FREIGHT LINES

The OTL Group began in 1963 when the Barker and Dow families formed Otorohanga Transport Ltd. Jim and Bev Barker, and Dennis and Cynthia Dow, developed the business and amalgamated with other local carriers servicing the livestock cartage market. In 1992 after problems with getting stock transported across Cook Strait during the height of the herd shift season Jim purchased a ship and started Strait Shipping. The result of market research and vision identified the potential for an increase in... demand in Line haul, Bulk and General Freight. The result of this was the establishment of Freight Lines Ltd in 1993 by Jim and Peter Barker. Late 2007 saw a restructure of the Otorohanga Transport Group, which brought about the formation of the Jim Barker Group of Companies. The Jim Barker Group of Companies includes: Freight Lines Ltd, Manawatu Transport Ltd, Stock Lines Ltd and Strait Shipping Ltd. From humble beginnings in 1963, Freight Lines has expanded its network of transportation solutions to reflect the needs of their growing client base.More