Midwest Less-than-Truckload (LTL) Carrier Sutton Transport has been acquired by Pitt Ohio Transportation Group and will be merged with subsidiary Dohrn Transfer, an integration the company said "will be carried out in phases."
Comprised of Pitt Ohio, Dohrn Transfer Company, Ross Express, and US Cargo, the Pitt Ohio Transportation Group (CCJ Top 250, No. 45) is projected to become the 12th largest LTL carrier in the United States following its latest acquisition.
“Over the next several months, we’ll work behind the scenes to align our strengths and prepare for a fully integrated future. During this time, our focus remains on delivering exceptional service and providing transparency on every step we take in our journey to enhance the customer experience with greater flexibility, reliability, and efficiency," said Robert Howard, president and Chief Operating Officer at Dohrn Transfer. "We recognize and appreciate the dedication and hard work of the Sutton family and their team. Their strong reputation for excellence is a perfect match for our values and vision, and we eagerly look forward to uniting under the Dohrn, LLC name to offer unparalleled service to our customers.”
By operating as two independent but complementary brands during the transition, Dohrn Transfer Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Heather Dohrn said, "we ensure a smooth and seamless experience for our customers. From faster and more flexible deliveries to a steadfast commitment to damage-free quality, you can continue to rely on the premier Midwestern service that prioritizes our customers' needs."
Sutton Transport President Cliff Sutton, who is leaving the company to become CEO of Envoy Logistics, noted ongoing consolidation in the LTL market, adding after thorough consideration, roughly 400-truck Sutton Transport determined that the Pitt Ohio Transportation Group "was the most suitable entity to purchase our company, ensuring the interests of both our customers and our employees are protected."
"This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to enhance service for our customers by increasing shipment density within our footprint. Sutton Transport has a strong reputation for excellence, cultivated over many years by the dedication and hard work of the Sutton family," added Pitt Ohio President Chuck Hammel, III. "We are deeply appreciative of their contributions to the industry. We are confident that this integration will deliver significant benefits to our customers. We continue to prioritize best-in-class customer service and ensuring damage-free, on-time delivery services. This acquisition exemplifies our commitment to innovation and growth."