Meet the Founders: The Vision Behind Lower Mainland Fast Freight:
The Foundation: Ernie Hawthorne’s Original Vision:
The story of Lower Mainland Fast Freight (LMFF) began in 1984, founded by Ernie Hawthorne. With a focus on the then-growing industrial landscape of British Columbia, Ernie set out to build a transportation company defined by reliability and regional specialization. His mission was simple but ambitious: to provide the Fraser Valley with a premier freight partner that treated every delivery with the precision of a global carrier but the dedication of a local expert.
For decades, Ernie’s leadership established LMFF as a cornerstone of the BC transportation sector, navigating the complexities of regional growth and setting the standard for operational integrity.
The Evolution: Krista Hawthorne and Strategic Growth
While the company was founded by Ernie, its modern trajectory is defined by the lifelong dedication and entrepreneurial drive of Krista Hawthorne. Krista’s journey in the logistics industry is unparalleled; she began learning the intricacies of the business at the age of 11, working her way through every operational level of the company.
From dispatch and fleet management to strategic business development, Krista’s "ground-up" experience provided her with a 360-degree understanding of the supply chain. This deep-rooted expertise culminated in 2019 when Krista demonstrated her own business acumen by founding and successfully operating her own independent trucking company. Amalgamation and the Future of LMFF In a strategic move to modernize and scale the family legacy, Krista eventually amalgamated her own successful firm into LMFF. This merger didn't just expand the fleet; it integrated new perspectives, modern logistics technology, and a forward-thinking approach to customer service.
Today, the synergy between Ernie’s founding principles and Krista’s modern, aggressive growth strategy makes LMFF a leader in the British Columbia logistics market. This unique combination of 40 years of history and 21st-century innovation ensures that our clients benefit from:
• Generational Intelligence: Deep institutional knowledge of the Lower Mainland’s traffic, terrain, and industrial hubs.
• Operational Versatility: A leadership team that has literally worked every job in the industry, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
• Modern Infrastructure: A company that has evolved from a local carrier into a tech-integrated logistics partner.
A Trusted Partner for the BC Business Community
The Hawthorne legacy is more than just a family story; it is a commitment to the businesses that power our province. By blending the foundational reliability established by Ernie with the modern entrepreneurial spirit brought by Krista, LMFF remains a trusted partner that empowers local businesses, streamlines complex supply chains, and redefines excellence in the BC transportation industry.
