The history of Northwest Tank Lines is a long one that spans nearly 70 years. Northwest started out as a small, family-run business and has remained a family business, passed down from one generation to the next. Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the largest and most reputable tank truck carriers in Canada.
How It All Began
In 1955, founder, Bill Blaney, began hauling for an oil and gas company in Northern Ontario. While on the job, he gained valuable industry knowledge about safety, dependability, and customer service that would shape the company he eventually established: Northwest Tank Lines.
In 1972, Bill began his own journey to make his dream of a transportation enterprise a reality. Through hard work, perseverance, and hands-on experience, he was able to build a successful business, which was a testament to his dedication and ambition. By 1990, his company, originally called International Chemical Express, was seen as one of the leading bulk carriers in the area and a leader in the safe and efficient transportation of dangerous goods. To further expand the family business, Northwest acquired a natural gas liquid tank truck business in 1996 and rebranded to what the company is known as today, Northwest Tank Lines Inc.
When Bill Blaney retired in 1991, he handed the reins of Northwest over to his son, Tom Blaney. Together with current President, Kyle Porter, they have continued to uphold the company’s commitment to safety, service excellence, and of course, family.
For the past 68 years, Northwest has gone beyond providing excellent transportation services and has become a supporter of sustainable business practices, remaining true to its values and giving back to its local community. Bill’s success and legacy live on to this day, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their own dreams with hard work and dedication through the Northwest Tank Lines Education Scholarship Program.
Today, Northwest is a leading provider of tank truck transportation services and an industry leader in safety throughout Canada. The family business has now grown to encompass all our team members and their families, to make a stronger and more resilient Northwest family.
