North American Distribution Logistics

What North American Distribution Logistics does

North American Distribution Logistics (NAD Logistics) is a privately held, non-asset-based third-party logistics provider headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, with additional offices in Toronto, Tampa, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. The company was founded in 2012 by Keith Matthews following the sale of his prior venture Kelron Logistics to XPO Logistics, and traces its operational heritage to 1991 within the Kelron Group. NAD delivers a broad portfolio of transportation services — cross-border shipping between the US and Canada, domestic FTL and LTL, refrigerated, flat deck, expedite, customs clearance, transportation management, and white-glove service — through a network of regional 3PL partners and three asset-based carriers accessed via Transolve Logistics Group.

The company sells primarily to enterprise shippers via a consultative, quote-based direct sales motion, supported by online quote-request forms for mid-market customers and a partnership channel serving 4PL providers. Pricing is fully custom with multi-year managed-service contracts, and revenue is generated through transaction fees on freight and managed-service fees on transportation management engagements. Named enterprise customers include PepsiCo, Frito Lay, Bunge, and FGL Sports, with disclosed throughput of $1.2B+ in cargo shipped annually, a 99.6% on-time delivery rate, and reach across 50+ countries.

Technology is a lightweight TMS overlay on the brokerage operation, featuring 24/7 real-time shipment tracking and a recently introduced Lighthouz AI integration that automates invoice audits and factoring-company correspondence. Back-office headcount is small (11–50 employees), and the company remains solely owned and led by founder Keith Matthews alongside family members in key executive roles (Tyler Matthews as EVP, Justin Matthews as Accounting Manager), supplemented by an operations bench that includes a US Operations Manager.

Name

North American Distribution Logistics

Legal name

North American Distribution Logistics Inc.

Website

https://nadlogistics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

North American Distribution Logistics is a privately held, non-asset-based Canadian 3PL that provides cross-border, domestic, refrigerated, flat-deck, expedite, and customs clearance services to enterprise and mid-market shippers across North America and 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Third-Party Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance (48412), Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance (48423)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Trucking (No Local) (4213), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210)

akta.pro primary industry

Non-Asset-Based 3PL Services (TLAIAAAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Freight Brokerage (Truckload/LTL/Intermodal) (TLAIAEAC), Cross-Border Transportation Management (Customs-Integrated) (TLAIAEAI), Specialized Equipment Transport (Flatbed, Step-Deck, Lowboy, Car Carrier) (TLAIAMAH)

Keywords

• Third-party logistics services
• Freight brokerage
• Cross-border shipping
• Transportation management
• Supply chain solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Waterloo

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services: Core logistics and transportation management services including freight brokerage, carrier management, and supply chain optimization for shippers across multiple industries. Revenue generated through negotiated contracts and transaction-based fees for transportation services.
2. Transportation Management: Custom transportation plans that include load optimization, dock scheduling, and trailer pool automation. Revenue derived from managed service contracts.
3. Specialized Transportation Services: Expedite, refrigerated, flat deck, FTL, and LTL services with specialized equipment and handling. Revenue generated per shipment based on service type and distance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

North American Distribution Logistics is a non-asset-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider that plans, manages, and executes freight transportation for shippers across North America and 50+ countries. The company delivers cross-border shipping between the U.S. and Canada, domestic FTL and LTL transport, refrigerated, flat deck, expedite, transportation management, customs brokerage, and warehousing through its carrier network and 4PL partnerships.

Product overview

NAD Logistics operates as a third-party logistics (3PL) provider offering a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics services. The portfolio consists of 11 core service offerings: Cross-Border Shipping, Domestic Transportation, Logistics Management, Expedite, Full Truckload (FTL), Less Than Truckload (LTL), Transportation Management, Refrigerated Shipping, Flat Deck, Customs Clearance Solutions, and White Glove Service. These services are delivered through NAD's extensive carrier network and dedicated team, serving shippers across North America and internationally to 50+ countries. The company handles dry vans, refrigerated vans, and flatbed trailers, and leverages Lighthouz AI for invoice audit automation and back-office operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cross-Border Shipping Cross-border shipping services between the U.S. and Canada, managed by customs and trade professionals to ensure shipments navigate regulatory requirements smoothly.
• Domestic Transportation Nationwide domestic shipping across Canada and the United States using a network of trusted partners, covering small packages to heavy equipment.
• Logistics Management End-to-end logistics management for large projects with custom solutions to optimize supply chain performance, adapt to changing market conditions, and handle logistics from start to finish.
• Expedite Urgent shipment handling with on-time delivery guarantees, real-time updates, and personal support for time-sensitive freight requiring same-day or next-day service.
• Full Truckload (FTL) Dedicated full truckload transport services coast-to-coast or cross-border, featuring a large carrier network ensuring cargo arrives on time with fewer handling points reducing risk of theft or damage.
• Less Than Truckload (LTL) Cost-effective less-than-truckload shipping where customers pay only for space used, with typical transit times of 2-5 days and consolidated truck space reducing emissions.
• Transportation Management Transportation network optimization including custom planning, load optimization, dock schedule planning, automated trailer pool management, and real-time shipment tracking with data-driven decision-making.
• Refrigerated Shipping Temperature-controlled shipping for perishable goods including produce, dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals, with a maintained refrigerated fleet ensuring products arrive in proper condition.
• Flat Deck Oversized and irregularly shaped cargo transport for steel, agriculture, oil & gas, construction, and mining shipments, with customized solutions based on cargo size, weight, and dimensions.
• Customs Clearance Solutions Comprehensive customs brokerage services for freight forwarders, chemical enterprises, manufacturers, SMEs, and B2C providers, ensuring legally compliant international trade processes and smooth border clearance.
• White Glove Service Premium service experience prioritizing customer needs, personalizing interactions, and resolving problems before they arise, delivered in a thoughtful, caring, and empathetic manner.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced invoice processing time from over 2 days to less than half a day through AI automation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lighthouz AIcoreTechnology or Integration · 2 December 2025NAD Logistics partnered with Lighthouz AI to automate invoice audits and shipment paperwork. This AI-powered solution significantly reduced manual work and improved cash flow. The automation reduced invoice processing time from over 2 days to less than half a day. NAD is expanding AI use to manage emails and messages from factoring companies to support increased freight volumes.
• XPO LogisticsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Kelron Logistics (founded by Keith Matthews) was sold to XPO Logistics in 2012. At the time of sale, Kelron was one of Canada's largest 3PLs with 4 transportation operating facilities and a 127,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility. This historical relationship connects NAD's leadership to one of the largest logistics companies in North America.
• Transolve Logistics GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKeith Matthews currently serves as President and board member of Transolve Logistics Group, which owns and manages 3 asset-based carriers in Canada. This partnership provides NAD with access to physical transportation assets, enabling the non-asset-based 3PL to offer asset-backed capabilities when needed.
• Regional 3PLscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNAD leverages an extensive network of regional 3PLs to provide comprehensive coverage across North America. This network is particularly emphasized when working with 4PL partners who need seamless global supply chain management combining the expertise of NAD with regional 3PL capabilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• C.H. Robinson Worldwide: Largest non-asset-based 3PL/freight broker in North America offering truckload, LTL, intermodal, and cross-border services through its Navisphere platform. Closest direct comparison to NAD's asset-light brokerage model and enterprise customer base.
• RXO Inc. Pure-play North American freight brokerage spun off from XPO, offering truckload, LTL, and managed transportation. Competes head-to-head with NAD for FTL/LTL and cross-border enterprise freight.
• Landstar System: Non-asset truckload broker leveraging a network of owner-operators and agents — directly comparable operating model and customer profile to NAD's asset-light brokerage.
• TFI International: Canadian-headquartered multimodal logistics provider with LTL, truckload, and logistics services spanning Canada, US, and Mexico. Closest Canadian-anchored peer to NAD given shared cross-border DNA.
• Echo Global Logistics: Non-asset 3PL focused on truckload brokerage and managed transportation with proprietary TMS — comparable technology-enabled brokerage offering overlapping services with NAD.

Broad incumbents

• XPO Logistics: Large North American LTL and brokerage platform that acquired Keith Matthews' prior company (Kelron Logistics) in 2012 — comparable multi-modal logistics services including cross-border and managed transportation.
• Hub Group: Intermodal and logistics services provider offering truck brokerage, dedicated, and cross-border solutions; competes in adjacent subsegments of NAD's multi-service portfolio.
• DSV A/S: Global freight forwarding and 3PL with strong North American road and cross-border presence post-Schenker acquisition; competes in NAD's international forwarding lane to 50+ countries.
• Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings: Largest US truckload carrier with expanding logistics brokerage arm — competes with NAD in truckload and cross-dock/managed transportation for enterprise shippers.

Emerging players

• Transolve Logistics Group: Canadian asset-based logistics group (3 carriers) closely tied to NAD via Keith Matthews' overlapping ownership; comparable cross-border Canadian logistics offering with asset-heavy model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/north-american-distribution-logistics-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North American Distribution Logistics