About Us

...one truck, one trailer, one hard working immigrant named Gene Newman and the spirit of Standard Forwarding was born.  In business since 1934, Standard has earned a solid reputation in the transportation marketplace for value, commitment and the highest level of service to its customers.

Based out of East Moline, Illinois, Standard began operations as a dedicated contract carrier for John Deere, hauling castings from their foundry in East Moline to Deere’s tractor factory in Waterloo, Iowa.  Some 70 years later, Standard is proud to continue to call John Deere a valued customer in addition to a fast growing list of loyal, diversified customers.

The “Early” Years...a load of John Deere tractors ready for delivery.  Standard converted to van-only traffic in the late 1980’s

Service is at the heart of Standard Forwarding’s culture.  We consider every shipment critical and nothing is taken lightly.  Of particular concern is that every customer is completely confident that we will deliver as promised and that they are kept up to date on their shipment’s status at all times.

Dale Slette, Transportation Manager at Winnebago Industries puts it this way...

“When we need expedited service or special care, we simply make one telephone call and forget it, knowing that the team from Standard will jump through hoops and make things happen.  ...their entire team appears to be

Circa 1937...E Model Mack tractors lined up and ready for loading at John Deere Malleable Works (East Moline, IL Foundry)

service-committed with an eagerness to please.  ...Standard Forwarding has become an extremely valued and vital partner of Winnebago Industries.  Excellence really is their Standard.”

Since Standard’s founding in 1934, technologies have changed, customer expectations have raised and competition has increased.  In every area, Standard has been on the leading edge of positive change.  With a fleet of 300 late model Mack tractors and 790 trailers, Standard’s dedicated employees work to provide dependable overnight LTL service to points in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

If you’re a current customer of ours, let us take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Standard...; and if you’re not, we hope that you’ll give us an opportunity to earn your loyalty!

Safety meeting and dinner held for drivers in the Maintenance shop – Early 1950’s