In the early 1890’s, a young entrepreneur from Denmark named Nels Gertsen decided to settle in Chicago and start a cartage company. Nels started out with a horse and wagon delivering general goods and commodities throughout the sand and cobblestone streets of Chicago. With determination and a strong, will to succeed Nels managed to expand this horse and wagon team into several teams.

In 1912, his eight-year-old son Everett Nels Gertsen was introduced into the cartage business. Everett’s job was to feed and groom the horses, as well as maintain the barn while his father was hauling goods.

In the late 1920’s, Everett eventually stepped into his father’s shoes as president of Gertsen Cartage Company and dedicated himself and the company to improve on the quality of service available to the trucking industry.

With the birth of Everett’s two sons, Everett Nels Gertsen Jr. and Randall Gertsen, yet another generation of Gertsens were being introduced into the ever-changing world of the trucking industry. With the same drive and dedication that their father had, they continued to improve on the quality of service available to the trucking industry.

Over the years, Gertsen Cartage Company has grown from a one-man horse and wagon team into a fleet of interstate tractors now known as Gertsen Interstate Systems, Inc.

Today, third generation Randy Gertsen and fourth generation Steven and Chris Gertsen continue to carry on the dedication and commitment that Nels Gertsen did over 125 years ago. Recently, the fifth generations of Gertsens has become involved in the family business and continue to keep the spirit of their great, great grandfather alive.

Clearly, they have become a leading authority in the trucking industry. With the latest equipment and dedicated employees, Gertsen Interstate Systems, Inc. has committed itself to service and quality that the Gertsen name stands for now and into the future.