Kim-Tam Celebrates 50 Years on the Road
Five decades ago, Ernie Samuel, President of Samuel, Son Co., Limited, recognized that Samuel required an in-house trucking company to effectively and efficiently handle the growing volume of metal processing. As such, just before New Year’s Eve 1964, Kim-Tam Trucking was created as an independent trucking affiliate of Samuel, Son & Co., Limited. The name was derived from the names of his two daughters Kimberly and Tammy.
Kim-Tam Trucking hit the road in 1964 with 10 trucks that were mainly used for mill pick-ups and customer deliveries in Southern Ontario. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the company was well-positioned to deliver throughout this industrial region. Over the years, Samuel expanded organically and through acquisition. The passing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) further expanded the geographic coverage of the fleet and increased the need for additional drivers. Kim-Tam also grew its customer base outside the Samuel Group of companies to include many leading steel mills, automotive makers, manufacturers, and the construction industry. Now 50 years later, the Kim-Tam Trucking fleet has more than 180 power units and 275 trailers within Canada and the USA and is a leading provider for superior metal hauling.
Mr. Dave Cordingley has been a driver/ Owner Operator at Kim-Tam for three decades. He first started driving part-time with the organization in 1978. “In the early days we would spend as much time tarping the trucks as we would actually be on the road. It’s amazing to see the advances in the industry today.” Mr. Cordingley has seen the progress first-hand at Kim-Tam as it has become one of the most reputable companies in the industry. “There are other places I could go, but I’ve stayed with Kim-Tam for over 30 years because of the management, the people, their attention to safety, and the way they always treat people fairly.”
Kim-Tam has been at the forefront of the many trailer equipment developments that have enhanced the safety of metals transportation, as well as productivity, through quick and secure loading and unloading.
Kim-Tam operations incorporate the latest logistics technology resulting in one of the best on-time delivery records in the metals industry. Close working knowledge of the border requirements (Kim-Tam started hauling in the USA in 1985) and experience with border officials has helped to expedite cross-border shipments. In 2004, Kim-Tam USA was launched to provide a dedicated fleet in the United States.
Mark Samuel, son of Ernie Samuel and current Chairman of Samuel, Son & Co., Limited, shares the same spirit and enthusiasm for Kim-Tam as his late father. “In Southern Ontario, our trucks are highly visible ambassadors for our organization. You literally cannot be on out on a major highway without seeing one of our “Red Racers” go by.” states Mr. Samuel. “Each time I see one of them I am filled with esteem for our drivers and pride for the way that they represent our company and our people. Samuel has a long and proud history and our trucking fleet is a great reminder of how integrated we have become into the economy of our country and our continent. Many thanks to our entire Kim Tam team for what you have achieved over your first 50 years. It is exciting to consider what the next 50 years might hold for us.”
Kim-Tam Truck Leasing Ltd. (Kim-Tam Trucking) operates over 180 power units and 275 trailers to serve a broad range of metals customers and industrial markets throughout Central Canada and Northwest/ Midwest USA. Kim-Tam has central offices in Canada and the United States, and provides end-to-end logistics services offering personalized, just-in-time, and damage-free transportation.
For more information, please contact:
Rim Kaknevicius
Director, North American Business Development Kim-Tam Trucking
Tel: 905-335-9195 Ext: 3556
Email: Rim.Kaknevicius@samuel.com
www.kimtamtrucking.com
