DSN started as Direct Service Network Inc. in 1988 as a division of a large trucking company. In 1991 Doug Kimmerly and his previous partner, purchased and revived the company while bringing it back from the brink. The vision was to be the easiest transportation company for their customers to deal with. Doug, with his strong computer background, realized that freight moved as much on information as it did on trucks. Doug's partner had a strong customer focused background from sales, and helped Doug realize the possibilities of using this information to improve customer service, on time delivery and coordination.
Throughout the 1990's the company grew steadily. Customers loved the idea of calling one company to take care of it all. DSN's service standards, communication and information systems where exactly what customers were looking for. Early on, DSN had a knack for difficult shipments; ones with difficult requirements. This included chemical shipments, JIT deliveries and retail deliveries to distribution centers.
Since 2000, DSN's focus has been chemical transportation. Many of DSN's customers are chemical distributors and manufacturers. DSN has been involved with many chemical organizations over the years like the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors, and the Road Committee for the Canadian Chemical Producer's Association. Like the members of the chemical associations, DSN has made a commitment to safety, training, and the evaluation of safe and competent carriers to move chemical shipments. DSN has been watching the number of trucking companies that handle HAZMAT slowly dwindle over time. The cost of insurance and the risk associated with HAZMAT trucking is too great for many carriers. Thankfully, DSN has a strong stable of HAZMAT carriers with whom they've worked with over the years to ship HAZMAT freight. DSN saw chemicals and HAZMAT shipping as a niche market in which they could excel beyond their competitors.
In 2010, DSN re-brands as DSN Chemical Transportation. DSN Chemical Transportation's goal is to reach out to all the chemical companies in North America and tell them about how DSN can improve on-time delivery and safety through DSN's unique carrier selection process and DSN's lateness reduction methods.