Our History
Company History
The history of Alan Ritchey, Inc. (ARI) dates back to 1964 when Alan Ritchey and his wife, Charlene, moved to Valley View, TX, to construct and operate a cotton gin. We have been serving other businesses across the nation for over 50 years. The years have been filled with change, but, one thing remains the same…our dedication to maintaining long term relationships with our customers based on trust and exemplary service.
USPS History
1964
Alan and his brother, Harvey, bid on, and were awarded, a mail transportation contract between Denison, TX and Texarkana, TX, which was the first of several contracts Alan would be awarded in the years to come. This was the beginning of many business ventures for the Ritchey family.
1972
Alan successfully had been awarded two of his larger mail contracts which necessitated construction of a terminal and maintenance facility in Deming, NM. These routes were among the first long haul transportation contracts issued by the Postal Service.
1983
Two Postal Service trailer pool contracts were awarded to ARI, placing the company in the trailer leasing business.
1990 - 1991
During Desert Shield/Storm, ARI bid on, and was awarded, transportation contracts from San Francisco and Dallas to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, and eight contracts from San Francisco to the east coast. In addition, the Postal Service added one trip a day to our regular contracts between Dallas to Los Angeles, Dallas to San Francisco and Des Moines to Los Angeles. ARI started most of this service within 48 hours and some within 24 hours. We were honored to haul this increased mail volume between our military and their friends and loved ones.
1997-2002
ARI operated the Christmas roller-bed contracts. We designed and equipped unique roller-bed trailers for use with air containers at air hubs and provided the hub transfer services.
1998
We were awarded six Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (MTESC) sites around the country.
1999
This year brought the award of five MTESC trailer pool contracts.
2002
ARI was awarded a contract to take a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence (DOI) on a three-year cross-country tour traveling to cities and towns across the United States. ARI was proud to provide the equipment and drivers for the DOI Road Trip.
2006
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum in Washington D.C. paid tribute to Alan Ritchey for ARI’s contribution to the highway mail industry. An exhibit — Networking a Nation: Star Route Service — was unveiled featuring Alan and company. It’s a remarkable accomplishment to be honored in our nation’s capital and in one of our most historic landmarks.
2008
The first Christmas Annex contract was awarded to ARI for the operation of the Salt Lake City Christmas Annex. This was only the beginning; several similar Peak Season operations have been awarded to ARI every year since 2008. ARI has also operated sites in Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Portland, OR and St. Paul, MN.
2012
One of the most complicated THS sites, located in Boston, was awarded to ARI.
Other History
1967
Alan purchased his father’s share of Ritchey Gin Company. By this time, it had become the largest cotton and grain operation in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
1974
Alan entered the ranching business when he purchased a 720-acre ranch from his father. The Alan Ritchey Land & Cattle Company evolved and consisted of growing and harvesting wheat, soybeans, hay and corn on over 14,000 acres. ARI also owned and operated a pecan orchard with over 5,000 pecan trees.
1987
Alan purchased Martindale Feed Mill, Inc.(MFM) bringing this business under the ARI umbrella.
1992
MFM purchased a bulk feed station in Sulphur Springs, TX.
1993
Alan purchased four facilities located in Cullison, Trousdale, Croft and Byers, KS and started Ritchey Ag Products. This division consisted of grain receiving and shipment, liquid and dry fertilizer storage and handling, anhydrous ammonia storage and handling, agricultural chemical sales and services and self-service gas stations.
1994
MFM purchased a facility in Wolfe City, TX and the feed mill in Marshall, TX.
1996
ARI began a dairy operation with over 8,500 head of cattle including 3,500 milking cows producing over 22,000 gallons of milk per day.
2005
Alan Ritchey Materials Company (ARMCO) was founded. ARMCO supplies sand and aggregate to the construction, recreation and manufacturing sectors.
2008
ARI Oilfield services began with a salt water division operating 80 tractors and 300 frac tanks.
2008
Trans-Environmental Services (TES) was started as a subsidiary of ARI providing hazardous waste disposal, environmental remediation, hazardous materials transportation and emergency response services to customers in North Texas and Oklahoma.
2011
ARI expanded into crude services operating in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado.
2016
ARI began a dedicated freight services division, currently operating 20+ trucks as a contractor for Amazon.
The Future of Alan Ritchey, Inc.
Alan Ritchey, Inc. has diversified with 100% ownership still being maintained by the Ritchey family. For over 50 years, we have demonstrated our reliability and belief in providing the highest quality service at a reasonable price. We look forward to continued growth with commitment to the same dedication and spirit as we have demonstrated throughout our company history.