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Our History

1945

Founded to Meet Post-War Demand

McCollister’s was founded on November 1, 1945, in Burlington, New Jersey, by Daniel H. McCollister, Sr., following the acquisition of Dixon’s Express. Amid rapid post-war relocation and economic transition, the company was established to deliver reliable, professional moving services at a time when consistency and trust were in short supply. From its earliest days, McCollister’s emphasized disciplined operations, customer accountability, and long-term relationships.

1955

Scaling Capacity & Extending Reach

As demand increased, McCollister’s invested heavily in infrastructure, including the construction of its flagship Route 130 warehouse, early fleet expansion, and standardized operating procedures. Becoming a United Van Lines agent in 1950 and a stockholder in 1953 enabled the company to establish a nationwide service network while preserving strong regional execution and customer accountability.

1965

Diversification to Overcome Seasonality

To reduce reliance on seasonal household moves, McCollister’s expanded into military relocations during the Vietnam War and launched McCollister’s Express, adding freight, commercial, and office moving services. As computer technology emerged, the company partnered with manufacturers to develop specialized transport solutions, including early testing of air-ride suspension and equipment upgrades to protect high-value technology. In 1967, H. Daniel McCollister assumed leadership, accelerating national growth and formalizing the service discipline known as the “McCollister’s Touch.”

1975

Innovation Driving Specialization

During the 1970s, McCollister’s evolved from a traditional mover into a specialized logistics provider. The adoption of air-ride suspension and expansion of its proprietary crane fleet—enclosed trailers with integrated hydraulic cranes—enabled precision transport and placement of large-scale computer and telecommunications systems nationwide for companies such as IBM and AT&T. Investments in headquarters infrastructure, systems, and workforce development positioned the organization for scalable, multi-site operations.

1985

Deregulation as an Opportunity for Expansion

Following the Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980, McCollister’s leveraged deregulation to expand nationally, opening facilities in major US markets and strengthening its operating network. Service offerings broadened to include packaging, crating, asset management, and regional distribution. Continued investment in temperature-controlled and crane-equipped equipment supported rapid growth in technology, telecommunications, and medical device logistics, reinforcing McCollister’s position as a white-glove logistics leader.

1995

Advancing Industry Capabilities & Market Presence

During the 1990s, McCollister’s expanded services to support growing technology and telecommunications programs, enhanced medical device logistics capabilities, and added hospitality support through furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) delivery and installation. The company also entered the financial sector with ATM installation services and established a stronger presence in northern and southern California, further extending its national footprint.

2005

Innovation & Specialized Industry Growth

In the early 2000s, McCollister’s expanded nationwide through the acquisition of a fitness installation company, growing McCollister’s Fitness Systems into the largest fitness installation team in the country. The company broadened specialized service offerings to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing clients requiring precision handling and installation. During this decade, H. Daniel McCollister became Chairman of UniGroup, advanced logistics technologies were adopted, and a new Orlando, Florida location opened to support specialized industry programs.

2015

Strategic Expansion & Operational Modernization

Throughout the 2010s, McCollister’s expanded into auto transport, entertainment logistics, and large-scale medical device installations, supporting complex national programs for manufacturers, healthcare systems, and touring productions. In 2016, the company earned ISO 13485 certification, reinforcing its leadership in regulated medical logistics. The relocation to a modern, eco-friendly 90,000-square-foot headquarters reflected continued investment in systems, sustainability, and workforce capacity.

2025

Resilience, Growth, & Digital Leadership

During the 2020s, McCollister’s supported critical national supply chains throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while accelerating its digital transformation. The company expanded its multi-state footprint, integrated acquired operations, and deployed advanced analytics, automation, and IoT-based tracking. Under the leadership of our current Chairman, Daniel H. McCollister II, McCollister’s operates as a fully integrated first- and final-mile logistics platform supporting enterprise supply chains across North America.

Today and beyond

Now with 15 full-service locations, a vast network of over 300 partner agents, and a diverse range of assets capable of handling specialized logistics needs across industries, McCollister’s has grown exponentially since 1945.

McCollister’s continues to embody its founding principles while embracing modern technology, sustainability, and progressive strategies to address today’s complex logistics challenges. Whether moving priceless artifacts, satellites, sensitive medical equipment, or critical IT infrastructure, McCollister’s remains committed to excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction.