Canadian logistics company GoBolt is transforming how retailers manage fulfillment and last-mile delivery. From its beginnings in consumer storage, GoBolt has evolved into a leader in the logistics space by leveraging technology to provide seamless, efficient, and sustainable services across North America.
The story of GoBolt began almost eight years ago when Mark Ang and co-founder Heindrik Bernabe launched a consumer storage service aimed at helping summer students store their belongings. However, they soon realized their infrastructure had the potential to serve a broader market, particularly retailers. “We weren’t inspired by helping people hoard their things,” said Ang in an interview, “Retailers started reaching out to us, noticing our reliability, timeliness, and technology.”
In 2019, the company made a significant pivot towards 3PL and last mile logistics, focusing on enterprise-level services. Today, GoBolt operates over 1.5 million square feet of space across ten markets, offering both fulfillment and last-mile delivery services to businesses in Canada and the U.S. The company’s proprietary technology platform plays a critical role in this seamless integration.
“We built our own systems from the ground up,” Ang explained, “merging warehousing and last-mile delivery to give retailers and their customers real-time visibility into where their packages are.” GoBolt’s advanced infrastructure allows for a streamlined process, reducing costs and improving the overall customer experience. The flexibility of their services allows merchants to select from an a la carte menu, tailoring GoBolt’s offerings to their unique needs.
GoBolt’s Sustainable Fleet and Future Expansion
Sustainability is a core part of GoBolt’s strategy. When the company shifted focus in 2019, Ang and his team were determined to create a future-facing logistics service that minimized environmental impact. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of an electric vehicle (EV) fleet. “We were early to the party,” said Ang, “but it was the right choice. Our EV fleet aligns with the ethos consumers are looking for today.”
GoBolt’s electric vehicles not only reduce carbon emissions but also offer a quieter, more efficient solution for last-mile deliveries in residential areas. The company has invested heavily in technology to support its EV fleet, with route optimization algorithms ensuring that uptime remains high. This investment has paid off, with the company achieving over 90% uptime on its EV fleet, a crucial metric for maintaining cost efficiency.
Looking ahead, GoBolt plans to expand its footprint further in 2025. The company currently operates in ten major metros in Canada and the U.S., and there are plans to enter new markets next year. “Our retail partners are asking us to expand into new regions, and we’re excited to grow alongside them,” Ang noted.
Seamless Delivery Solutions for Retailers
GoBolt has developed a real-time tracking system that allows customers to see exactly when their deliveries will arrive, down to the minute. “This was a game-changer for one of our clients,” Ang shared, “they were fielding over 600 calls a day just asking if orders were still on schedule.”
By integrating telematics and GPS into their system, GoBolt created an Uber-like experience for consumers, significantly reducing the need for customer service inquiries. Additionally, customers can make last-minute adjustments to their delivery locations through GoBolt’s app, providing more flexibility and improving the overall delivery experience.
As retailers prepare for the busy holiday season, GoBolt is positioned to help them manage the increased demand. “We plan for peak season all year long,” said Ang. The company runs 24/7 operations in select fulfillment centers and has the infrastructure to ensure that last-mile deliveries are successful even during high-demand periods.
Focus on Technology-Driven Efficiency
Technology is at the core of GoBolt’s success. Ang, who worked in every aspect of the business during its early days, emphasizes the importance of practical, tech-driven solutions. “We’ve built software that makes our processes faster, better, and cheaper,” he explained. This focus on technology has allowed GoBolt to maintain high service quality while scaling across North America.
