Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024:
Mullen Group has acquired Pacific Northwest Moving
Mullen Group has acquired Pacific Northwest (PNW) Moving and its parent company Pacific Northwest Investments. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. PNW will operate within Mullen Group's LTL segment.
Operating from two owned terminals in Whitehorse, Yukon and Edmonton, Alberta, PNW offers multiple less-than-truckload solutions including temperature controlled, dry van and deck as well as local last mile delivery services in both Whitehorse and Dawson City, Yukon.
PNW also has a small moving and storage division – a proud moving agent for United Van Lines.
The acquisition further expands Mullen Group's real estate network into Northern Alberta and the Yukon Territory.
"This acquisition is important to our organization from a strategic perspective as we continue to invest in regional LTL opportunities. Acquiring regional carriers with strong ties to the communities they serve is an important element of our business model," said Murray Mullen, chair and senior executive officer. "The founders and former owners of PNW have built a company that is respected by their customers and employees alike. I am delighted to add PNW to our organization and look forward to working with the PNW team."
Averitt names new VP of sales
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) has named Scott Harris its new regional vice president of sales overseeing Texas. Harris steps into the role following the retirement of Larry Vannatta and brings more than 10 years of leadership experience within Averitt.
Harris joined Averitt in 2013 as the Oklahoma City service center director. He later served as the on-site manager for one of Averitt’s dedicated accounts in Vance, Alabama, for six years before being promoted to Houston service center director in 2022.
"Scott’s extensive experience and leadership qualities make him an excellent choice to follow Larry’s accomplished tenure," said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "We are confident in his ability to continue strengthening customer relationships and driving sales growth throughout Texas." In his new position, Harris will focus on enhancing Averitt’s sales strategies and ensuring customers in Texas receive tailored transportation and supply chain solutions.
Odyssey Logistics acquires OctoChem, Inc.
Multimodal logistics provider Odyssey Logistics has acquired OctoChem, a chemical sample fulfillment solutions company based in Vandalia, Illinois.Bob Boyle, President of Managed Services at Odyssey, said demand for Odyssey’s services has continued to grow, and the acquisition of OctoChem "reflects our commitment to meeting that demand. This acquisition allows us to not only expand our service offerings but also strengthens our ability to deliver tailored logistics solutions that align with our customers’ evolving needs.”
The acquisition of OctoChem strengthens Odyssey’s multimodal chemical sample fulfillment services, expanding its warehousing network and enhancing its global reach. Additionally, the acquisition accelerates Odyssey’s growth in value-adding services such as third-party logistics, ecommerce and enhanced regional service.
Through the acquisition, OctoChem will serve as a hub for both domestic and international fulfillment, complementing Odyssey’s existing chemical sample fulfillment network. The full integration of OctoChem into the Odyssey network will be completed over the coming months.
New fuel card from Transflo
Transflo has launched the Transflo Wallet Fuel Card, a comprehensive fuel payment and management solution designed to help trucking companies save on fuel costs and streamline operations. The new solution is being launched in partnership with TransConnect Services (TCS), the industry leader in cash-secured fuel discount solutions for the trucking industry.
The Transflo Wallet Fuel Card powered by TCS is universally accepted at more than 12,000 fuel stops nationwide and includes fuel management solutions to help small carriers, fleet managers, and owner-operators optimize fuel purchasing.
Benefits of the Transflo Wallet Fuel Card, according to the company:
- Average savings of 50 cents per gallon on diesel at in-network locations
- $0 transaction fees at in-network fuel stops, including TA®, Petro Stopping Centers, AMBEST, 7FLEET, and more
- Access to automatic discounts on tires, service, and maintenance at TA Truck Service centers
- 50 cents per gallon discount on dispensed DEF at select 7FLEET locations
- Easy funding with multiple methods of account funding available
- Comprehensive IFTA reporting
- Complete control over your cards to help protect your fleet from fuel fraud
- Real-time account management via mobile app and online account management website
A comprehensive fuel management system
The Transflo Wallet Fuel Card offers a complete fuel management system powered by TCS. Through the TCS Mobile App, available for Android and iOS, users can track fuel prices in real-time and manage accounts from anywhere. The online account management website offers 24/7 access to account balances, transaction histories, and detailed spending insights.
Fuel Finder for maximum savings
The Fuel Finder, included in the mobile app, allows users to locate in-network fuel stops, compare prices, and plan the most cost-effective routes. Transflo customers can use this tool to find the best fuel prices, avoid tolls, and view truck stop amenities.
