About Us >      Family History

In 1935, Norman R. Gilbert launched Gilbert Truck Line by hauling a team of horses from Hudson, WI to Trempealeau, WI for $1.50. From those humble beginnings, Valley Cartage has continued on a steady path of consistent growth and expansion. The company has remained in the family and is currently owned and operated by Norman’s son, Jerry Gilbert and grandson, Todd Gilbert. Exceeding customer expectations and a strong work ethic was the core principle when Norman founded the company and it still remains to this day.

Beginning with just a handful of trucks, the Valley Cartage family toiled out of a 3 door terminal in Hudson for more than 50 years. In the year 2000, a new chapter was opened in the family history with the completion of a “state of the art” terminal and corporate office complex, on ten acres, in the St. Croix Business Park in Hudson. In 2005, the building was doubled in size to accommodate rapid growth fueled by a fast growing loyal customer base, along with strategic acquisitions.

In April of 2005, Valley Cartage purchased Northway Carriers, Inc. Family owned and headquartered in Superior, WI, the network of terminals and service coverage was a perfect fit to provide additional overnight service points in MN,ND & WI. In October of 2006, Dotseth Truck Lines, headquartered in Knapp, WI was also purchased by Valley Cartage. These acquisitions, along with an aggressive sales and marketing campaign, have allowed Valley Cartage to become one of the fastest growing LTL service providers in the Midwest.

Today, driven by three generations of Gilberts, Valley Cartage can now offer overnight service to points in MN, ND, SD, IA, NE, WI & IL. By putting the needs of the customer first and adhering to a strong family work ethic, Valley Cartage is positioned to grow and prosper in a very competitive transportation industry.