ProTrans International, Inc, an award winning leader in the logistics industry, is celebrating 25 years of success. The company, which was founded in 1993 by Indiana University graduate Craig Roeder, is a full-service third-party logistics (3PL) management provider that is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana with regional offices in Novi, Michigan and Monterrey, Mexico. Roeder, CEO, launched the company as a response to emerging opportunities in freight consolidation and third-party logistics, which would support manufacturing markets from the Midwest to Texas, and into Mexico.

When Roeder founded the company in 1993, the logistics industry was in an evolutionary phase. The introduction of personal computers in the 1980’s meant that the logistics industry was transitioning from its heavy focus of improving labor-intensive processes, time-dependent transportation and the use of manual record keeping. The new computerization of data provided flexible spreadsheets and map-based interfaces.

The founding of ProTrans also coincided with the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in 1994, which integrated the economies of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. “The decision we made early on was to focus on inbound operations that lent itself to the rapidly growing manufacturing sector in Mexico,” said Roeder, describing the evolution of the company over the past two and a half decades. “For us, it was about seizing that opportunity.”

Under the leadership of Roeder, ProTrans has continued to be at the forefront when it comes to developing and implementing effective industry software and technology solutions. “In 1996 we began writing our own software. In 2005 we made the decision to expand into logistics management and become a 3PL provider, and finally, in 2010, we made the decision to write our own web-based Transport Management System (TMS) software, Optimz.” Said Roeder. “ProTrans made this strategic decision because it gives us adaptability to create unique solutions for each individual customer.”

Today, global trade and rapidly changing technology have propelled ProTrans to a $354 million company. ProTrans currently operates over twenty-five service centers throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States and employs over 1,000 people. The company also recently expanded their presence in Greer, South Carolina by opening a state-of-the-art, 230,000-square foot, cross-dock and transportation facility near BMW Manufacturing, the second largest production facility in the world.

ProTrans is eager to continue further future expansion and wants to focus efforts on a global scale. Roeder understands that increasing ProTrans’ presence both in North America and across the globe will be vital for future success.

About ProTrans
ProTrans founded in 1993, is a full-service 3PL provider offering logistics design, carrier procurement, supply chain management and transportation management for the complex supply chain needs of companies in today’s interconnected marketplace. Visit our website www.protrans.com to learn more.