Our Story
From One Desk to Global Logistics
Baum Shipping didn’t start in a boardroom. It started with grit, ambition, and a young immigrant chasing opportunity.
Founder Reid Malinbaum arrived in the United States from France in 1981 at just 24 years old. With a background in textiles and warehouse operations, he jumped straight into international freight forwarding near LAX — learning the business from the ground up. Before barcodes, before automation, before modern software… it was all phones, paperwork, and hustle.
Sales came naturally. English didn’t — at first. But instead of backing down, Reid leaned in. He learned the language, the culture, and the industry. Along the way, there were setbacks, job losses, tight finances, and more than a few “what now?” moments.
But quitting was never part of the plan.
The Leap: Building Something From Nothing
In 1984, Reid took the leap and founded what would eventually become ETC International Freight System — now known as Baum Shipping.
The early days? One office. One phone. One desk. Sometimes next to a bathroom. His wife handled accounting. Reid handled sales, documentation, warehouse unloading, and customer calls — often all in the same day. Their children grew up in the office playpen while containers were being unloaded outside.
Slowly but surely, the company grew.
New licenses. New certifications. New services. Warehousing. Ocean freight. Air freight. Customs coordination. Trucking. Packing. Oversized cargo. Auto shipments. International consolidation.
What started as a one-man operation became a full-service logistics company.
Growth, Setbacks, and Resilience
Over the decades, Baum Shipping weathered it all:
- Economic booms
- Industry recessions
- September 11th disruptions
- The 2008 financial crisis
- Major customer losses
- Industry shakeups
- COVID-era shipping chaos
Each challenge forced adaptation. Each setback strengthened the company.
When others slowed down, Baum Shipping regrouped, streamlined, modernized, and pushed forward.
Because logistics isn’t just about moving freight — it’s about solving problems.
A Second Generation Takes the Wheel
In 2009, Reid’s son Dimitri joined the company. He learned the business the same way his father did — from the ground up.
In 2015, Reid officially passed ownership to Dimitri, marking the start of Baum Shipping’s second generation of leadership.
Under Dimitri’s direction, the company became faster, leaner, more tech-driven, and more customer-focused — while maintaining the personal service that built Baum’s reputation.
Today, Baum Shipping continues to grow with:
- Advanced shipment tracking systems
- In-house customs solutions
- 3PL warehousing and distribution
- Cross-border logistics
- Asia, Mexico, and bonded services
- Full door-to-door logistics management
Reid remains actively involved as Senior Managing Consultant — still advising, still mentoring, still climbing mountains (literally).
What Hasn’t Changed
Through all the growth, modernization, and expansion — one thing has never changed:
People come first.
Baum Shipping was built on relationships, trust, and problem-solving. Not automation alone. Not shortcuts. Not corporate red tape.
Just experienced professionals who care about getting shipments where they need to go — safely, compliantly, and on time.
40+ Years Later… We’re Just Getting Started
Today, Baum Shipping is proud to be a family-owned, second-generation logistics company serving businesses across the U.S. and around the world.
From single shipments to global supply chains.
From startups to enterprise clients.
From domestic freight to complex international moves.
We’re here to move your cargo — and your business — forward.
Thank you to every customer who trusted us then, trusts us now, and grows with us into the future.
— The Baum Shipping Team