Manitoba-based logistics and transport players at a glance:

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Paul Albrechtsen founded Paul's Hauling in 1957. (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

Arnold Brothers Transport:

Established in 1953, this Winnipeg-based trucking and logistics company ships to all of Canada and much of the U.S. It employs more than 200 workers and has a fleet of 159 tractors.

Big Freight Systems:

Based in Steinbach, it is a trucking and logistics company with roots dating back to 1948. It offers a variety of truck shipment options throughout North America and has more than 450 employees.

Bison Transport:

Incorporated in 1969, Bison serves all of North America and provides logistics services as well. The company has grown from 18 tractors and 32 employees to 900 tractors and more than 1,400 employees.

Direct Integrated Transport:

Based in Winnipeg, the company provides transport and logistics services to Western Canada and northwest Ontario. It merged with Toronto-based Canada Cartage Systems in 2006 to provide services across the country.

Gardewine North:

Provides transport and logistics services to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northwestern and northern Ontario. As subsidiary of Paul's Hauling, Gardewine specializes in cold chain transport of perishable goods, serves 500 communities and employs more than 1,400 people.

GHY:

Established in 1901 by George Henry Young, it is one of Canada's oldest border brokerage firms, specializing in trade consultation for companies dependent on freely flowing cross-border shipping. It also provides small-package logistics and warehousing services.

G2 Logistics:

Established in 2000, G2 is the brainchild of Darryl and Jonathon Gershman, whose family founded Gershman Transport International, which closed shop in 1999. At that time, it had more than 150 tractors. Today, G2 specializes in custom shipping, warehousing and distribution needs for companies of all shapes and sizes, both domestic and global.

Kleysen Transport:

Founded in 1935, Kleysen employs more than 350 people across Canada and specializes in bulk, deck, intermodal, multi-commodity distribution and fleet-services customers in Canada and the United States.

Paramount Truck Lines:

With more than 20 years of experience in truck transport, Paramount is based in Winnipeg, serving clients in the U.S. and Canada. It has more than 38,000 square metres of warehouse space for racked and bulk storage, local cartage, repackaging, order picking and monthly computerized inventory control.

Paul's Hauling:

Established in 1957 by Paul Albrechtsen in Winnipeg, the company has offices and terminals in Alberta, Saskatchewan, B.C. and Ontario. Its subsidiaries include Gardewine North and Westcan Bulk Transport. It has more than 200 tractors and about 300 employees.

Penner International:

Based in Steinbach, Penner has 395 tractors at its disposal and about 150 employees. It serves all of Canada and most of the continental U.S. Established in 1923, it now has five terminal locations in Canada and two in the U.S, including Minneapolis.

Portage Cartage and Storage:

Based in Portage la Prairie, it has more than 50 years of transport and storage experience. It has an 8,400-square-metre warehouse in Portage.

Reimer Express Lines/Roadway Express:

Formed in 1952 in Steinbach, it has grown to more than 500 tractors and 1,300 employees. It was acquired by Ohio-based Roadway Express in 1997, providing Reimer with seamless border-crossing capabilities and extended service into the U.S, according to the company's website. Its parent company, YRC Worldwide Inc., is a Fortune 500 company and employs more than 49,000 people.

Searcy Trucking:

This Winnipeg-based trucking company was founded in 1969. It provides shipping services throughout Canada and into the U.S. and has 28 trucking units for hire.

Transport Ease and Management Services:

A medium-size carrier based in Winnipeg, it specializes in dry-shipment trucking throughout much of North America. Operating about 50 tractors, the company has warehouse space in both Winnipeg and Calgary.

TransX:

One of Canada's largest truck transport companies, it has more than 1,500 tractors and 3,000 employees. Founded in 1963, it has grown to become the largest privately owned company in Canada.

Winnipeg Motor Express:

Mostly serving customers in Western Canada, it also provides trucking and logistics services throughout North America. Its fleet consists of 250 tractors and is able to provide both dry and refrigerated services. It is part of the Ram Group of Companies, with operations in Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon and Toronto.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 17, 2009 B7