North Atlantic Distribution
North Atlantic Distribution (NORAD) is a privately owned, port-based vehicle processing and distribution company that handles RORO imports, PDI, accessory installation, body and mechanical work, and rail/drive-away dispatch for automotive OEMs at the Port of Davisville, Rhode Island.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersNorth Kingstown, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What North Atlantic Distribution does
North Atlantic Distribution (NORAD) is a privately owned vehicle processing and distribution company headquartered at the Port of Davisville in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Founded in 1986, NORAD operates a 235-acre facility with 245,000+ square feet of building space, three active berths (with two more planned), and storage capacity for 25,000+ vehicles. The company serves as the primary U.S. East Coast RORO (roll-on/roll-off) processing and distribution hub for imported and domestic vehicles, having processed over 5 million vehicles from approximately 5,300 vessels to date.
NORAD's service stack spans the full post-vessel vehicle lifecycle: roll-on/roll-off receiving, pre-delivery inspection on a conveyor system, full-service body shop and mechanical repair (20+ service bays), accessory installation, parts inventory management, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ Zone 105) operations for duty deferment and exemptions, and outbound dispatch via owned rail (7 spurs, 50 rail cars, connected to Providence and Worcester Railroad with access to all North American Class 1 railroads) and drive-away carriers. Computerized vehicle tracking systems generate customizable reports distributed to customers via email, EDI, or API.
NORAD generates revenue through contract-based B2B pricing with automotive OEMs and vessel line partners, charging per-vehicle fees across PDI, accessory installation, body and mechanical work, FTZ handling, and multi-modal transport. The facility's location qualifies vehicles for an exemption from the federal Harbor Maintenance Fee, a structural cost advantage the company markets directly as $125 in savings per $100,000 of imports. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales into OEM logistics teams and shipping line operators; current OEM partners include Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, Subaru, Honda, Jeep, Ram, GMC, Chevrolet, Nissan, Infiniti, Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat, with vessel line partners spanning K Line, NYK, Siem, Sallaum, CMA CGM, Grimaldi, MOL, and Hyundai Glovis.
North Atlantic Distribution firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- North Atlantic Distribution
- Legal name
- North Atlantic Distribution
- Website
- https://noradinc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- North Atlantic Distribution (NORAD) is a privately owned, port-based vehicle processing and distribution company that handles RORO imports, PDI, accessory installation, body and mechanical work, and rail/drive-away dispatch for automotive OEMs at the Port of Davisville, Rhode Island.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
North Atlantic Distribution industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Vehicle Processing and Distribution Logistics
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing (33621), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (8112)
- SIC
- Railroad Equipment (3743), Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Vehicle Inspection, Damage Survey & Claims Handling (Condition Reports) (TLAHACAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Ro-Ro Terminal Equipment & Systems (Ramps, Mafi Trailers, Yard Tractors, Lashing Gear) (TLAHACAJ)
Keywords
Where North Atlantic Distribution is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- North Kingstown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
North Atlantic Distribution business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Vehicle Processing and Distribution Services: NORAD generates revenue by providing vehicle processing and distribution services to automotive OEMs. Services include vehicle receiving, pre-delivery inspection (PDI), accessory installation, body shop services, mechanical repairs, and multi-modal transportation (rail, drive-away).
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
North Atlantic Distribution product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NORAD is a B2B vehicle processing and distribution company that receives imported and domestic vehicles via roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels at the Port of Davisville. It performs pre-delivery inspection, accessory installation, body shop and mechanical repairs, and distributes processed vehicles to dealers across North America through its owned rail head and drive-away carrier network. The facility also operates a Foreign Trade Zone (Zone 105) offering duty deferment and Harbor Maintenance Fee exemption to OEM customers.
Product overview
North Atlantic Distribution (NORAD) is a privately owned vehicle processing and distribution company operating at the Port of Davisville. It is not a software platform but a physical logistics and vehicle preparation operation. The core offering is RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) vehicle processing for imported and domestic vehicles, supported by a suite of ancillary services including Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) with conveyor processing, a full body shop, vehicle service center, accessory installation, computerized vehicle tracking, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) services, parts department, rail head operations, and drive away operations. These services work together as an integrated vehicle processing chain — vehicles arrive by vessel, are tracked and inspected on conveyor lines and in service bays, receive accessories and repairs, are stored in FTZ or regular lots, and are dispatched via rail or haulaway carriers to final destinations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) Processing Core vehicle processing and distribution service handling imported and domestic vehicles from RORO vessels at the Port of Davisville and distributing them to dealers across North America via rail and drive-away. Designed for automotive OEMs requiring centralized import processing on the U.S. East Coast.
- Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) / Conveyor Processing Full pre-delivery inspection conducted on a conveyor system, including certain installations, with a recessed work zone for underside access; also supports undercoating for export or delivery. Service for automotive OEMs requiring consistent vehicle preparation before dealer dispatch.
- Body Shop Full-service body repair and painting procedures that meet or exceed manufacturer criteria, addressing damages occurring throughout the logistics chain. For automotive OEMs needing to remediate transit damage before dealer delivery.
- Vehicle Service Center ASE and factory-trained automotive service department performing computer flashes, engine replacements, and general mechanical repairs across more than 20 service bays equipped with internet ports and lifts. For automotive OEMs and dealers requiring pre-delivery mechanical servicing.
- Accessory Installation Installation of post-factory equipment including floor mats, owner's manuals, trailer hitches, and puddle lights, performed by experienced technicians to factory standards. For automotive OEMs requiring dealer-ready accessory fitment before delivery.
- Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #105) Foreign Trade Zone (Zone 105) offering duty deferment, US duty exemption for cargo not staying in the US, and vehicle modifications with duty-free parts where duty is paid on the finished vehicle. For automotive OEMs and importers optimizing customs costs on transshipment and modification operations.
- Rail Head Operations Three rail sidings for loading and discharging up to 30 rail cars simultaneously, serviced by Providence and Worcester (P&W) shortline railroad with access to all North American Class I railroads. For automotive OEMs and shippers requiring rail-based long-haul distribution.
- Drive Away Operations Handoff of processed vehicles to haulaway carriers with easy access, proximity to I-95 corridor (under 10 minutes), and segregated yards for efficient loading. For OEMs and haulaway carriers requiring regional road-based vehicle distribution.
- POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) Receiving Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) receiving at NORAD POV Receiving location (Marine Road), open Monday through Friday 0700–1500, excluding holidays. For individual vehicle owners and importers requiring drop-off at the Port of Davisville.
- NORAD Training Center In-house classroom with full A/V suite, conference table, lift, and full tool set for training employees and customer teams on vehicle handling procedures. For OEM customers needing standardized training on vehicle preparation processes.
Quantifiable outcome
- Harbor Maintenance Fee savings of $125 for every $100,000 of imported goods
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use North Atlantic Distribution
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
North Atlantic Distribution technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
North Atlantic Distribution partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- K LinecoreK Line is a vessel line partner that ships vehicles to NORAD for processing at the Port of Davisville.
- Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK)coreNYK Line is a vessel line partner selected for New England operations. NORAD receives cargo for their Dominican Republic service with discharge options throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
- Siem Car CarrierscoreSiem Car Carriers is a vessel line partner that has brought LNG-powered Neo-Panamax vessels to NORAD including the Siem Confucius on its maiden voyage to the US.
- Sallaum LinescoreSallaum Lines is a vessel line partner providing West Africa service. NORAD welcomes Sallaum Lines as a new partner for receiving cargo for their West Africa service.
- CMA CGMcoreCMA CGM is a vessel line partner that ships vehicles to NORAD for processing.
- GrimaldicoreGrimaldi is a vessel line partner that ships vehicles to NORAD for processing.
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)coreMOL is a vessel line partner that ships vehicles to NORAD for processing.
- Hyundai GloviscoreHyundai Glovis is a vessel line partner. NORAD is proud to welcome Hyundai Glovis as they start receiving cargo for their West Africa service.
- Ports AmericacorePorts America is a stevedore and port partner operating at the Port of Davisville.
- Waterson LLCcoreWaterson LLC is a stevedore and port partner operating at the Port of Davisville through ProvPort.
- Port of DavisvillecoreThe Port of Davisville is the port authority partner where NORAD is located. The port is self-funded for dredging, maintaining the Harbor Maintenance Fee exemption.
- Providence and Worcester Railroad (P&W)coreNORAD is located on the Providence and Worcester RR, which provides access to all North American Class 1 railroads. The P&W's extensive network enables smooth transit of cargo to final destinations via rail.
- Seaview TransportationcoreSeaview Transportation is the local railway partner collaborating with NORAD, enabling multiple rail spots per day for efficient loading and discharging.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights3 records
North Atlantic Distribution competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- SSA Marine: Independent global terminal operator with auto-handling terminals at multiple US ports — adjacent enabling operator rather than direct NORAD competitor, but competes for OEM terminal operating contracts.
Broad incumbents
- NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha): One of NORAD's existing vessel partners operating a global Ro-Ro fleet and integrated vehicle logistics — comparable as a channel partner adjacent to NORAD with its own terminal handling capabilities.
- Yusen Logistics: Global automotive logistics provider offering vehicle transport, terminal operations, and pre-delivery inspection services; overlaps with NORAD's processing and multi-modal distribution scope for OEM customers.
- Grimaldi Group: Major deep-sea Ro-Ro vessel operator and port terminal operator with US presence; comparable to NORAD as a vessel line partner/operator but operates at broader ocean-scale scope.
- Höegh Autoliners: Global deep-sea Ro-Ro vehicle carrier with US port calls and inland distribution services; competes for OEM import volumes and operates vehicle-handling terminals comparable in scope to NORAD's Davisville facility.
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen: Global Ro-Ro ocean carrier and vehicle logistics provider with owning Vessel line partnerships at NORAD-adjacent ports; comparable in connecting inbound vehicle flows to inland distribution but operates at greater scale across ocean, processing, and rail.
- CEVA Logistics: Global 3PL with a dedicated automotive sector offering finished vehicle distribution, PDI, and supply chain services to OEMs in North America — comparable as a competing integrated vehicle logistics provider.
- Kuehne+Nagel Vehicle Logistics: World's largest vehicle logistics provider offering finished vehicle transport, PDI, and yard management services to automotive OEMs globally — broadly comparable as an alternative sourcing option for OEMs currently routing through NORAD.
Direct peers
- AMPORTS: The largest US-based vehicle processor serving OEMs at multiple East Coast and Gulf ports — direct competitor handling RORO vehicle receiving, PDI, accessory installation, and multi-modal distribution comparable to NORAD's Davisville operation.
Regional players
- Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT) Auto Terminal: Competing US East Coast auto import port offering Ro-RO receiving, PDI, and distribution services to OEMs such as Honda and VW — competes for the same import vehicle volumes that currently flow through NORAD's Davisville facility.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
North Atlantic Distribution social profiles
Digital presenceNorth Atlantic Distribution financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
North Atlantic Distribution leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
North Atlantic Distribution funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
North Atlantic Distribution M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about North Atlantic Distribution
What does North Atlantic Distribution do?
NORAD is a B2B vehicle processing and distribution company that receives imported and domestic vehicles via roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels at the Port of Davisville. It performs pre-delivery inspection, accessory installation, body shop and mechanical repairs, and distributes processed vehicles to dealers across North America through its owned rail head and drive-away carrier network. The facility also operates a Foreign Trade Zone (Zone 105) offering duty deferment and Harbor Maintenance Fee exemption to OEM customers.
Is North Atlantic Distribution a public or private company?
North Atlantic Distribution is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was North Atlantic Distribution founded?
North Atlantic Distribution was founded in 1986. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is North Atlantic Distribution based?
North Atlantic Distribution is headquartered in North Kingstown, United States, in the North America region.
How does North Atlantic Distribution make money?
One revenue line is on record: vehicle Processing and Distribution Services.
Who are North Atlantic Distribution's main competitors?
SSA Marine is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), Yusen Logistics, Grimaldi Group, Höegh Autoliners, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, CEVA Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel Vehicle Logistics. AMPORTS is listed as a direct peer. Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT) Auto Terminal is listed as a regional player.
Does North Atlantic Distribution have an API?
No public API is recorded for North Atlantic Distribution.
What industry is North Atlantic Distribution in?
North Atlantic Distribution's product category is Automotive Vehicle Processing and Distribution Logistics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAHACAE, Vehicle Inspection, Damage Survey & Claims Handling (Condition Reports), with a secondary code of TLAHACAJ, Ro-Ro Terminal Equipment & Systems (Ramps, Mafi Trailers, Yard Tractors, Lashing Gear). Its NAICS code is 33621 and its SIC code is 3743.