Providing Logistics Solutions Since 1935
Consistent growth, the Gilbert way.
Though times have changed and the industry has evolved, three generations of Gilberts have captured the original vision of servicing our customers while embracing technology and evolving the company to being an end-to-end, supply chain management leader. We’re tirelessly committed to finding the best way to get your freight to its destination, on-time and damage-free.
Norman Gilbert (aka Grandpa Norman) launches the Gilbert Truck Line, loading a team of horses into the back of a truck and hauling them from Hudson, WI, to Trempealeau, WI, for $1.50. Shortly after, he renames the company Valley Cartage to reflect its expanding coverage of the entire St. Croix River Valley area.
Grandpa Norman builds a 3-door terminal in Hudson, WI, to accommodate Valley’s growing catalog of services, including transporting feed mill supplies, hardware, and any other tools/equipment used by local farmers and small businesses.
Norman’s youngest son, Jerry Gilbert, joins the family business after graduating high school and serving in the United States Army. As a kid, Jerry started by sweeping floors and washing trucks, so when he joined the company full-time, he focused on driving trucks and learning the management side of the business.
In 1993, the 3rd generation of Gilberts enters the family business. Like their dad, Jerry’s two sons, Todd and Eric, start by sweeping floors and washing trucks, working their way up the management side. Today, Todd is President & CEO, and Eric is the Director of Contract Logistics.
Valley Cartage builds a “state of the art” terminal and corporate office in the St. Croix Business Park. The beginning of the brokerage division is formed through Valley Management Group, Inc.
Valley Cartage acquires Northway Carriers out of Superior, WI, which tremendously expands the VC terminal network. The number of overnight service points in MN, ND, and WI grows exponentially.
Between 2005 and 2019, Todd and Jerry take what Grandpa Norman started and expand the Valley Cartage footprint across the Midwest. Terminals open in Duluth, MN; Fargo, ND; St. Cloud, MN; La Crosse, WI; Mankato, MN; Chippewa Falls, WI; and Chicago, IL.
Valley Cartage is named Business of the Year by the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation.
Valley Cartage wins the LTL Carrier of the Year Award from Andersen Windows for six straight years! The award is based on scores in three areas: on-time performance, claims, and customer service.
Valley Cartage moves its corporate office to a larger space in Lake Elmo, MN, to allow for continued team growth while establishing its presence on both sides of the St. Croix River.
Valley Cartage celebrates its 80th Year as a family-owned transportation and logistics company.
Valley Cartage evolves into Valley Companies, a new entity that houses the Cartage, Warehouse, Dedicated, and Logistics services offered to its customers.
The Valley Companies corporate office moves back to Wisconsin from Lake Elmo, MN, and opens a new office in downtown Hudson. Valley is named Large Business of the Year that same year by the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Valley Companies expands its reach to the Kansas City area, opening a warehouse in Lenexa, KS.
Deemed the year for “shifting gears,” in 2022, Valley Companies sells the Cartage division of the business and all of its assets to Dayton Freight Lines, allowing Valley to focus on growing the logistics, brokerage, and warehouse services that its customers needed, ultimately becoming a leader within the transportation industry in these solutions.
Valley Companies officially announces its nationwide solutions: LTL, Truckload, Final Mile, Warehouse, Expedited, Project Management, and Managed Transportation. Along with launching a new and modern website, implementing a carrier/agent network program, and expanding its TMS solutions to its customers, Valley continues to grow and solidify itself as one of the top logistics companies in the USA.
