30th Anniversary

Paul & Linda in 1988 when LR International first started

In 1988 Ric and Linda Frantz started LR INTERNATIONAL with a simple philosophy, to provide experienced and flexible global freight forwarding and documentation services to their clients without the red tape and impersonal service companies were receiving from the large Multinational freight forwarders. They referred to their operation as a “Mom and Pop Shop” but they had all of the representation and capabilities that their much larger competitors had because of their many years in the industry working for larger Japanese and American companies. 30 years later, that 2 person “Mom and Pop Shop” has grown into a logistics company with capabilities and partners in over 250 cities worldwide. With a 225,000 square foot warehouse as their headquarters 2 miles from Chicago’s O’hare International Airport, as well as 15 other contract warehousing operations around North America, LR INTERNATIONAL  has fulfilled its goal of giving clients big company capabilities with smaller more personalized services.

 

As we celebrate 30 years in business we thank our many customers, agents and vendors that have made this milestone possible. The industry has changed dramatically in 30 years, and we at LRI have stayed current with those changes. Below is a timeline marking the important milestones in the history of LR INTERNATIONAL. We hope to visit each of our clients in the coming year to personally thank you for your business, and in helping us achieve 30 years of providing global logistics services.

1988

September

LR INTERNATIONAL is started by Ric and Linda Frantz.

1994

September

Paul and Tracey Jarzombek join LRI as key contributors to the operations and sales.

1996

LRI expands import service capabilities as well as obtaining FMC and NVOCC status for ocean freight.

1998

Ric Frantz wins first Illinois Governor’s E-Award for Excellence in Export Services.

1999

LR INTERNATIONAL becomes an IATA agent for enhanced airfreight capabilities.

2000

LRI operating platform software for shipment management/processing is implemented.

2002

TSA security program development at LRI for air exports.

2008

LRI moves to 5th location since the start of the company in 1988. The brand new offices and warehouse in Franklin Park, IL serve as the Global Headquarters and offers customs bonded warehousing, TSA screening, FTZ status, 24 hour operation 5 days per week and full service packing and crating operations. LRI celebrates 20 years in business!!!!

2009

LRI receives solid wood packing certification for International packing and crating.

2010

LRI receives C-TPAT certification from U.S. Customs (current re-validation is good through 2022).

2012

LRI receives President’s E-Award for Excellence in Export Services!

2016

LRI Receives second Illinois Governor’s E-Award!

2016

LRI receives President’s E-Star Award (this is the second President’s E-Award LRI has received…an honor awarded by the Secretary of Commerce of The United States).

2018

September

LRI Celebrates 30 Years in business!

2019

LRI launches a new and improved website with upgraded tracking options and a learning center to provide guidance to clients on important International trade topics.