Our Story
Who We Are
NEMA provides comprehensive logistics services to a growing list of top-tier global customers. As a trusted partner, we understand each customer’s unique needs. We don’t just strive to meet their needs, we strive to exceed them. Let us put nearly four decades of relationship-driven expertise to work for your business.
Our Core Values
Positivity/Joy
Enjoy the job you do and the people you work with
Be positive in all interactions
Find the joy even in the mundane tasks
Give joy to others when they are lacking it themselves
Adaptable
Always be willing to help others, but don’t fail to do your job
Be flexible when the unexpected happens
Show that you can do things outside of your day-to-day duties
Lead change – don’t be afraid of it
Get $#!t Done
Get it right the first time!
Always strive for excellence
Be precise and quick to respond/react
Avoid costly delays, stay on track and focused
Be more, do more
Always do more than is expected/required
Be the best version of yourself
Go above and beyond
Strive for excellence, not perfection!
Do the right thing – ALWAYS
Always think “What would Neal want/do?”
Treat others as you’d like to be treated
Respectful and Professional
Take responsibility and blame for your actions/inactions
Our Journey
A Story of Passion and Perseverance
Where it All Began
It all began in the 1970s when Neal Baines bought a tractor and trailer to explore the United States while earning a living. After years of traversing the open roads, Neal established a local delivery business in Atlanta. In 1988, as the company flourished, he rebranded it as NEMA—an ingenious blend of the first two letters
of his and his wife Marsha’s names.
Destiny Had Bigger Plans
Neal delivered cleaning chemicals to a paper machine clothing manufacturer and, in the process, met Suzanne Hill Hawkins. Suzanne, who worked for the client, was searching for a dependable trucking company with a sense of urgency. Together, they embarked on a journey to create a thriving business catering to the paper industry’s transportation demands.
Our Customer Relationships Matter
NEMA swiftly gained a sterling reputation for its reliability, adaptability, and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. Always eager to go the extra mile, we expanded our services to include bonded warehousing, international shipping, and wooden crate construction and even established a Foreign Trade Zone. These value-added services enable NEMA to orchestrate shipments to and from numerous countries, optimize operations, and save clients time and money.
CARING for Our Employees
But Neal and Suzanne’s vision went beyond business growth—they genuinely cared for their employees. They offered generous benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) program. With an emphasis on safety, they leased top-of-the-line equipment and installed overhead cranes to ensure safe handling while unloading at paper mills and ports.
NEMA’s Steady HEARTBEAT
NEMA’s resounding success can be traced back to our unwavering dedication to customer needs, adaptability, and commitment to treating people respectfully. Although Neal and Suzanne have since retired, President Colleen Japuntich and her formidable team continue to champion these values and relentlessly pursue excellence. NEMA’s steady heartbeat is a testament to our win-win partnerships with customers, employees, and vendors.
Customer Service Comes FIRST
Our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and delivering on our promises sets us apart in the industry. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to ensure seamless and efficient logistics solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With our proactive approach, transparent communication, and steadfast reliability, NEMA has proudly built a reputation as a trusted partner that consistently exceeds expectations and drives your business forward. Experience the NEMA difference today, and let us help you navigate the road to success.
