About Us
At United Transportation, we bring over 15 years of proven expertise in air cargo screening, warehousing, and transportation to the heart of Chicago’s logistics hub. We are driven by a customer-first mindset and a relentless commitment to compliance, safety, efficiency, and operational excellence. Our modern fleet, TSA-certified facilities, and skilled workforce ensure that every shipment is handled with the highest standards of safety and care. From expedited air cargo solutions to specialized handling of hazardous and sensitive goods, we provide the agility of a boutique service provider with the reach and reliability of an established leader. United Transportation is more than a logistics company—we are a trusted partner helping our clients navigate today’s fast-moving global supply chain with confidence.
Mission | Values | Vision | Leadership
Mission
At United Transportation, our mission is to deliver reliable, secure, and efficient logistics solutions that connect businesses to their customers with precision and care. We are committed to exceeding expectations through our screening, warehousing, handling of specialized cargo services. Guided by integrity, driven by innovation, and powered by lasting relationships, we keep supply chains moving and businesses growing.
Core Values
People - Our Competitive Differentiator
Our strength lies in our people. Titles are irrelevant and everyone can lead, question and improve all aspects of our company. We all walk the talk.
We celebrate hard work. We win as a team.
Customer Obsessed
We don't just move freight; we move with purpose. Every interaction is a chance to earn trust and exceed the expectations.
Responsive. Reliable. Relentless about results.
Built to Deliver
In an industry that never stops, neither do we. We're driven by hustle, sharpened by experience, and powered by innovation.
Always evolving. Never Satisfied. Built to deliver every time.
Own It
We take pride in what we do and hold ourselves accountable from the warehouse floor to the final mile. Mistakes happen, but we own them, fix them, and grow stronger together.
Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
One Team, One Mission
We've got each other's backs. We succeeded by looking out for our teammates, helping where it counts, and showing up for more than just the job.
Together, we move faster, safer, and smarter.
Vision
To be the most trusted and innovative logistics partner in the industry delivering seamless, secure, and efficient solutions that empower our customers' success, strengthen global connections, and set the standard for excellence at every mile.
Leadership
United Transportation’s leadership team is built on a shared commitment to ensure the highest level of employee satisfaction, be the culture keepers of the organization, create a safe working environment for all involved, and have a distinct focus on operational excellence to deliver the best customer service. This team represents decades of combined experience across air freight, warehousing, trucking, TSA-regulated cargo screening, dangerous goods compliance, commercial strategy, and large-scale operational management.
The United Transportation leadership team is diligently focused on the following:
- Accelerating the growth of our business and driving rapid expansion from Chicago to Texas to the coasts in the coming year.
- Creating enhancements to our operating model for greater transparency to our end customers.
- Creating, cultivating, and strengthening our strategic partnerships to assist with our growth initiatives.
- Leading a culture shift focused on talent development, process discipline, and a customer-first mindset at every touchpoint.
- Executing with precision, ensuring every warehouse, every truck, and every piece of cargo moves with speed, security, and exceptional quality.
Our leadership team is not just managing the business; we are actively shaping the future of U.S. logistics. We are aligned, and our vision & mission is clear – We will build a modern, scalable, nationwide logistics platform that delivers unmatched service, empowers employees, and brings trust and transparency back to the industry.
Kayne Grau
Owner and CEO
As the owner and CEO of United Transportation, Kayne is responsible for the strategic direction, business development, and financial oversight of the company. He remains diligently focused on building and enhancing the company’s culture, while looking to expand the company's services and capabilities into all major markets around the globe.
Prior to acquiring United Transportation,, Mr. Grau served as CEO and Board Member of Uptake, a Chicago based analytics company focused on asset health within the transportation sector. In addition, he held various senior executive roles with KAR (now OPENLANE), the acquirer of DRIVIN, a company he co-founded and served as CEO until April 2017. Over the last two decades, he has led sales, product, and technology teams within Apartments.com, Cars.com, Allstate, eToys.com, TUSC, and Burlington Coat.
In addition to running United Transportation, he is an active angel investor and sits on the boards of Buildout and Project H.O.O.D. Finally, he spends ample time with Breakthrough T1D as a board member, gala committee advisor, and director for corporate giving. He is extremely passionate about finding the cure for type-1 diabetes. He holds a bachelor's degree from National-Louis University.
John Mugnaini
Chief Revenue Officer
John brings 40 years of transportation and freight experience to United Transportation. Before joining United Transportation, John served as the President of Freight at DHL. Throughout his 20 years at DHL, John held various senior executive roles with a focus on sales, expansion, and operational productivity. His leadership and knowledge of the transportation sector greatly assisted the organization in achieving its worldwide growth strategy. As the Chief Revenue Officer, John is diligently focused on the rapid expansion of our business, as well as ensuring that United Transportation is exceeding all expectations of existing customers and partners. John holds a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College.
Akshit (AK) Patel
General Manager
AK Patel has over 15 years of experience in operating roles across various sectors. Specific to United Transportation, he is responsible for the management and oversight of warehouse and trucking operations. He is a certified cargo security professional (CCSP), as well as a certified dangerous goods professional (CDGP). Prior to United Transportation, AK was the General Manager of Sood Energy, managing multiple retail chains throughout Canada. Under his management, he doubled the total number of stores and grew revenue over 300%. He holds a bachelor's degree from Niagara Falls College.
