Mobile Cartage has been in business in Hamilton,Ontario since 1919, family owned and operated for more than 80 years.   Mobile Cartage was first named Mobile Service by its founder, Mel Johnson.  The word 'mobile' had become popular in 1914 - 1918 during the First World War, as in 'Mobile' Canteens and 'Mobile" Units.  It was also a popular term during World War II, as in 'Get Mobile', which was the company’s adopted slogan in those years.  In the late 1930's as the word 'mobile' was being used to describe all and everything, the company gradually became Mobile Cartage with the emphasis on 'mobile'.  In the early 1950's the company became Mobile Cartage and Distributors Limited.

The story of Mobile Cartage and Distributor's Limited begins with founder and first president, Melville (Mobile Mel) Burge Johnson.  When Mel returned home from France after serving as a stretcher-bearer on the battlefield of The First World War, he struggled with the uncertainty of his future, for the life he had left 4 years ago was no longer the same.  Knowing full well that he had to do something, he took the advice of his mother Sarah and borrowed enough money from his parents to buy his first truck.   The one ton Ford Model-T truck put him back $ 962.38. He bought his truck brand new on July 2nd, 1919; the truck traveled about 18-20 miles per hour and lasted Mel until 1933.

The 1940’s introduced “Bike Boy Doug” to the company.  Douglas Johnson, Mel’s only son, began in the company as a ”bike boy” while attending school. He then evolved into the natural inheritor of the family run business.  Doug and his wife Beatrice continued to progress and build the company, until it was inherited by Mark and Ed Johnson, who still preside over the company today.

Over the years, like many small businesses, Mel Johnson was faced with many challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds.  However he successfully over came these challenges and beat these odds.  Today, 3 generations later, Mobile Cartage has over 50 power units, 80 trailers and employs 60 people.  Annual sales today exceed $7.5 million dollars.    

© 2002 MOBILE CARTAGE AND DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED
This site is created and maintained by Stephen Murray.