Norton Lilly International

General information

Founded by John Norton in 1841 in the burgeoning international shipping center of New York Harbor, Norton Lilly International has a long-standing reputation of meeting and exceeding the shipping needs of clients around the world.

In the spring of 1994, Norton Lilly International formed Nortec, a strong new agency to serve the very important Canadian trade. Also in 1994, Norton Lilly International's global presence expanded with the acquisition of Kerr Steamship, forming Kerr Norton Marine. This new partnership immediately brought about quicker turnarounds, reduced port cost for thousands of international clients, and made Kerr Norton Marine one of the most trusted independent maritime agencies in the world.

Meanwhile, in Savannah, GA in 1886, Captains Frank Garden Strachan and George P. Walker founded Strachan Shipping Company. By accompanying the centuries-old occupations of stevedoring services with the task of specializing as agents for owners, these two men began their endeavor of finding new and innovative solutions for an ever-changing industry.

In April of 1999, Mr. H.W. Thurber, III and J. Schley Rutherford acquired Strachan Shipping Agency from Strachan Shipping Company with the intention of expanding and improving the services and service area of that company. By combining the traditions of the past and the dedication to meet the growing demands of the future, the new company could offer a reliable alternative general agency in the United States.

In the spring of 2002, Thurber and Rutherford acquired Norton Lilly International and merged it with Strachan Shipping Agency. This union brought together two of the most well-established and respected companies in the shipping industry. This merger and an experienced and dedicated staff made Norton Lilly International the largest provider of agency services in North America. Norton Lilly's commitment to serving the needs of our Principal's is stronger than ever.