KLLM acquires 200-truck reefer fleet

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Trucking news and briefs for Monday, July 18, 2022:

KLLM acquires Quest Global

KLLM Transport Services (CCJ Top 250, No. 45) has acquired refrigerated, 200-truck carrier Quest Global Inc., located in Cartersville, Georgia. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Quest Global Inc. will enhance KLLM’s premium service offerings now with expedited, temperature-controlled shipping nationwide,” KLLM CEO Jim Richards said. “Quest Global Inc. has been a well-run, safety-driven company for years. Their culture and values are a great fit with our family of companies, and we’re thrilled to have them as part of the KLLM family.”

The expedited, team-driven temperature-controlled operation will continue to run out of the Cartersville location and be branded as KLLM Expedited Services. It adds to KLLM’s currently offered core services of Over-the-Road, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal and Logistics.

“Building Quest Global has been my life’s work, and I could not have found a better home than KLLM for the Quest family,” said Jason Dickerson, CEO of Quest Global. “Within five minutes of meeting Jim Richards, I knew KLLM was a perfect fit because of their family values, respect for their employees, and dedication to providing the best customer service possible.  As a family-oriented company, my goal was to find the best home for our people for years to come, and I look forward to being part of the team to ensure a smooth transition.”

‘Transition Trucking’ award nomination period ends July 31

As the July 31 nomination deadline rapidly approaches, Kenworth, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program and Fastport continue the search for America’s top rookie military veteran driving for a commercial fleet after retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program, Kenworth will provide the top award for the seventh consecutive year.

For the first time, that award is a Kenworth T680 Next Generation. The T680 Next Gen is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar Powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.

The top driver will be determined by an expert panel of judges. To qualify, drivers must meet three eligibility requirements:

  • Must have been active military or member of the National Guard or Reserve
  • Graduated from PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS or CVTA member driver training school, with a valid CDL
  • First hired in a trucking position between January 1, 2021 and July 31, 2022

Nominations may be made by any for-hire carrier or private fleet employers, training organizations, the general public and other interested parties only by completing the nomination form on the "Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence" website.

Trailer manufacturer Fontaine rebrands

The trailer business previously known as Fontaine Heavy-Haul is now Fontaine Specialized.

The company said the name change is to reflect the evolving needs of its customer base.

“Over the last several years we have expanded our Xcalibur extendable flatbed and dropdeck models, introduced the Traverse hydraulic tail models, created a new line of Workhorse lowbed models, and added several new Magnitude heavy-haul models,” said Todd Anderson, President of Fontaine Specialized. “We believe our name should reflect our entire product lineup, and our dealer network is very supportive of re-branding the business as Fontaine Specialized.”

The company is returning to a name that many of its customers remember, as it was previously branded as Fontaine Specialized from 1993 to 2009.

"The name change in a way is a ‘Back to the Future’ move for our company as we were previously 'Fontaine Specialized' from 1993 to 2009,” said Heather Gilmer, VP Sales. “In fact, many of our seasoned customers continued to refer to our trailers as 'Fontaine Specialized' even under the Heavy-Haul brand. Our tradition of industry leading innovation and unmatched customer support will most certainly continue under the Fontaine Specialized name.”