Where It All Began 

In the 1970s, Neal Baines bought a tractor and trailer, setting out to explore the U.S. while making a living. His passion for the open road led him to establish a local delivery business in  Atlanta. By 1988, the company had flourished, and he rebranded it as NEMA—a clever combination of the first two letters of his and his wife Marsha’s names. 

Destiny Had Bigger Plans 

One day, while delivering cleaning chemicals to a paper machine clothing manufacturer, Neal met Suzanne Hill Hawkins. Together, they recognized the industry’s urgent need for a reliable transportation partner, so they joined forces to create a thriving business focused on the unique transportation demands of the paper industry. 

Customer Relationships Matter 

NEMA quickly became known for reliability, adaptability, and a customer-first mentality. To  better serve our clients, we expanded our offerings to include: 

• Container Freight Station
• International shipping 
• Foreign Trade Zone services 
• Cross Boarder Operations to Canada & Mexico

These value-added solutions allow us to streamline global shipments, optimize logistics, and  save our customers time and money. 

Caring for Our Employees 

Beyond business success, Neal and Suzanne prioritized the well-being of their employees. Their  commitment to their team included: 

• Comprehensive benefits, such as health and life insurance 
• A 401(k) program to support financial security 
• Investments in high-quality equipment and safety enhancements, including overhead  cranes for secure handling at paper mills and ports 

Our team is the heart of NEMA, and we continue to foster a supportive and rewarding work environment.

Employee Longevity

NEMA believes in the power of a diverse workforce. Our employees are from a wide range of backgrounds, and all of them bring something unique to the table. We value their individual experiences, skillsets, and perspectives. We are fortunate that our work environment fosters longevity in our employees. Many employees have been working here for many years, and a select few have been here for decades.

NEMA’s Steady Heartbeat 

Our success stems from our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, adaptability,  and treating people with respect. Though Neal and Suzanne have retired, their legacy lives on through President Colleen Japuntich and our dedicated team. The longevity of the team at  NEMA reflects this deep commitment to excellence, embodying a dedication that drives our mission and strengthens our collective heartbeat to lead well. This steadfastness in our mission upholds the values that made NEMA what it is today. 

Customer Service Comes First 

What sets us apart in the industry is our relentless dedication to providing exceptional service and fulfilling our promises. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure seamless and efficient logistics solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. With proactive problem-solving, transparent communication, and steadfast reliability, NEMA has earned a reputation as a trusted logistics partner. 

Experience the NEMA difference today, and let us help you navigate the road to success.