1930’s
IAT Group's history takes its beginning in 1931. The hard times led a number of owner-drivers in the arms of each other. More of distress than of pleasure. It was simply to survive, so it led to a driving association that was named International Auto Transport, later abbreviated to IAT. At the time the main activity was transport of fresh fish to Germany’s northern cities.

1970’s
Until 1975 IAT remained as a driving association. Hans Christensen was at the time director of the group alongside his own company Gemsen, whose logo characterizes the group today. In 1972 Steen Christensen, after some years of residence in Germany and England, also came to IAT, and shortly after – 6th December 1974 - the father and son took over IAT. The only possession the truckers behind IAT had, was just one truck. The main element of the purchase was a cooperation agreement whereby IAT - now a limited company - preferably should employ the now abandoned driving association truckers, which in turn could only run for IAT A / S. Thus was created the foundation for the expansive development that characterized IAT in the years that followed.

1980’s
Developments in the 1970s and 1980s were marked by acquisitions of several smaller trucking firms and relocation of transport facilities to the existing plant in Kolding.

In 1987 IAT's position on the market for transport of containers was strengthened by taking over E. Chr. Hansen, Aarhus (ECH).

With the acquisition of tank storage in 1986/1987 in Aabenraa and the establishment of facilities for tank cleaning in 1986 in Kolding a solid foundation for the IAT Group's chemical activities was created.

1990’s
In 1994 IAT extended the activities of a tank container depot in Kolding.

This expansive development is in the mid-90s, followed by the purchase of C. Breinholt A / S which has brought IAT group activities in shipping, ocean freight, courier and air freight. Furthermore, the company has in its capacity as shareholder of Esbjerg Offshore Base added activities in the offshore industry.

This century
Since then, the IAT Group also bought the business PC Holm Pedersen in 2002, and Spedition Winther A / S the same year. These companies have also strengthened IAT’s position within the European transport market.

The group's chemical activities are further strengthened in 2008 when the capacity of tank cleaning plant in Kolding has been increased by 50% after enlargement. 

In 2008 ownership of Esbjerg Offshore Base was expanded. Today the company is a 100 percent owned subsidiary of the group. The company has changed its name in 2009 and is marketed under the name IAT Base & Energy.

Beginning of 2010 IAT strengthened its tanker operations with the acquisition of 69% of ADR Transport, who is strong in the transport of chemicals, in particular the transportation of LPG gas in tankers. Also in February month IAT acquired one of Esbjerg reputable haulage companies, I.C. Andersen. I.C. Andersen, who now is marketed under the name IAT, has its major strength in local transport in and around the Port of Esbjerg with emphasis on transport of engineering goods and offshore equipment.
IAT stands today as a strong-based international group which also in the future will continue to add chapters to its history.