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Our Story

Hardinger Integrated Logistics was founded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1921 by Adelbert Hardinger. More than 100 years later, the company continues to excel — providing transfer, logistics and warehousing solutions with value-added services and superior customer service to a growing client base across the country.

1921

Adelbert Hardinger founded Hardinger & Sons on North Perry Square in 1921, followed by a transfer and storage company the following year. This was the start of what would eventually become Hardinger Integrated Logistics.

1924

A. Hardinger sold the company to Charles Chas. Smith (1885–1969) and Willard “Dow” Foulke (1890–1961). Charles and Dow changed the name to Hardinger Transfer Co. and focused on general trucking with local and long distance hauling capabilities.

1931

Hardinger Transfer Co. moved to 1307 Peach St.

1937

Hazel M. Foulke became part owner with Chas Smith in 1937 and took over full ownership in 1942.

1946

Erie City Directory advertisement

1960s

Richard W. Foulke (1915–1991) began managing the company in the early 1950s and took over ownership from his mother in the 1960s. At that point, the company was headquartered at 1902 State St. and had terminals in Erie, Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

1969

William “Bill” Schaal, Sr., and Sam Varo purchased Hardinger Transfer Co. from Richard Foulk.

1970s–1980s

During this time, Midwest and Eastern regional transportation routes expanded into a nation-wide scope.

1990s

Hardinger Transfer began doing business as Team Hardinger in the 1990s.

2000–2007

Warehousing facilities expanded in northwestern Pennsylvania in the 2000s, including:

  • 80,000-sq.ft. food grade facility built adjacent to W. 18th St. in Erie in 2000

  • 150,000-sq.ft. site opened at 3106 McCain Ave. in Erie in 2002

  • 120,000-sq.ft. warehouse with value-added services built near Grove City in 2007

2002

Bill Schaal assumes controlling interest in the company after the death of Sam Varo and places a renewed focus on excellence in customer service.

2004

Value-added services expanded to include export packaging and crating, as well as a 3,000-sq.ft. industrial paint booth. Purchased NNN Crating and added decanting and transloading services. These services continue to expand over the years, with updated equipment leading to vastly improved quality, efficiency and capacity.

2008

Team Hardinger welcomes Harold “H.” Bender to the team.

2012

Harold “H.” Bender joins Bill Schaal as co-owner.

2012–2015

Best-in-class technology upgrades began, including industry-leading transportation dispatch software, in-cab GPS units and company commitment to E-logs as part of a safety initiative in 2012 and warehouse management system implementation at two sites in 2013, followed by full integration at all sites in 2015.

2013

Region’s public Foreign Trade Zone launched with 150,000 square feet in East Erie and 120,000 square feet near Grove City, PA.

2013–2016

Brokerage services solidified with launch of truckload brokerage subsidiary, Hardinger Logistics, LLC in 2013. Hardinger became an agent of TForce Worldwide in 2016, allowing us to bring value to customers through the multi-carrier platform.

2015

“H.” Bender assumes full ownership.

2019

Acquired local less than truckload (LTL) business.

2021

South warehouse expanded.

2024

The organization redefines its brand and business structure by introducing a family of Hardinger affiliates — Hardinger Integrated Logistics, Hardinger Trucking, Hardinger Brokerage and Hardinger Warehousing.

Positioned for Growth

Hardinger Integrated Logistics is not only prepared for the future but also positioned for growth on a national scale. With our expertise in transfer, logistics and warehousing, we utilize best-in-class systems and processes to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement ensures that we can provide efficient and reliable solutions to support your business expansion and optimize your supply chain operations.