From Humble Beginnings to Global Excellence
The Gerbach story began in 1934 when brothers Heinrich and Wilhelm Gerbach converted their modest garage in Cicero into something extraordinary. What started as a two-man operation with a single delivery truck and an unshakeable belief in honest service has grown into one of the world’s most trusted logistics networks.
The Gerbach Brothers Legacy
Heinrich Gerbach, the elder brother and natural organizer, possessed an almost supernatural ability to see efficient routes where others saw chaos. Wilhelm, the dreamer and innovator, could envision solutions before problems even emerged. Together, they shared a simple philosophy that would become the foundation of everything we do: every package is someone’s promise, and every promise deserves to be kept.
Working from dawn to dusk in their converted garage, the brothers built their reputation one delivery at a time. Local businesses in Cicero and neighboring Hawthorne began to rely on the Gerbach name, knowing that if Heinrich and Wilhelm took your package, it would arrive exactly when and where it needed to be.
Building an Empire on Trust
By 1942, the brothers had expanded beyond their garage, acquiring their first warehouse facility. The Second World War brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities, as the brothers secured contracts to support the war effort, moving critical supplies with the precision and reliability that would become their trademark.
The post-war boom of the 1950s saw Gerbach expand rapidly across the Midwest, then nationwide. What never changed was the brothers’ hands-on approach and their insistence that every employee understand they weren’t just moving boxes—they were carrying people’s livelihoods, hopes, and futures.
Wilhelm’s son, Thomas Gerbach, joined the company in 1963, bringing fresh ideas about technology and international expansion. Under his leadership, Gerbach became one of the first logistics companies to embrace computer tracking systems and establish partnerships with overseas carriers.
Evolution Through Innovation
The 1980s marked Gerbach’s transformation from a regional powerhouse to a global force. Thomas Gerbach’s daughter, Maria Gerbach-Chen, spearheaded the company’s entry into Asian markets, establishing partnerships that would prove invaluable as global commerce exploded in the following decades.
Today, fourth-generation family members work alongside industry veterans and innovative newcomers, all united by the founding brothers’ vision of logistics as a service to humanity.
Our Values, Then and Now
The principles Heinrich and Wilhelm established in that Cicero garage still guide every decision we make. Integrity in every interaction. Innovation in every solution. Excellence in every delivery. These aren’t just corporate values—they’re the DNA of everyone who wears the Gerbach name.
From our founding garage to our global network of facilities, from our first delivery truck to our fleet of thousands, one thing remains constant: we understand that logistics is ultimately about people serving people. Every package tells a story, and we’re honored to be part of writing those stories every single day.
Today, as we approach our 100th anniversary, the Gerbach family continues to grow. Our employees in São Paulo, Singapore, Stockholm, and Sydney all share the same commitment to excellence that Heinrich and Wilhelm demonstrated back in 1934. The garage may be gone, but the spirit lives on in every delivery, every partnership, and every promise kept.
That’s the Gerbach way. That’s our story. And we’re just getting started.