☎ +1 (800) 555-GILS ✉ info@gils-holdings.com ⏱ Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST

About Us

Home » About Us

Company Overview

Global Integrated Logistics Solutions & Supply Chain Management Holdings International, Inc. ("GILS") is a privately held, globally integrated logistics and supply chain management organization headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Since our founding in 1994, we have been committed to one simple mission: to deliver world-class logistics solutions that create sustainable value for our customers, our people and our communities.

Today, GILS employs a team of 3,500 dedicated professionals and operates 13 strategically located distribution centers across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, supported by a network of vetted partner agents in over 120 countries. Our vertically integrated service portfolio spans air and ocean freight forwarding, road and rail transportation, contract warehousing, customs brokerage and supply chain consulting.

1994Founded
3,500Employees
13Distribution Centers
120+Countries
98.7%On-Time Delivery

What sets GILS apart is our people-first culture combined with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Every member of our 3,500-strong team, from warehouse associates to our executive leadership, is empowered to go the extra mile for our customers. It is this culture that has earned GILS recognition as a "Top 100 3PL Provider" for seven consecutive years.

Our History

  • 1994 GILS is founded as "Gulf Integrated Logistics Services" by Richard A. Thornton with a fleet of 4 trucks and a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Memphis, TN.
  • 1998 Expansion into international freight forwarding; IATA cargo agent accreditation obtained.
  • 2002 Opening of our first European distribution center in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
  • 2005 Launch of GILS-TRAK™ 1.0, our proprietary shipment visibility platform.
  • 2007 Corporate reorganization and renaming to Global Integrated Logistics Solutions & Supply Chain Management Holdings International, Inc.
  • 2009 Acquisition of Pacific Rim Freight Co., adding Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong operations.
  • 2012 ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001 certification across all facilities. Employee count surpasses 2,000.
  • 2014 20th anniversary. Opening of 10th, 11th and 12th distribution centers (Dallas, TX; Frankfurt, Germany; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).
  • 2016 Opening of our 13th and largest facility, the 450,000 sq. ft. Memphis Distribution Center. Team reaches 3,500 members.

Global Network: 13 Distribution Centers

Our 13 distribution centers are strategically positioned near major ports, airports and interstate corridors to ensure optimal transit times and cost efficiency.

#FacilityLocationSize (sq. ft.)Opened
1Memphis Distribution Center (HQ)Memphis, TN, USA450,0002016
2Memphis South CampusMemphis, TN, USA180,0001994
3Los Angeles GatewayCarson, CA, USA310,0002001
4Newark Port Logistics CenterElizabeth, NJ, USA265,0002003
5Chicago Intermodal HubJoliet, IL, USA290,0002006
6Dallas-Fort Worth DCGrand Prairie, TX, USA240,0002014
7Toronto Distribution CenterMississauga, ON, Canada150,0002008
8Rotterdam European HubRotterdam, Netherlands320,0002002
9Frankfurt Logistics ParkFrankfurt am Main, Germany210,0002014
10Felixstowe UK DCFelixstowe, United Kingdom175,0002010
11Shanghai Waigaoqiao FTZ CenterShanghai, China380,0002009
12Singapore Regional HubSingapore140,0002009
13Ho Chi Minh City DCBinh Duong, Vietnam160,0002014

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission: To be the most trusted integrated logistics partner for our customers by delivering innovative, reliable and cost-effective supply chain solutions.

Our Vision: To be recognized globally as the benchmark for excellence in integrated logistics and supply chain management.

Integrity

We do what we say we will do. Honesty and transparency guide every decision and every relationship.

Customer Focus

Our customers' success is our success. We listen, we understand, and we deliver.

Excellence

We pursue continuous improvement in everything we do, measuring ourselves against the highest standards.

Teamwork

3,500 people, one team. We respect each other, collaborate openly and celebrate shared success.

Leadership Team

Richard A. ThorntonFounder, Chairman & CEOWith GILS since 1994
Margaret L. ChenPresident & Chief Operating OfficerWith GILS since 2003
David R. OkaforChief Financial OfficerWith GILS since 2009
Thomas BrandtEVP, Europe & Middle EastWith GILS since 2002
Linda Nguyen-ParkEVP, Asia-PacificWith GILS since 2009
Steven J. WalshChief Information OfficerWith GILS since 2011
⇧