Charles Giles

Business

Charles Leo Giles built Mountain Valley Express - a trucking firm with 250 employees, 400 pieces of equipment, five locations, and annual revenues of $13 million - on the backs of a dream, determination, and hard work.

Giles was working for a trucking company that was preparing to close its doors in 1967. He opened his own trucking business with just one truck specializing in less than truckload hauling. His big break came when Dana Corp. called him to haul freight. He didn’t have a truck available so he rented a U-Haul and backed the small truck up next to the loading docks at Dana right next to large trucks from more established carriers. His spunk impressed Dana and Mountain Valley Express was on the move.

He has built two terminal-headquarters in Manteca over the past 18 years including his latest in 1995 on 7.5 acres in the Manteca Industrial Park.

Giles is an active supporter of community endeavors including the Manteca Boys & Girls Club and Manteca Morning Rotary.