American Truck Business Services has announced its merger with The Alliance of Independent Trucking Professionals, an association of professionals providing education and services to owner-operators and company drivers. The transaction was finalized on July 3 in a joint agreement between the owners of ATBS and The Alliance.
The combination of the two entities, according to ATBS, creates the largest company dedicated to improving the profitability of owner-operators and company drivers through business services, products and education offerings. Through this merger, ATBS expects to continue its tradition of maximizing the profitability of owner-operators, improving retention of owner-operators at partner fleets and reducing repossession rates of partner financial institutions. Kevin Rutherford, founding partner of The Alliance, believes this merger is the best way to improve the depth, breadth and quality of products and services he could offer to his customers and loyal listener fan base.
Rutherford, who will work alongside the ATBS team, is an industry expert and successful owner-operator whose marketing and education expertise will expand ATBS’ ability to provide a comprehensive range of products and services, according to ATBS. Rutherford will continue to make weekly appearances on both the XM and Sirius radio networks as well as provide content to various trade publications. In addition, ATBS will be offering his Certified Master Contractor program as part of its stable of product offerings.
“ATBS has long been at the forefront of the trucking industry, providing leading-edge products and services to their customers and partners,” Rutherford says. “The merger will significantly enhance the quality of products and services that are provided to The Alliance customers. I’m excited about becoming part of the ATBS team and collaborating with them to continue developing products and services that will greatly help the trucking industry.”
This move furthers ATBS’ strategic initiative to offer a wide range of products and services that enable owner-operators to become successful entrepreneurs. “This merger continues to enhance our position as the premier provider of business services, educational products and seminars to the trucking industry,” says Todd Amen, ATBS president. “I am most pleased that Kevin Rutherford has agreed to join our team. Through him, we have gained a valuable industry leader.”
ATBS also is in the process of finalizing an agreement that will allow it to offer its products and services to owner-operators based in Canada. For more information, go to www.attrucktax.com.
