Milestones

1983

Gateway Expediting begins in Central Michigan, transporting air automotive expedites after receiving its air carrier certificate.

1986

After purchasing a second air freighter, Gateway realizes the need for a truck to pick up and deliver the air cargo. A very well-used C60 GMC 18-foot box truck is added to the fleet.

1992

Gateway Expediting had fully expanded into expedited trucking as the rules and regulations became more lenient for companies that were delivering via air shipment. By this time, they were operating 2 Ford extended vans, 4 box trucks, 1 tractor, and 2 48-foot trailers.

1998

Gateway’s fleet had grown to 15 tractor-trailers.

2006

Northern Logistics was founded through the purchase of Gateway Expediting.

2007

Started in the Michigan LTL market through hauling beer, wine, and food.

2010

Northern Logistics Worldwide is founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, allowing us to provide third-party logistics solutions to customers around the globe.

2011

Northern opened their new 30,000 square foot warehouse and office facility with 11 docks and a 17,000 square foot maintenance facility.

2013

The Northern Logistics Flatbed Division is founded through the purchase of Way Transportation in Charlevoix, Michigan.

2015

A cross dock was opened at the Capital Region Airport in Lansing, Michigan.

2016

To better suit our customers' growing demand, the Flatbed Division moved to the Boyne City Industrial Park in Boyne City, Michigan, expanding our warehousing to 50,000 square feet. Also, the Worldwide Division in Grand Rapids moved to a larger facility with 30 docks. In July, Northern entered into the heavy-haul industry after purchasing an 8-axle flatbed.

2017

Northern Logistics acquired Beach & Sons Trucking, expanding the flatbed division and increasing our freight capacity in Northern Michigan. We opened a Taylor, Michigan, cross dock, 5 miles from Detroit Metro Airport.

Northern Logistics employs # personnel:

  • 150 Drivers
  • 25 Office workers
  • 10 Mechanics
2018

Northern Logistics employs # personnel:

  • 168 Drivers
  • 34 Office workers
  • 10 Mechanics
2019

Northern Logistics employs # personnel:

  • 184 Drivers
  • 37 Office workers
  • 12 Mechanics
2020

Northern Logistics employs # personnel:

  • 211 Drivers
  • 38 Office workers
  • 15 Mechanics
2021

Northern Logistics employs 289 personnel:

  • 227 Drivers
  • 37 Office workers
  • 12 Warehouse workers
  • 13 Mechanics

Added a new cross-dock in Taylor, MI

2022

Northern Logistics employs 350 personnel:

  • 280 Drivers
  • 41 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 19 Mechanics

Northern Logistics acquired Rob Smith Transportation and TJ's Trucking in Cadillac, MI

2023

Northern Logistics employs 397 personnel:

  • 327 Drivers
  • 41 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 19 Mechanics

Northern Logistics acquired Ennis Trucking in Traverse City, MI. Clare-Gladwin Career and Technical Education (CTE) announces the expansion of its educational offerings with the introduction of the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program in partnership with Northern Logistics

2024

Northern Logistics employs 358 personnel:

  • 297 Drivers
  • 38 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 13 Mechanics

Northern Logistics Announced as Official Logistics Provider of Michigan State Football. This partnership connects two organizations known for excellence and will give Northern Logistics access to gameday activation, events, and media throughout the Spartans' athletic seasons.

Northern Logistics acquired Byrdsway Trucking out of Alpena, Michigan! We are extremely thankful for the support of our amazing customer base and hardworking teammates who have all had direct impact in our ability to build our new 50,000 sq. ft- 30 dock cross dock, 14 bay maintenance facility and an all new home base for our operations team! It has been a dream for many and it is finally coming to fruition! We are excited for all of the great things to come and please feel free to stop in and take a tour if you’re in the area!

2025

Northern Logistics employs 317 personnel:

  • 251 Drivers
  • 39 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 17 Mechanics

We are honored to be recognized as one of the 47 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Elite Fleets for 2025! Northern Logistics is now an official SmartWay® Transport Partner, recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

2026

Northern Logistics employs 318 personnel:

  • 258 Drivers
  • 38 Office workers
  • 6 Warehouse workers
  • 16 Mechanics

We are honored to be recognized as one of the 47 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Elite Fleets for 2026!

We’re proud to announce the acquisition of Double R Transport and Eagle Xpress, expanding our footprint and strengthening our ability to serve our customers with even greater capacity and reliability.

The original equipment of Gateway Expediting in 1986, a far cry from the 150 trucks in our current fleet!


The current headquarters of Northern Logistics in Clare, MI. It's hard to believe that 10 years ago we operated in one building.


The Northern Logistics Freight Management and Brokerage division in Grand Rapids MI was founded in 2010 and allowed us to be able to cover freight for our customers anywhere in the world.


The acquisition of Way Transportation in 2013 and Beach & Sons Trucking in 2017 has allowed Northern Logistics to expand our service offering to customers by adding, and growing, our flatbed division in Northern Michigan.


Our NEW Taylor cross-dock facility in 2021.


The acquisition of TJ's and Rob Smith Transportation in 2022.


In 2023, Northern Logistics excitedly announced the acquisition of Ennis Trucking. 


In 2024, Northern Logistics excitedly announces the acquisition of Byrdsway Trucking.


Official Logistics Provider of Michigan State Football 2024


In 2025, Northern Logistics was honored to be recognized as one of the 47 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Elite Fleets for 2025


In 2025, Northern Logistics is now an official SmartWay® Transport Partner, recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Delivering Excellence, Every Time

From our first shipment to our millionth, Northern Logistics has been driven by one goal. Delivering excellence, every time.

Thank you to our team, partners, and customers who helped us hit this major milestone. Here’s to the next million!

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