ATS International Services Named Thomassen as GM
The veteran transportation executive will oversee commercial and operational functions for the freight firm.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
Jay Thomassen assumed the role of Vice President and General Manager at ATS International Services on Sept. 1, 2026. He brings over 35 years of industry experience to the position, where he now manages strategic planning and business development.
Why it matters
By elevating an internal leader with deep roots in international freight and ocean transportation, the firm signals a focus on integrating its specialized service capabilities. This leadership shift aims to better align the company's regional forwarding operations with its broader warehousing and logistics network.
Thomassen brings over 35 years of industry experience to his new role, following a 21-year career at Trailer Bridge and six years of service in the United States Navy. His promotion follows an internal tenure at ATS International Services that began in 2012.
The players
Jay Thomassen
An transportation veteran with over 35 years of experience who now serves as Vice President and General Manager at ATS International Services.
ATS International Services
A logistics firm that provides international freight forwarding, ocean transportation, and warehousing services across the United States.
Trailer Bridge
A logistics and transportation provider where Thomassen spent 21 years of his career prior to joining ATS International Services.
The details
In his new capacity, Thomassen oversees both commercial and operational functions for the organization. He is tasked with connecting the company's international freight forwarding services to its existing capabilities in ocean transport and warehousing. This integration is designed to streamline service delivery across the firm's national supply chain footprint.
Timeline
1990s-2000s: Thomassen served in the United States Navy.
2012: Thomassen joined ATSI as Director of Sales.
2023: Thomassen was named Vice President of Commercial Services.
Sept. 1, 2026: Thomassen assumed the Vice President and General Manager role.
Market Landscape
This appointment reflects the logistics industry trend of vertical service integration, where firms seek to consolidate shipping, storage, and forwarding under one roof. It follows a multi-year effort by mid-sized carriers to deepen their operational footprints to better compete with global players.
Operators should monitor whether the firm's enhanced service integration leads to more competitive pricing or faster throughput for international freight. If the new leadership prioritizes expanded warehousing options, procurement managers should evaluate if this alignment improves their current supply chain lead times.
The takeaway
The firm is consolidating its operational oversight to better connect freight forwarding with downstream logistics services. Management teams should track how such internal leadership alignments impact service reliability and vendor response times during the next contract cycle.
Further reading
For more on industry talent shifts and leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
