Tribute to MOVE founder, Jim Ramsay

03/06/2026 08:43 NZST, GENERAL

MOVE Logistics Group is deeply saddened to advise that founder and former managing director, Jim Ramsay, has passed away. Jim was a pioneering figure in the Zealand trucking and logistics industry, and his vision and leadership helped shape MOVE into the nationwide business it is today.

Jim had a decades-long association with the trucking industry. He worked for New Plymouth-based trucking firm Hookers Bros from 1968, before forming a partnership to buy the company in 1988 which, at the time, consisted of 30 trucks (10 not running) and 40 staff.

He led the company through significant growth and transformation and today, MOVE is one of New Zealand’s largest logistics companies, providing freight, warehousing, specialist haulage, fuel delivery and international freight services, including trans-Tasman shipping.

Jim not only made an immense contribution to MOVE but also to the wider transport and logistics industry in New Zealand. He served for many years as executive for his local Road Transport Association NZ branch including several terms as president. The branch honoured him with a life membership in 2009, and he was also honoured for his contribution to the industry in 2013 when he was inducted into the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame. In 2011 he was awarded the Supreme Mayoral Award for Business Excellence by his hometown of New Plymouth and was also made a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport the same year.

His passion for the industry, his dedication to the business, down to earth personality and can-do attitude were essential ingredients in MOVE’s success. His legacy lives on across our organisation and in the relationships he built over decades.

On behalf of all staff, past and present, directors and shareholders, we acknowledge Jim’s contributions to our company and the trucking industry in New Zealand. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.