Valley Companies Celebrates 90 Years of Service and Family Legacy

January 24, 2025 at 09:40 AM EST

Valley Companies, a North American logistics provider, is thrilled to announce its 90th anniversary—marking nearly a century of innovation, growth and an unwavering commitment to service and family. Founded in 1935 by Norman “Grandpa” Gilbert, with the motto “You call. We haul,” the company has grown from humble beginnings into a leading provider of customized logistics and supply chain solutions.

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Front row (right to left): Harry Gilbert (Jerry's older brother), Jerry Gilbert (2nd generation leader and current Chairman of the Board), Bob Gilbert (Jerry's older brother). Second row: Eric Gilbert (Director of Contract Logistics, Todd's younger brother), Todd Gilbert (CEO and Visionary, 3rd generation leader). Third row: Blake Gilbert (Todd's second oldest son), Brandon Gilbert (Director of Logistics Partnerships, Todd's oldest son and Valley's 4th generation). Fourth row: Brady Gilbert (Todd's youngest son). (Photo: Business Wire)

“This milestone is a testament to the values instilled by Grandpa Norman and carried forward through now four generations of our family,” said Todd Gilbert, CEO and Visionary. “Our success is built on a foundation of family, accountability, commitment, trust and service – the core values that drive us daily. Our 90 years of achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated Valley Team, whose consistent efforts drive our results every day.”

Valley Companies began as Gilbert Truck Line, hauling feed mill supplies and equipment for local farmers.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching Valley grow from its earliest days into the industry leader it is now,” said Jerry Gilbert, Valley’s second-generation leader and Chairman of the Board. “Being part of its evolution and seeing how far we’ve come makes me incredibly proud and excited for what’s still ahead.”

Over the decades, Valley has expanded its reach and services, evolving from a regional freight carrier into a North American leader in logistics, warehousing, and transportation management solutions. Key milestones in the company’s history include:

1935 – Grandpa Norman hauls the first official Valley load from Hudson, Wisconsin
1948 – To meet growing demand, Valley constructed its first terminal in Hudson, Wisconsin
1961 – Gilbert truck line becomes Valley Cartage (VC)
1975 – Second generation, Jerry Gilbert, takes over for Norman
1993 – The third generation of Gilberts, Todd and Eric, join the family business
2000 – Valley built their first warehouse in Hudson, Wisconsin
2000 – Established their logistics company known as Valley Management Group Inc. (VMGI)
2013 – Integrated VMGI and VC brands to establish Valley Companies
2013 – The Xtend Network is launched
2019 – New corporate office opens on 1^st Street in Hudson, Wisconsin
2019 – Valley launches Final Mile solution
2021 – Valley opens a logistics office and warehouse in Kansas City
2022 – Strategically transitioned by divesting from the regional LTL cartage business to expand and evolve their logistics division, offering comprehensive transportation solutions
2023 – Project Management and Expedite services are launched, broadening the already existing Final Mile, Truckload, LTL, and Warehouse services

And finally, in 2024, Valley Companies achieved what only 3% of family-owned businesses do: successfully adding a fourth generation. As the great-grandson of founder Norman Gilbert, Brandon Gilbert is now poised to help carry the company forward. “I’m ready to build on what my family started and ensure we keep our company and clients moving forward,” said Brandon. In addition, Valley has recently expanded across North America with its newest cross-border operations, bringing existing solutions to Canada and Mexico and opening another logistics office in Atlanta. “It’s humbling to be part of this legacy,” Brandon Gilbert said.

Today, Valley Companies offers a comprehensive suite of services, including Final Mile, Project Management, Truckload, LTL, Expedite, and Warehousing. But even with the latest tools, as a family-owned business, Valley continues its tradition of placing relationships at the heart of its success.

“Thank you to our clients, team members, and partners for being part of this incredible journey and this momentous year, as we celebrate 90 years,” said Todd. Valley will continue to grow across North America with plans for additional locations, employee development, and global expansion, all while building toward the next century of success.

About Valley Companies

Established in 1935, Valley Companies is a leading provider of transportation solutions. The company’s Valley Value brings talent, technology and partnerships together to drive industry leading solutions. As a fourth-generations family-based company, Valley specializes in North America logistics solutions, including final mile, project management, warehouse, less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload transportation (TL), and expedite solutions. For more information, call 1-800-657-6936 or visit www.valleycompanies.com.