Family History
The family that owns Ark Transportation has history in the air freight industry dating back to the 1950's. The company then was called Andrew’s Air Freight, and they were the only carrier allowed to pick up and deliver freight out of the Cleveland Airport. Starting at 8 years old, George helped his dad label boxes, load trucks, and began to learn how freight moves through an airport.
Ark's Beginnings
After his family sold the business, George continued to work in the air freight industry building relationships with local businesses for over 20 years. In 1990, George saw an opportunity to start his own air freight forwarding company, and in January of 1991, Ark was born with a focus on customer relationships and excellent service.
Credentials
In 1994, Ark became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and in 1995 Ark joined the Air Forwarders Association
Family Business
After helping his dad load trucks one day, Andrew knew he wanted to join the family business. Starting out on the night shift, Andrew did whatever job needed to be done; cleaning, building pallets and crates, and making deliveries. After years of learning the business, Andrew continued to see the value of supply chain logistics and its critical importance for today's businesses. Andrew's involvement in management continued to grow until 2013 when he assumed many of the daily business operations.
Helping Others in Bolivia
In 2008, Ark developed a relationship with the founder of Hospital Bethel in Bolivia. Ark helped to ship goods and materials to Bolivia as they built their hospital, and continues to help ship equipment to help those in need.
Helping Others in Africa
In 2010, Ark partnered with a local church to help move medical equipment to Bongolo Hospital in Gabon, Africa. Ark continues to support this work and coordinates the shipping and logistics from Cleveland to Gabon.
NVOCC
Ark became a F.M.C. licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) in 2014
Full Brokerage
After years of Ark's great service for international and air freight, many of Ark's customers began to ask for help in other areas of their transportation. Ark began their truckload brokerage division in 2014 to help meet the growing demands of their customers.
Helping Others in Flint, MI
During the Flint, MI water crisis of 2014, Ark shipped 40,000 bottles of water to local residents in the Flint community.
Ark Today
Today Ark continues to provide domestic and global shipping solutions with the same principles it was founded on. With providing valuable shipping insight and solutions to our customers, Ark is always willing to meet the needs of our customers and go the extra mile.