Evans Distribution Systems recognized as a top privately held company in Detroit

Evans Distribution Systems, a provider of third-party logistics (3PL) and supply chain solutions, has been recognized as a Top Privately Held Company by Crain’s Detroit Business. According to the publication, the list recognizes companies across a diverse range of industries headquartered in Southeast Michigan. Evans is among a handful of other top warehousing and logistics companies.

“As a fourth-generation business owner, I’m honored to be among many other successful companies who have had a positive impact on Detroit’s economy,” John A. Evans, President & CEO of Evans Distribution Systems. “It is a true testament to the legacy that my great grandfather envisioned when they opened our first warehouse on Fort Street in 1929.”

Evans Distribution Systems has evolved significantly since the early days. Today, the company employs 300 associates in multiple business units which provide warehousing, value-added, fulfillment, transportation, and outsourced staffing solutions to its customers. Last year, Evans expanded its dedicated and multi-client warehousing footprint to 5 million square feet across 10 facilities throughout Metro Detroit.

“What sets Evans apart from other logistics providers is our conservative approach to organic growth,” Evans says. “As our customers evolve, our service capabilities evolve as well. This commitment allows us to provide job security for employees and the highest quality service standards for our customers.”

In addition to its dedicated warehousing expansion, Evans has made several strategic improvements in recent years:

• Foreign Trade Zone activation across every public facility totaling 2.3 million square feet.

• Top-level investment in software, automation, storage systems, facility upgrades, and handling equipment. Established an internal AI initiative to drive automation and data fluency and governance across the organization.

• Continued enhancements to its proprietary business intelligence tool, evans365, to provide real-time data and deeper insights for customers.

• Established a company-wide training effort to support associate development and quality management standards driven by our 26th consecutive year as an ISO 9001:2015 certified company.

“This recognition cannot be achieved alone,” Evans says. “It is a true reflection of the support and commitment from Evans’ customers, employees, and partners who operate on trust and expertise. I am grateful for these relationships—and the individuals behind them—that allow Evans Distribution Systems to prosper.”

According to Crain’s Detroit Business, the Top 200 Private Companies list “highlights a company’s strength in a meaningful way—showing scale, stability, and performance in the [greater Detroit] market.” Revenue data is estimated by Crain’s editorial staff through several sources including industry analysis, benchmarks, and news reports. Companies on this list are headquartered in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties. The annual list was published on May 4, 2026.