About us
It started as a vision and blossomed into a company. Over the years, that company developed and grew into a highly regarded logistics provider in North America. This is the story of The Rutherford Group.
We have our roots planted in Stratford, the place its founder, Jack Rutherford, laying the foundation for the company that stands today. Since 1974, The Rutherford Group has proudly served customers in Stratford, Perth County, Southwestern Ontario, and beyond. We have expanded our capabilities to serve clients across North America.
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Building trust, delivering results since 1974
The Rutherford Group is a true one-stop shop, with customs clearance service, transportation and warehousing, all from one source.
We aren’t the biggest logistics provider but you’ll never get lost in the shuffle with us. Your dedicated account executive has the tools to provide you with a responsive answer to all your needs.
The Rutherford Group is about providing value to our clients. Up front there may be less expensive options but always consider the assessorial charges in addition to the base cost. With The Rutherford Group, our clients agree that the value we bring them often saves them time and money in the long run. And you can always count on accurate, prompt delivery and shipping of your goods.
The Roots of The Rutherford Group
In 1974, Jack Rutherford established the footprint for The Rutherford Group. Those same family values have carried on throughout the company for the last 50 years. He originally established his company as National Customs Brokers Inc., based in Kitchener, Ontario.
Three short months later, Jack recognized the larger vision for the company and bought out his partners and moved the business to Stratford, Ontario, where The Rutherford Group would establish its roots.
As a local businessman, Jack cultivated business relationships with his clients that would live on for years. When it came to shipping and freight, local people wanted to deal with a local company. The Rutherford Group always has been, and always will be, locally focused.
From modest beginnings, The Rutherford Group started with just one employee at a location on Market Place above Stratford Credit Bureau. Jack recognized the potential for growth and expansion, and over the next few years, he formed Ambassador Customs Brokers in Windsor (1985) and added Fort Erie location (1987).
The 1990’s saw The Rutherford Group operate the Stratford Bonded Sufferance Warehouse. The company added US Customs clearance services to its host of offerings, and purchasing a local trucking business to keep up with increased demand.
Originally registered as “National Customs Brokers Inc.” located in Kitchener, ON.
Formed Ambassador Customs Brokers in Windsor.
Added Fort Erie location
Formed Frontier Customs Brokers in Windsor & Fort Erie.
John joins the company.
The Next Generation
The second generation of the Rutherford family came into the fold back in 1994 when Jack’s son John signed on as part of the family business after 10 years of being employed at multinational logistics companies.
The 2000’s were another decade of rapid growth for The Rutherford Group with the addition of highway tractors and trailers to better serve the top tier clients who were shipping products across the border to/from the United States.
Opportunity to operate the Stratford Bonded Sufferance Warehouse.
Obtained “Bonded Sufferance Warehouse Licence”.
Freight consolidation started between Stratford & Port Huron, MI – 1 straight truck.
Obtained “Bonded Carrier” designation.
Obtained “CLVS Carrier” designation.
Developed inhouse Customs software, and added other services as well.
Distribution services added Stratford facility.
Port Huron secured our own location & staff to better serve clients.
A new home for The Rutherford Group
At some point, every family outgrows its home, which meant The Rutherford Group needed to move to a larger facility. The Rutherford Group sold its location on Wright Blvd. and purchased a 70,000 square foot facility on Lorne Avenue in Stratford, which now serves as our head office.
The next significant expansion witnessed The Rutherford Group adding a second warehouse in Port Huron, Michigan in 2021. This facility is a certified FDA and MDARD Food warehouse.
Certified “PIPS” facility.
Added “Kitting” and parts management for Tier 1 automotive manufacturers.
Added 4 highway tractors to meet the needs of Tier 1 clients (deliveries to US manufacturers).
4 local warehouse facilities to meet client requirements.
Obtained “CSA” designation.
Obtained “FAST” designation.
Port Huron Facility certified FDA Medical Device Warehouse.
Purchased building & property on Lorne Ave. (head office location) (70,000 sq.ft.).
Moving Forward
2019 saw the purchase of Remex Express as a partnership between Shayne Kelly and John Rutherford, further enhancing our cross-border transportation services.
In 2023, we continued our growth in the transportation sector with the purchase of Navigator Logistics Inc., allowing us to control the domestic delivery requirements for our clients.
Also in 2023, John Rutherford became the sole owner of the company which holds the land and building on Lorne Ave. This provides the needed stepping stone for continued growth. Further expansion of our building is currently under review.
Shayne & John purchase Remex Express – adding 20 highway tractors.
Additional 57,000 Sq.ft. warehouse secured for continued growth.
Added Canada Customs Bonded Warehouse.
Open second Port Huron facility exclusively for beverage distribution for major US retailer.
Second Port Huron facility certified FDA & MDARD Food Warehouse.
Acquired Navigator Logistics – adding more capacity to transportation side.
Acquired building & land from partners.
The Rutherford Group celebrates 50 years.
A legacy of excellence for 50 years
For any company to exist for five decades is a major accomplishment. But when the industry changes at light speed, that’s when many companies get left behind. The Rutherford Group has evolved to meet the demands of our customers and to stay on the cutting edge of logistics services.
Since 1974, we’ve done more than just ship goods from point A to point B. We deliver answers and solutions to our client’s shipping needs. It’s a promise that Jack Rutherford established 50 years ago, and it’s a promise that carries on today.
We deliver … always.
The Rutherford Group celebrated our 50th anniversary by pledging $50,000 to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation. We hope to help enhance the hospital's ability to provide top-notch care to our community.
Organizations we’ve helped
