Northbridge Transportation & Logistics 75th Anniversary
Celebrating 75 Years of Serving the Canadian Transportation Industry
For 75 years, Northbridge Insurance has partnered with the transportation fleets, brokers, and logistics professionals who keep Canada moving. We’ve grown from a small transportation insurer to an industry leader by working to understand our customers and they risks they face each day.
Celebrating 75 Years of Serving the Canadian Transportation Industry
For 75 years, Northbridge Insurance has partnered with the transportation fleets, brokers, and logistics professionals who keep Canada moving. We’ve grown from a small transportation insurer to an industry leader by working to understand our customers and they risks they face each day.
A Legacy Built on Partnership, Safety & Innovation
Since 1951, we’ve been focused on helping Canadian fleets with specialized insurance, meaningful partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to safety. As we celebrate 75 years, we reflect on our milestones—and look forward to what’s ahead.
1951
The Beginning
Our Story Starts on the Road
Markel opens in Canada, supporting the country’s growing trucking industry!
1985-87
Start of the Fairfax Family
A Turning Point
Prem Watsa acquires Markel Financial Holdings in 1985 and re-launches the company as Fairfax Financial Holding in 1987, at a time where Canadian trucking insurers were going through a rocky ride.
1990s
Helping Customers Navigate Cross-Border Pressure
The creation of NAFTA increased cross border demand, regional supply chains and tripled trade among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
2012
The Northbridge Insurance Brand Emerges
United as Northbridge Insurance
A new era brought three separate insurance companies together under a unified brand. Under the Northbridge Insurance name, we renewed our commitment to Canadian businesses and broadened our support for transporters of every size.
2021
Transportation Safety Award Launch
Celebrating Safety Excellence
We introduce the Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award to spotlight companies with industry-leading safety management practices, and over the past five years, the trucking industry has embraced this award as a sign of excellence.
2026
75 Years Strong
Celebrating Our Legacy
This year, we celebrate 75 years of serving Canada’s transportation industry. We hosted a small celebration to mark this event and were honoured to be joined by Fairfax Chairman and CEO Prem Watsa to celebrate this anniversary. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited about where we’re going.
Our Story Starts on the Road
Markel opens in Canada, supporting the country’s growing trucking industry!
1951
The Beginning
1985-87
Start of the Fairfax Family
A Turning Point
Prem Watsa acquires Markel Financial Holdings in 1985 and re-launches the company as Fairfax Financial Holding in 1987, at a time where Canadian trucking insurers were going through a rocky ride.
The creation of NAFTA increased cross border demand, regional supply chains and tripled trade among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
1990s
Helping Customers Navigate Cross-Border Pressure
2012
The Northbridge Insurance Brand Emerges
United as Northbridge Insurance
A new era brought three separate insurance companies together under a unified brand. Under the Northbridge Insurance name, we renewed our commitment to Canadian businesses and broadened our support for transporters of every size.
Celebrating Safety Excellence
We introduce the Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award to spotlight companies with industry-leading safety management practices, and over the past five years, the trucking industry has embraced this award as a sign of excellence.
2021
Transportation Safety Award Launch
2026
75 Years Strong
Celebrating Our Legacy
This year, we celebrate 75 years of serving Canada’s transportation industry. We hosted a small celebration to mark this event and were honoured to be joined by Fairfax Chairman and CEO Prem Watsa to celebrate this anniversary. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited about where we’re going.
Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award
With a 70-year history of helping transportation companies navigate risks on and off the road, we understand the commitment required to build and maintain a culture of safety. The Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award was launched in 2021 to recognize carriers with industry-leading safety management practices.
We are pleased to deliver the Award every year to highlight the achievements of the carriers who raise the bar and help make our communities safer.
Explore Our Transportation & Logistics Solutions
Our 75-year history is rooted in a deep understanding of the transportation and logistics industry. Learn more about how we continue to support fleets across Canada.