Our History

The Founding Years:
Oak Harbor Transfer, the forerunner to Oak Harbor Freight Lines, was founded in 1916 by Ben Koetje of Oak Harbor, WA. Oak Harbor Transfer was a local cartage carrier servicing Whidbey Island. In 1936 John and Gus Vander Pol purchased the small island carrier for $600.00 cash and assumed its debt. Their younger brother Henry joined them in 1937. In 1942 the brothers purchased another small carrier called Oak Harbor Freight Lines, they merged the two operations together and kept the latter name.

Family Business:
The brothers over time developed the carrier into a small LTL operation serving a number of counties in Western Washington. In 1974 Henry purchased the company in full. In this same year his two sons Edward and David began working with their father.

Growing Years:
With deregulation in 1980 Oak Harbor began its expansion which continues today. Throughout this period Oak Harbor Freight Lines developed into a highly respected regional LTL carrier serving points throughout the States of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Currently with 40 terminals, 1700+ employees and annual revenues over $300 million Oak Harbor has established itself as a leading premium service carrier in the west, providing consistent high quality services at competitive (not the lowest) prices. Formerly owned and operated by David and Ed Vander Pol, the next generation of Vander Pols have taken up the mantle to run the company with Eric Vander Pol and Dan Vander Pol acting as Co-Presidents. Oak Harbor Freight Lines serves more points direct in the Northwest than any other single carrier.

The Future:
With uniformed professional drivers, and a corporate wide focus to serve the customer, Oak Harbor is positioned to continue down the path of success. The continued Investing in technology, people, facilities and quality processes assures Oak Harbor's infrastructure will continue to meet their customers' needs. Via strategic partners Oak Harbor offers services throughout the United States and Canada allowing many of their customers to single source their transportation needs with Oak Harbor.