The Beginning
The OTL Group began in 1963 when the Barker and Dow families formed Otorohanga Transport Ltd. Jim and Bev Barker, and Dennis and Cynthia Dow (Jim Barkers’ sister), developed the business and amalgamated with other local carriers servicing the livestock cartage market.
In 1992 after problems with getting stock transported across Cook Strait during the height of the herd shift season Jim purchased a ship and started Strait Shipping. The Company identified the potential for an increase in demand in linehaul, bulk and general freight. The result of market research and vision was the establishment of Freight Lines Ltd in 1993 by Jim and Peter Barker.
Late 2007 saw a restructure of the Otorohanga Transport Group, which brought about the formation of the Jim Barker Group of Companies. The Jim Barker Group of Companies includes: Freight Lines Ltd, Manawatu Transport Ltd, Stock Lines Ltd and Strait Shipping Ltd.
About Freight Lines Ltd
Freight Lines is a family owned and operated company, and we pride ourselves on retaining a family culture despite our rapid growth.
Jim Barker and Peter Barker are the Managing Directors of Freight Lines and are both well known in the transport industry. Jim has been actively involved since 1963 and with his forward thinking has seen the Company grow from its humble beginnings to a nationwide concern, in which he still keeps an interest. Peter started in the industry in 1988 as a truck driver for Otorohanga Transport, and in 1993 commenced at grass roots level in Freight Lines Ltd and, with his natural affinity with the industry, worked his way up to his present position.
Recently appointed CEO Barry Raymond has been involved in the transport industry for many years, originally as part of his family's business Nupin Distributors which in turn was bought by Freight Lines. Barry carried on working for Freight Lines before departing to run his own successful business for a number of years. He rejoined the company in 2007 and his strong dedication to the company and the industry has seen him advance to his recent appointment of CEO. He is ably assisted by very strong management and administrative teams that share his enthusiasm and commitment.
The philosophy of the company has always been to provide a customer orientated, cost effective service. We continually achieve this by utilising our modern fleet of vehicles and ensuring our drivers are well trained and supported by our management and administration team.
Over the years that the company has been operating it has experienced rapid growth and now offers a comprehensive service for moving linehaul, bulk and general freight nationwide.
We are able to provide our customers with a complete end-to-end service by utilising our links with Strait Shipping Ltd to cross the Cook Strait. Strait Shipping Ltd provides a reliable and regular service across the Strait.
A team of operations managers liaise regularly with our customers to build and maintain a strong partnership relationship. Through this relationship we are able to offer suggestions for better managing the customers transport requirements and we consider this to be a critical component of our success in the industry.
Peter Barker states "We serve the needs of our customers by taking the time to understand their business and by tailoring a service to meet their requirements."
