Company History - MANITOULIN GROUP OF COMPANIES

Company History

1953

A Modest Beginning

Originally incorporated as Smith's Wholesale (Manitoulin) Limited, this fledgling company operated as a grocery wholesaler on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario.

1960

The Move to Expedited Road

With the sale of Smith's Wholesale to National Grocers and the acquisition of Hills Transport, Smith's Wholesale began operating as Manitoulin Transport with a Class A license to carry freight between Toronto and points on Manitoulin Island.

1985

Cartage Capabilities for Montreal

1985 saw the development of cartage capabilities through the acquisition of Motor Express Montreal. This premium local cartage company is dedicated to providing timely pickup and delivery services in the greater Montreal area. They provide expedited less-than-truckload delivery services with flat deck capability to a number of shippers and transportation companies.

1989

Manitoulin Creates In-House Customs Brokerage Service

Founded Near North Custom Brokers to provide customers with a complete range of integrated customs brokerage solutions. Today, the company is an extensive, multi-service organization, providing their customers with every cross border service.

1990

Manitoulin Transport Now Serves Commercial Fleets in Northeastern Ontario

Acquisition of New North Fuels, a provider of cardlock, oil and lubricant services for commercial fleets as well as home heating oil for customers throughout Northeastern Ontario.

1991

Manitoulin Transport Commences a National Expansion Program

Acquisition of Lakehead Freightways, with operations in Northwestern Ontario west to Winnipeg, including service to and from Toronto. New terminals are constructed in Thunder Bay and Dryden.

1992

Manitoulin Transport Expands Southwestern Ontario Operations

Acquisition of Jet Transport Ltd., with operations in Cambridge, ON and five terminals servicing all points in Southwestern Ontario, and provides cross border service to the areas of Buffalo, Detroit, and Port Huron.

1993

Manitoulin Launches US Operating Division

The inauguration of the Manitoulin U.S. Division provides customers with dependable, continental U.S. coverage through exclusive strategic partnerships with major Tier One carriers in the U.S.

1993

Cartage Capabilities for Toronto

1993 was marked by further acquisition and expansion, including Toronto based Motor Express Toronto. This premium local cartage company is dedicated to providing timely pickup and delivery services in the greater Toronto area. Services include local cartage, consolidation, distribution, contract and private fleet services, and marine container drayage services throughout Ontario. The company’s services are supported by computerized dispatch, computerized cardlock and fuel management programs. MET also manages a terminal facility that can provide crossdock and office leasing to outside carriers. They also provide carriers with access to its equipment fleet as a virtual extension of their own operation.

1995

Manitoulin Connects the Niagara Peninsula to the Rest of Canada

A terminal acquisition in St. Catharines, ON provides customers within our nation's fruit basket with direct road access to Canadian markets.

1997

Services Grow in Western Canada

Manitoulin goes 'national' with the acquisition of Pacific Northwest Carriers based in Surrey, BC. A direct coast-to-coast expedited 3 day service is now an available option for Manitoulin customers in Ontario and Quebec.

2000

Manitoulin Grows to Meet Natural Resource Boom in Western Canada

The western economy is booming and Manitoulin continues to grow and broaden its service offering through the acquisition of Northwest Transport with 18 terminal locations in Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the Yukon. This positions Manitoulin to expand its reach into new markets, capitalizing on their experience and service coverage in the mining, oil, gas and forestry industries in Northern Canada.

2001

Western Canada by Road or by Rail

Manitoulin launches a Western Canada Intermodal Service to provide customers with two service transit time options between Eastern and Western Canada

2005

Manitoulin Global Service Expansion

Acquisition of Paltainer Forwarders Ltd., an international freight forwarding company with an extensive background in all elements of global shipping including air and ocean.

2005

Manitoulin Supply Chain Management and Warehousing Services

Acquisition of Multimodal Logistic Systems Ltd., a warehousing and distribution company providing supply chain services including: pick & pack operations, inventory management, radio frequency tracking, consolidation/ de-consolidation and cross-docking services.

2006

Manitoulin Transport Expands to Southeastern British Columbia

Acquisition of Dolfo Transport Ltd., a dominant regional freight carrier in Southeastern BC, specializing in transportation services for the coal mining industry as well as general freight.

2006

Manitoulin Transport Now Offers Direct Service to Fort McMurray, Alberta

Acquisition of Dukes Transport Ltd., the largest freight carrier in the Fort McMurray, Alberta area, providing climate controlled general freight services and direct access to oil sands projects.

2006

Manitoulin Transport Expands Intermodal Service to Quebec

Growing demand for an intermodal service option in Quebec leads to the launch of a rail service option from points in 'La Belle Province'.

2006

Manitoulin Logistics Service Expansion

Acquisition of Laker Freight Systems Ltd., a national logistics company located in Calgary, Alberta handling shipping to and from points in Canada.

2007

Near North Customs Brokers Expand to Meet Customer Demand

The addition of George A. Gray Customs Brokers operating out of the Sudbury area provides a full range of customs brokerage and freight forwarding services. As well, this establishes a U.S. Customs Office based in Williamsburg, N.Y.

2007

Manitoulin Transport expands further west with Landing Transport

Landing Transport provides general freight services from Edmonton to Athabasca, Red Earth, Slave Lake and Wabasca, Alberta regions, with a focus on the oil and gas and forestry sectors.

2007

Manitoulin Transport acquires Rainbow Transport

Rainbow Transport has been a dominant carrier in the Alberta region for many years, providing consistent LTL service from Calgary and Edmonton to points in Northwestern Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia.

2008

Barrhead Truck joins the Manitoulin Transport network

Barrhead Truck provides general freight services to customers in geographical areas of Westlock and Barrhead where overnight service is offered between or to and from Edmonton, Alberta, with a focus on oil and gas exploration development.

2011

Manitoulin Transport expands its network with Tandem Transport of Alberta

Tandem services the communities of Swan Hills, Fort Assiniboine, Slave Lake, Red Earth Creek, Barrhead and Whitecourt from their Edmonton terminal. Tandem has developed a very successful direct delivery business model and will continue to operate independently.

2011

Manitoulin Transport acquires Exalta Transport Corp., of Alberta

Manitoulin joined forces with Exalta Transport to further strengthen its reach in Western Canada. Exalta Transport is a regional carrier serving hundreds of communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan through a network of seven terminals and more than 300 pieces of company-owned equipment.

2011

Manitoulin Transport acquires the LTL Business of Penner International

Acquiring the less-than-truckload (LTL) business from Penner International Inc. out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, will allow Manitoulin to provide direct service coverage between Minneapolis and Winnipeg.

2012

Manitoulin Global Forwarding expands west with Beler International

Manitoulin Global Forwarding began the year with the acquisition of Beler International Forwarding of Regina, Saskatchewan expanding its reach into Canada’s West and into the Agricultural vertical market.

2012

Manitoulin Global Forwarding adds Can-Tran International to its portfolio

Experts in project moves, Can-Tran International developed a very loyal customer base in the Western Canadian marketplace that will help Manitoulin Global Forwarding ease into this market.

2012

Manitoulin Global Forwarding acquires Expedite Plus

Manitoulin Group of Companies has acquired its strategic business partner, Expedite Plus, a specialized service provider for the movement of highly time-critical shipments across the globe via air and ground.

2013

Manitoulin Group of Companies acquires Cratex Industries

Manitoulin Group of Companies acquired Cratex Industries Ltd., Alberta’s largest crating, packaging and export services company, based in Edmonton.

2013

Manitoulin Transport Acquires Matco Transportation Systems, the Fifth Manitoulin Acquisition in Less Than a Year

Matco is a fully integrated Canadian transportation services company providing domestic and international freight delivery, household goods relocation services and warehousing.

2013

Manitoulin Transport Purchases Smooth Freight Ltd. of Brandon, Manitoba

The acquisition of Smooth Freight fortifies Manitoulin's position as one of the premiere carriers in Western Canada. Smooth Freight provides scheduled less-than-truckload and truck load services and storage trailer rentals to more than 300 rural communities in southern and western Manitoba, from its terminals in Winnipeg and Brandon.

2014

Expedite Plus Expands Time-Critical Delivery Services in Asia

Expedite Plus opens its first office in Hong Kong and establishes a presence in Mainland China. The Hong Kong office, along with service centres in Shanghai and Beijing, will serve as a hub in Asia and strengthen the company's ability to manage urgent shipments throughout Asia and the rest of the world.

2014

Manitoulin Transport Acquires Jomac Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba

Manitoulin Transport now provides coverage throughout Manitoba with the acquisition of Jomac Transport. Jomac provides daily overnight freight shipping service between Winnpeg and three northern communities in Manitoba: Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas. From its northern docks, it also delivers to most outlying areas in the north.

2014

Manitoulin Global Forwarding Acquires Canfleet Logistics Ltd. of Vancouver, BC

The purchase of Canfleet, with its excellent export capabilities to Asia, strengthens Manitoulin's access to high-growth Asian markets, where many of its customers do business and it also advances the company's overall global reach.

2015

Manitoulin Transport Acquires LTL Division of Hi-Way 13

Manitoulin Transport has purchased the less-than-truckload (LTL) division of Hi-Way 13 of Camrose, Alberta. Manitoulin continues its aggressive push to provide its customers with unequalled coverage in western Canada.

2015

Manitoulin Group of Companies Acquires Ridsdale Transport Ltd. of Saskatoon

The acquisition augments Manitoulin's existing coverage capabilities in the province, positioning it as Saskatchewan's largest transportation and logistics provider, with the most comprehensive portfolio of services.

2016

Manitoulin Global Forwarding Acquires M.A.P. International Freight Inc.

M.A.P. specializes in the movement of goods requiring a temperature-controlled environment, refrigerated and heated. The acquisition rounds out Manitoulin Global Forwarding's service offering.

2016

Faster and more reliable ground transport service in Southeastern Ontario

Manitoulin is now providing direct service to all towns and cities in southeastern Ontario via three new strategically located terminals in Cornwall, Peterborough and Kingston. Direct service enhances Manitoulin's ability to provide faster transit times and increase shipment visibility for its customers.

2017

Cratex Acquires BAM Packaging Ltd.

Cratex expands its reach throughout Alberta with the purchase of BAM Packaging Ltd., which specializes in providing industrial packaging to the oil and gas industry in the region.

2017

Near North Customs Brokers Acquires Service Plus International Inc.

Service Plus International Inc. is based out of Winnipeg, MB, this purchase extends the service network of Near North to include Manitoba.

2017

Near North gains access to new markets in British Columbia

Near North Customs Brokers acquired Summit Customs Brokers of Richmond, BC (with additional offices in Pacific Highway Surrey, BC; Osoyoos, BC; Penticton, BC; Kelowna BC; Vernon, BC and Whitehorse, YK). The purchase enables Near North to extend its offerings into the Canadian west coast.

2017

Cratex Industries Ltd. Formally Enters the Saskatchewan Marketplace

Cratex Industries Ltd. opened a new facility in Emerald Park, Saskatchewan. The site was formerly the home of Balgonie Pallet & Crate Ltd. The facility fills a void in the area for the provision of intricate, complex, and oversized packaging and crating expertise in the province. The facility enables Cratex to expand its existing business in the agriculture and food manufacturing industry and extend its reach in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and eventually into the United States.

2017

Expedite Plus Builds its International Network

2017

Manitoulin Transport continues to invest and grow across Canada

Manitoulin Transport acquired Duckering's Transport Ltd. of Red Deer, Alberta, a less than truckload service provider offering next-day service to more than 400 locations throughout the province.

2018

Manitoulin Transport Makes First Purchase in Intermodal Shipping Segment

Manitoulin Transport acquired Direct Right Cartage Inc. of Brampton, Ontario. Direct Right Cartage is a premium intermodal service provider. The acquisition builds on Manitoulin’s existing intermodal offerings and signifies the company’s intent to further expand its capabilities in this service.

2018

Matco Moving Solutions Strengthens its Position in the Commercial Moving Market

Matco has acquired I-Care Office Solutions of Edmonton, Alberta. The purchase adds to Matco's growing commercial relocation business and provides the company entry into the office systems installation and reconfiguration markets.

2018

Manitoulin Global Forwarding Strengthens its Global Capabilities

Manitoulin Global Forwarding acquired IPE Logistics (Canada) Ltd., of Toronto, ON. The purchase strengthens Manitoulin's global forwarding services, especially from Asia to North America in the less-than-container-load space, and provides enhanced access to Asian markets.

2018

Manitoulin Transport Acquires Express Havre St-Pierre

Express Havre St-Pierre provides truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL), dangerous goods, temperature controlled, and white glove services, for a wide variety of industrial and commercial customers. The acquisition builds out Manitoulin’s coverage in Central and Eastern Quebec, particularly in the province’s rural areas.

2018

Manitoulin Global Forwarding Buys N/J International Inc. of Houston, Texas

N/J International is a global supply chain provider of fully integrated transportation and logistics solutions covering air and sea freight, warehousing, crating, distribution and supply chain management. This is the first acquisition Manitoulin Global Forwarding has made on U.S. soil.

2018

Manitoulin Transport Purchases Kluane Freight Lines Ltd.’s Book of Business

Kluane is a leading supply chain provider in the region, servicing all of the Yukon, Whitehorse, Dawson City, Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, Stewart Crossing, and Mayo. This acquisition has formed a joint venture with the Chief Isaac Group of Companies.

2019

Manitoulin Transport Purchases Trident Freight Logistics Inc. of Surrey B.C.

Specializing in long haul moves within Canada and the United States, Trident has a particular strength in transporting over-dimensional and temperature-controlled loads, conveyancy, and projects.This acquisition is Manitoulin’s first logistics purchase in B.C.

2019

Manitoulin Global Forwarding (MGF) Acquires Demark Global Logistics of Miami, Florida, U.S.

Demark Global Logistics is MGF’s second acquisition venture in the US. They provide a full suite of logistics solutions including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and warehousing. Specializing in logistics solutions for general commodities, textiles and furniture.

2019

Manitoulin Global Forwarding (MGF) Acquires Associated Cargo Specialists (Canada) Inc.

With this addition, MGF is now among the largest international freight forwarders in Canada. ACS Logistics manages the international transportation needs of its customers through a network of more than 100 agents worldwide. ACS Logistics also offers shipping agency services and specializes in moving refrigerated cargo, and renewables, most frequently to Africa, South America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

2020

Matco Moving Solutions receives ISO 9001:2015 certification

Matco is dedicated to providing world-class service and standards to its customers. The ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates Matco’s drive to uphold processes in critical parts of the company.

2020

Cratex receives ISO 9001:2015 certification

The certification reflects Cratex’s continued dedication to providing customers with quality services and products.

2020

Manitoulin Global Forwarding (MGF) Acquires
World Wide International Logistics (WWIL) of
Chicago, Illinois

The acquisition expands MGF’s footprint in the US and will provide WWIL
customers with additional service offerings through the Manitoulin Group of
Companies’ extensive global network.

World Wide International Logistics is a customer-focused customs brokerage
and freight forwarding company driven to tailor-make solutions which fit their
customer’s individual needs.