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Backhaul Direct LLC, a freight management and logistics firm, announced recently that it will grow its downtown Indianapolis headquarters, creating up to 324 new jobs by 2015.
The company, which manages distribution and transportation of domestic and international freight and offers real-time freight tracking services, will invest more than $1.7 million to lease and equip additional space at its current headquarters at 1 Virginia Ave.
"As a company that serves customers across the continent, Backhaul Direct had many options when looking to grow its operations, but it chose to grow where it began," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We'll keep doing all we can to build an even better economic environment that encourages companies like this to choose Indiana for new jobs and investment."
Backhaul Direct, which currently employs more than 70 associates in Indianapolis, will begin hiring additional customer service, information technology, sales and management positions immediately as building improvements are made at the site. Candidates with college degrees may apply via email at knewl@backhauldirect.com.
"Backhaul Direct chose to remain in Indiana because of the strong support and commitment from the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis," said Nick Hoagland, chief operating officer for Backhaul Direct. "Over the past six years our business has seen tremendous growth because of our great Hoosier workforce and the advantages and cost savings that Indianapolis and Indiana have to offer."
Founded in 2004, Backhaul Direct connects customers looking to ship products with distributors and end users from Backhaul's list of qualified carriers. In 2009 the company rolled out BD Managed Services, which manages IT and telecommunications services for companies in the logistics industry, among others.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Backhaul Direct up to $2 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Indianapolis will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of Develop Indy.
"Backhaul Direct's decision to add 324 more employees in Indianapolis provides great opportunities for our local workforce. We appreciate their commitment to our city and look forward to continuing our partnership with them as they grow," said Mayor Greg Ballard.
Backhaul Direct's announced expansion comes just one day after Family Dollar Stores Inc. announced its plans to invest close to $70 million to build an 815,000 square-foot, distribution center in northeast Indiana to serve its Midwestern stores. The project will create up to 350 new jobs by 2010.
About Backhaul Direct
Based in Indianapolis, Backhaul Direct, LLC is a privately-owned freight brokerage managing both domestic and international freight and distribution. The company currently employs 70 team members with four offices servicing over 30,000 shipments per year. For more information visit www.backhauldirect.com
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
