WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Big
Freight Systems, a Daseke company, today announced a merger with Kelsey
Trail Trucking. Combined, the two operations operate nearly 750
tractors and trailers. Kelsey Trail will become a division of Big
Freight and keep operations intact, with locations in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, and Innisfil, Ontario. Big Freight is headquartered in
Steinbach, Manitoba.
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Gary Coleman, president of Big Freight Systems, and Jim Clunie, president of Kelsey Trail Trucking, believe the merger of their second-generation trucking companies is a great match because of their shared long family history and success in trucking. (Photo: Business Wire)
“This is a big day for both companies,” said Gary Coleman, president of
Big Freight. “While we will operate somewhat autonomously, we will share
many resources – there is a lot of synergy between the two companies.
Big Freight hauls single flatbed trailers throughout the United States
and Canada, while Kelsey Trail is the largest dedicated B-train operator
in Canada, with coast-to-coast truckload and LTL service. Kelsey Trail
also has a regional B-train operation in Ontario and Quebec. We’ve never
competed for freight, but now we’ll be able to work together in some
creative ways. That’s exciting for both companies, and it will be a
benefit for our customers. It will give us a competitive edge and more
freight opportunities.”
According to Jim Clunie, president of Kelsey Trail Trucking, much like
Big Freight, Kelsey Trail started as a small, family-operated trucking
company. “We’re in our 38th year, while Big Freight is celebrating its
70th year,” he said. “Our values, passion for the industry and our
penchant for customer service is very much alike. I’ve had others knock
on our doors, but have never been inclined to sell or merge. We’ve been
very successful. But, the opportunity with Big Freight was different,
and what our two companies can do together is very exciting. What’s
more, Big Freight is a part of Daseke, which represents the largest
asset-based flatbed operation in North America. This combination led us
to the merger.”
Kelsey Trail Trucking operates 80 tractors – a mix of late-model
Kenworths and Peterbilts. They have a handful of 53-foot trailers, but
the mainstay is the company’s 90 sets of 5-axle B-trains (32-foot lead
trailers, and 28-foot pups). The company’s long-haul fleet of nearly 50
tractors goes all over Canada (backhauling much of the cedar that comes
out of British Columbia). It has also developed a regional fleet making
deliveries from the Toronto area up to the northern area of the
province, and into Quebec.
“[From an operational standpoint,] merging with Big Freight will give us
the opportunity to better support our team with access to the
first-class facility in Steinbach and property in Winnipeg,” said Clunie.
“And, for Big Freight, we will have access to Kelsey Trail’s new
42,000-square-foot facility north of Toronto,” said Coleman. “The more
efficient we can operate day-in and day-out, the more competitive we
will be long term. We will raise the bar and offer an unparalleled level
of service and capacity. This next chapter will be remarkable. It’s
going to be good for the Big Freight team, good for the Kelsey Trail
team, and it will be good for our customers.”
About Big Freight
Big Freight Systems, a Daseke company, is a leading Canadian asset-based
flatbed and specialized trucking and freight management company based in
Steinbach and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Celebrating its 70th
anniversary in 2018, Big Freight has grown from a modest four-truck
operation providing local cartage services in Southeast Manitoba into a
specialized carrier servicing all of North America.
About Daseke
Daseke Inc. is the leading consolidator and the largest flatbed and
specialized transportation and logistics company in North America.
Daseke offers comprehensive, best-in-class services to many of the
world’s most respected industrial shippers through experienced people,
more than 5,500 tractors, more than 11,500 flatbed and specialized
trailers, and a million-plus square feet of industrial warehousing space.
Source: Daseke Inc.
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For Big Freight Systems
Doug Siefkes, 425-392-2611
Siefkes@siefkespetit.com
Source: Daseke Inc.