Our story began in South Africa in the early 1990s, when the first corner protectors were created to endure the country’s demanding trucking conditions. In 1998, Steve and Meryl Bartleet moved to Connecticut with their four children, carrying with them both an entrepreneurial spirit and years of industry insight.

During an oil conference in Miami, Steve noticed that many American flatbed trucks used makeshift solutions – metal scraps, cardboard, or no protection – to secure their loads. The Bartleets introduced what would become VeeBoards to the U.S. market, recognizing a clear need for better freight protection.

It wasn’t easy at first. Trucking companies resisted investing in additional equipment, and the concept of damage prevention wasn’t yet widely embraced. However, through persistence, trade shows, and hands-on demonstrations, a few forward-thinking customers began adopting VeeBoards to ensure shipments arrived in perfect condition. As these builders and suppliers enjoyed significant savings and fewer damaged materials, others followed suit—and VeeBoards quickly became an industry standard.

By 2004, the Bartleet family had relocated to Texas, where their business continued to grow. Now proud U.S. citizens, Steve and Meryl, along with their four children and five grandchildren, have helped transform how flatbed freight is secured across the nation. Today, their eldest son, Murray Bartleet, runs the day-to-day operations with the invaluable support of Jillian Reichenau. Together, they carry on the family’s tradition of innovation, quality, and service – protecting your cargo one VeeBoard at a time.