Echo Global Logistics Inc., a Chicago-based transportation management company, on Wednesday, July 6, announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Advantage Transport Inc., a truckload transportation brokerage firm based in Phoenix. Echo says it has retained the entire Advantage Transport work force in connection with the July 1 acquisition, terms of which were not announced.
Advantage Transport specializes in truckload shipping, carrier relations and servicing customers ranging from small shippers to large companies. Effective immediately, Advantage Transport will begin doing business as Echo Global Logistics Inc.
“Our growth strategy focuses on applying our business model to key regional markets, and this acquisition brings expertise and significant depth to our carrier relationships in the Southwestern region of the United States,” says Douglas Waggoner, chief executive officer of Echo Global Logistics. “Advantage Transport has built solid client relationships based on a foundation of excellent customer service. The combination of Echo and Advantage Transport will enable Advantage Transport’s work force to continue to provide the excellent customer service that their clients are accustomed to, while at the same time leveraging Echo’s transportation offerings to their clients.”
In calendar year 2010, Advantage Transport generated about $26 million in gross revenue and is expected to be immediately accretive to Echo’s earnings. Advantage Transport’s owners, Joe Larson and Matt Steckner, have more than 30 years of combined industry experience, and both will continue as regional vice presidents of Echo’s branch office in Phoenix.
