Trucking & Fleet Acquisitions

Proficient Auto Logistics is acquiring Auto Transport Group, an Ogden, Utah-based vehicle transporter, according to a regulatory filing. The deal will add a sixth vehicle transporter to Proficient Auto Logistics’ portfolio and strengthen its presence in the western United States. Terms were not disclosed and the transaction is expected to close in Q3, with Auto Transport Group retaining its name and leadership under CEO Brent Larson.

TFI International acquired Canada-based carriers CMW Express and its sister company FRL Express, according to an announcement on LinkedIn. The two businesses are truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) specialists serving Quebec, the Maritimes, Ontario and the eastern United States; financial terms were not disclosed.

SMG Industries (SMGI) acquired Barnhart Transportation’s suite of six transportation-related businesses for $53.3 million. The acquired portfolio includes Barnhart Transportation, Barnhart Fleet Maintenance, Lake Shore Logistics, Lake Shore Global Solutions, Legend Equipment Leasing, and Route 20 Tank Wash, expanding SMGI’s service offerings across truckload, LTL, intermodal and related services. Barnhart is based in Pennsylvania, and the Barnhart founders Tim and Bryan Barnhart will take executive roles and board seats at SMGI.

Armour Excavating LLC acquired John D. Adams Trucking d/b/a JDAT, an aggregate delivery trucking company based in Kerrville, Texas. The combination expands Armour Excavating’s service offering and delivery capacity for customers in the Kerrville area, with JDAT founder John “JD” Adams remaining involved in the business.

Quantix SCS (Quantix), a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners, announced the acquisition of Delaware Express Co., a provider of dry and liquid bulk transportation services. The deal expands Quantix’s specialized fleet and strengthens its Mid-Atlantic/East Coast footprint. This transaction represents Quantix’s seventh add-on acquisition under Wind Point’s ownership.

James Richardson & Sons, Limited (JRSL) acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Bison Transport Inc. and its affiliated companies, effective January 1, 2021. The business was purchased from the Jessiman family’s holding company, Wescan Capital Inc., and Bison will remain headquartered in Winnipeg with no expected operational or branding changes.

Ironwood Capital made a subordinated debt and equity investment in Cox Transportation Services, a provider of truckload freight hauling and brokerage services. The majority recapitalisation was led by Expedition Capital Partners and Tecum Capital, backing CEO Jay Smith to support Cox’s continued growth.

Schneider announced that it has acquired less-than-truckload carrier Watkins & Shepard Trucking and final-mile delivery carrier Lodeso Inc. to expand its e-commerce and omnichannel logistics capabilities. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisitions add LTL and final-mile capacity and networks intended to move oversized, high-value goods from first mile through final-mile home delivery.