ABOUT MANITOULIN

Our History

Discover the history of Manitoulin Transport.

Discover the history of Manitoulin Transport.

Manitoulin Transport – Over 65 Years of Transportation History

With the acquisition of Hills Transport in 1960, Doug Smith started a small trucking business in Gore Bay, Ontario, and renamed it Manitoulin Transport. Focused on providing reliable transportation services to the local community, the company steadily gained a reputation for its commitment to customer satisfaction and the safe delivery of goods.

As Manitoulin Transport gained momentum, it recognized the need to expand its reach. Over the years, the company strategically acquired several carriers, establishing a broader network and turning Manitoulin from a regional player to a national freight carrier.

Embracing innovation has been a hallmark of the company’s journey. The integration of advanced logistics and tracking systems has improved operational efficiency and positioned the company as a leader in the industry.

Manitoulin Transport has weathered economic shifts, industry changes, and global challenges with adaptability and resilience throughout its history. The ability to navigate complex landscapes while staying true to its founding principles has been instrumental in the company’s longevity and success.

Manitoulin Transport has long recognized the importance of sustainability in the transportation sector. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Manitoulin’s broader mission to contribute positively to the industry and the environment.

Beyond its operational success, Manitoulin Transport remains deeply committed to the communities it serves. The company actively engages in philanthropy, supporting local initiatives and contributing to charitable causes. This commitment to community welfare reflects Manitoulin’s belief in responsible corporate citizenship.

Manitoulin Transport’s journey from a small-town trucking company to a major player in the freight industry with more than 85 terminals nationwide and access to over 300 U.S. service centres, is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach, Manitoulin continues to shape the future of transportation, connecting businesses and communities across North America.

Recognizing the potential for growth beyond transportation, the Manitoulin Group of Companies continues to strategically diversify its portfolio by acquiring businesses that complement its core services. These services include warehousing, customs brokerage, crating, and international freight forwarding. This diversification positions Manitoulin as a comprehensive supply chain solution provider.

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. 1953 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. 1960 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. 1985 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. 1985 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. 1990 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. 1991 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. 1992 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 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. 1997 Manitoulin Transport Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification Manitoulin Transport has achieved ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certification, demonstrating its commitment to consistent, quality service and continuous improvement. This certification assures customers that Manitoulin Transport adheres to rigorous international standards, ensuring reliability and excellence in our services. 1997 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. 2000 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. 2001 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. 2005 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 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. 2006 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. 2007 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. 2008 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. 2011 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. 2012 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. 2013 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. 2014 Manitoulin Transport Becomes The First Canadian Transportation Provider to Achieve ISO 14001:2015 Manitoulin Transport is proud to be the first Canadian transportation and logistics company to be ISO 14001 certified in recognition of its Environmental Management System. The certification solidifies Manitoulin’s position as a leader in sustainability in the transportation industry, 2014 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. 2015 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. 2016 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 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 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. 2017 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. 2018 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, conveyance, and projects. This acquisition is Manitoulin’s first logistics purchase in B.C. 2019 Manitoulin Global Forwarding 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 Acquires Associated Cargo Specialists 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. 2019 Cratex receives ISO 9001:2015 certification The certification reflects Cratex's continued dedication to providing customers with quality services and products. 2020 MGF Acquires World Wide International Logistics 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. 2020 Manitoulin Transport Opens State-of-the-Art Terminal in Barrie, Ontario Manitoulin Transport continues to expand and enhance its operations with the opening of a new terminal in Barrie, Ontario. With 21,300 square feet of cross-dock and office space and 22 dock doors, the new Barrie Terminal allows for faster and more efficient loading and unloading of shipments and increased storage capabilities 2021 Manitoulin Transport Unveils New Terminal in Peterborough, Ontario Manitoulin Transport expands and enhance its operations with the opening of a new terminal in Peterborough, Ontario. The terminal, reaffirms Manitoulin’s commitment to local communities and smaller markets across Canada, supporting its effort to provide more direct service coverage than any other carrier. 2021 Manitoulin Transport Acquires Provost Freight Lines Manitoulin Transport purchased Provost Freight Lines of Provost, Alberta. This latest acquisition further strengthens Manitoulin’s ability to provide coverage in smaller markets by adding several new service points in Western Canada. 2021 Manitoulin Group of Companies Acquires Diamond Delivery and First Canadian Messenger Manitoulin Group of Companies acquires Diamond Delivery and First Canadian Messenger in Surrey, British Columbia. This latest addition further strengthens Manitoulin’s ability to provide coverage by adding an additional 150 service points in Western Canada. 2021 Manitoulin Transport Named #1 LTL Carrier in Canada for Quality by Mastio & Company Manitoulin Transport ranked No. 1 in the Mastio & Company’s 2023 edition of the Canadian national less-than-truckload (LTL) customer value and loyalty study. The comprehensive industry-wide study ranked Manitoulin Transport as the top carrier out of 360 carriers according to key decision makers in the industry. 2023 Cratex Industries acquires North American Crating Inc. Cratex Industries is pleased to announce the acquisition of North American Crating Inc., based out of Mississauga, Ontario. This acquisition enables Cratex to access new geographic markets in Ontario and Eastern Canada, strengthening our diverse offerings from East to West, reducing risk, and improving our customer experience. 2023 Manitoulin Global Forwarding Acquires Direct Helicopter International Inc Manitoulin Global Forwarding (MGF) has acquired Direct Helicopter International Inc., a prominent company based in Port Dover, Ontario. Direct Helicopter specializes in the global shipping of helicopters and parts. 2023 Manitoulin Transport Receives National Transportation Safety Award by Northbridge Insurance Manitoulin Transport is honoured to receive the 2024 National Transportation Safety Award from Northbridge Insurance, recognizing our industry-leading safety practices. 2024 Manitoulin Transport Opens Canada’s Largest Cross-Dock Terminal in Mississauga, ON Manitoulin Transport has expanded its Toronto area terminal at 1331 Shawson Drive in Mississauga to 270 dock doors and 180,000 sq. ft. on 40 acres, making it Canada’s largest privately held cross-dock facility. 2024 Manitoulin Transport Opens New Terminal in Lloydminster, AB Manitoulin Transport’s new terminal in Lloydminster, AB, features 10 dock doors, an exterior ramp, and 47 new service points, reflecting our commitment to delivering reliable transportation to both major centres and rural communities. 2024 Manitoulin Transport Opens New Terminal in Levis, QC Manitoulin Transport has expanded its Eastern operations with a new 21,000 sq. ft. terminal in Lévis, Quebec, featuring 22 dock doors, advanced security, and enhanced facilities that enable the team to deliver reliable, customer-focused service while reaching 95% of the province. 2024 Manitoulin Global Forwarding (MGF) Acquires Multimodal of San José, Costa Rica MGF has acquired Multimodal, a well-respected family run freight forwarding and customs business in San José, Costa Rica, marking a key milestone in MGF’s Central American expansion. 2024 Manitoulin Transport Opens Terminal in Kelowna, BC In April 2025, Manitoulin Transport unveiled its Kelowna terminal, designed to meet the region’s growing customer needs underscoring our commitment to customer-focused transportation solutions across Western Canada. 2025 Manitoulin Group of Companies Acquires Martin Roy Transport (MRT) Manitoulin Group of Companies (MGC) has acquired Martin Roy Transport (MRT), a well-established transportation company based in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. MRT provides LTL and FTL services and operates terminals in Northern Quebec and Ontario. 2025 1953 A Modest Beginning 1960 The Move to Expedited Road 1985 Cartage Capabilities for Montreal 1989 Manitoulin Creates In-House Customs Brokerage Service 1990 Manitoulin Transport Now Serves Commercial Fleets in Northeastern Ontario 1991 Manitoulin Transport Commences a National Expansion Program 1992 Manitoulin Transport Expands Southwestern Ontario Operations 1993 Manitoulin Launches US Operating Division 1997 Services Grow in Western Canada 2000 Manitoulin Grows to Meet Natural Resource Boom in Western Canada 2001 Western Canada by Road or by Rail 2005 Manitoulin Global Service Expansion 2005 Manitoulin Supply Chain Management and Warehousing Services 2006 Manitoulin Transport Expands to Southeastern British Columbia 2006 Manitoulin Transport Now Offers Direct Service to Fort McMurray, Alberta 2006 Manitoulin Logistics Service Expansion 2007 Manitoulin Transport expands further west with Landing Transport 2007 Manitoulin Transport acquires Rainbow Transport 2008 Barrhead Truck joins the Manitoulin Transport network 2011 Manitoulin Transport expands its network with Tandem Transport of Alberta Manitoulin Transport acquires Exalta Transport Corp., of Alberta Manitoulin Transport Acquires Penner LTL 2012 Manitoulin Global Forwarding expands west with Beler International 2012 Manitoulin Global Forwarding adds Can-Tran International to its portfolio 2012 Manitoulin Global Forwarding acquires Expedite Plus 2013 Manitoulin Group of Companies acquires Cratex Industries 2013 Manitoulin Transport Acquires Matco Transportation Systems, the Fifth Manitoulin Acquisition in Less Than a Year 2013 Manitoulin Transport Purchases Smooth Freight Ltd. of Brandon, Manitoba 2014 Expedite Plus Expands Time-Critical Delivery Services in Asia 2014 Manitoulin Transport Acquires Jomac Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba 2014 Manitoulin Global Forwarding Acquires Canfleet Logistics Ltd. of Vancouver, BC 2015 Manitoulin Transport Acquires LTL Division of Hi-Way 13 2015 Manitoulin Group of Companies Acquires Ridsdale Transport Ltd. of Saskatoon 2016 Manitoulin Global Forwarding Acquires M.A.P. International Freight Inc. 2016 Faster and more reliable ground transport service in Southeastern Ontario 2017 Near North Customs Brokers Acquires Service Plus International Inc. 2017 Near North gains access to new markets in BC 2017 Cratex Industries Ltd. Formally Enters the Saskatchewan Marketplace 2017 Expedite Plus Builds its International Network 2017 Manitoulin Transport continues to invest and grow across Canada 2018 Manitoulin Transport Makes First Purchase in Intermodal Shipping Segment 2018 Matco Moving Solutions Strengthens its Position in the Commercial Moving Market 2018 Manitoulin Global Forwarding Strengthens its Global Capabilities