Our History

1983

• Gateway Expediting begins in Central Michigan, transporting air automotive expedites after receiving their 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 who were delivering from an 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 from 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:
  • 150 Drivers
  • 25 Office workers
  • 10 Mechanics

2018

• Northern Logistics employs
  • 168 Drivers
  • 34 Office workers
  • 10 Mechanics

2019

• Northern Logistics employs:
  • 184 Drivers
  • 37 Office workers
  • 12 Mechanics

2020

• Northern Logistics employs:
  • 211 Drivers
  • 38 Office workers
  • 15 Mechanics

2021

• Northern Logistics employs:
  • 227 Drivers
  • 37 Office workers
  • 12 Warehouse workers
  • 13 Mechanics

(Totalling 289)

• Added a new cross-dock in Taylor, MI

2022

• Northern Logistics employs:
  • 280 Drivers
  • 41 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 19 Mechanics

(Totalling 350)

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

2023

• Northern Logistics employs:
  • 327 Drivers
  • 41 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 19 Mechanics

(Totaling 397)

• 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:
  • 197 Drivers
  • 38 Office workers
  • 10 Warehouse workers
  • 13 Mechanics

(Totalling 258 )

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

(Totalling 317)

• 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).