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, and 10 Mechanics
2018
Northern Logistics employs:
- 168 Drivers, 34 Office workers, and 10 Mechanics
2019
Northern Logistics employs:
- 184 Drivers, 37 Office workers, and 12 Mechanics
2020
Northern Logistics employs:
- 211 Drivers, 38 Office workers, and 15 Mechanics
2021
Northern Logistics employs:
- 227 Drivers, 37 Office workers, 12 Warehouse workers, and 13 Mechanics (Totalling 289)
Added a new cross-dock in Taylor, MI
2022
Northern Logistics employs:
- 280 Drivers, 41 Office workers, 10 Warehouse workers, and 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, and 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, and 13 Mechanics (Totaling 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, and 17 Mechanics (Totaling 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).
