By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition October 2018
During the Pharr International Trucking Expo, Texas Border Business spoke to Armando Cardenas. He is the local branch manager and salesman for Utility Trailer Sales, Southeast Texas.
Cardenas proudly stated that he had been with the company for the last 24 years and that the company has three departments: service, parts, and sales. He said that Utility Trailer is a brand of trailers of which they have several factories across the country and manufacture reefer trailers, refrigerator trailers, drive van trailers, and flatbed trailers. He also said, “Our company specializes in reefers trailers, drive vans and flatbeds of all different sizes.” He added that they could even special order a trailer at the customer’s request, but they try to use their stock, of which they have plenty available.
Utility Trailer Sales, Southeast Texas has been servicing the Valley since 1972. “The company is already established in the market, and we plan to stay for a while,” he said.
Currently, he said, they have nine locations and soon expect to open another location in Eagle Pass, Texas. “We have locations in San Antonio, Amarillo, El Paso, Laredo, Houston, and Pharr.”
Is Pharr the headquarters of the company? “No, sir. Our corporate office is in Houston where we have two stores and one in La Porte, Texas. We also have a parts department.”
Who uses your services? “Large fleet customers like Trancasa USA, Spirit Truck Lines, Logic Corp, Royal Freight, and other companies that have purchased our trailers for many years.”
According to Cardenas, their customers are loyal; they have stayed with them for years because they get good results with their trailers.
“Our trailers are quality-made trailers; we don’t skimp aroundon value or parts. Ourdrive vans are made in Arkansas,” he said.
What’s different about the services that you provide, from your competition?“We provide a one-stop shop with service, trailers, parts, and we are well-stocked, so you can build your trailer if you desire.”
He also pointed out that they have 15 based stations, so they can build you the trailer.
Do you have welders?“We have welders, aluminum welders, and all kinds of machinery.”
Where is your company located?“In Pharr, we’re located right next to the Pharr Convention Center, right off expressway 281; it is very accessible,” he finalized.
