the country! That API is now reshaping how intermodal operators and railroads operate.
While I’m certainly proud of my business achievements and the jobs we’ve helped create over the years, I’m most invested in my Wife and two sons, who inspire me to serve others. As a Christian family we strive to teach our children to help others without the expectations of reward as we’re instructed in Ephesians 5: 1-2: “Imitate God in everything you do. Live a life filled with love following the example of Christ.”
Over the years, my desire to serve has taken the form of engagement on key committees in the organizations that represent the trucking and intermodal industries. They have included roles such as the Governor of Texas Private Sector Advisory Council Chairman, Texas Trucking Associations Emerging Leaders Council liaison to the ATA, Intermodal committee, Board of Directors and DFW Chapter Chairman for TXTA. I am also a member of ATA’s Technology and Engineering Policy Committee, Small Carrier Committee, IMCC Board Of Directors, and LEAD program graduate in addition to the Future Leaders Program at IANA. In every role, I’ve been driven to find solutions to the challenges shared by all transportation professionals, whether they’re technological, procedural, or legislative in nature.
As a distance runner, I’ve had to maintain a relentless dedication to constant improvement. After all, if you’re not getting better as a runner, you’re moving backwards. I’ve tried to apply that same drive and endurance in my commitment to these key industry organizations and their members. Life has not only taught me that positive change takes time, but also that resilience and perseverance are essential to shared success.
To the Dallas County Nominating Committee: I honestly hope you’ll consider me, my experience and most of all my passion for making things better for our industry. In exchange for your vote, I can promise that I’ll listen with dedication, communicate with clarity and vote in the best interests of the hardworking men and women who make up our membership.
As the threats to our profession loom, I promise to stand in the gap and pursue changes that improve efficiency, enhance profitability, and protect our livelihoods.
If my vision appeals to you, I hope you’ll allow me the honor of serving on the Dallas County Board of Directors.
Thank you,
Nate Graglia
