Canadian trucking companies

Fastfrate acquires Challenger, becoming one of Canada’s biggest cross-border trucking operators

A Challenger truck

Canadian transport and logistics company Fastfrate Group said Thursday it has acquired a controlling stake in Canadian truckload and logistics provider Challenger Group for an undisclosed sum.

The transaction, which will combine two old-line, Toronto-based companies with about CA$1 billion in annual revenue, dramatically expands Fastfrate’s cross-border trucking exposure, CEO Manny Calandrino said in a phone interview.

Challenger generates between 65% and 70% of its revenue from cross-border...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fastfrate-challenger-acquisition-canada-cross-border-trucking

2 truckers from Canadian carrier charged in US drug trafficking cases

Bricks of cocaine are stacked as a person uses a cotton swab to test the drugs.

Two truckers who worked for the same Canadian carrier face federal drug charges in the U.S. after they were arrested five months apart in connection with seizures in Michigan of cocaine and methamphetamine worth millions of dollars, court records show. 

Prabhjot Singh was arrested on March 15 after Michigan State Police officers found 142 kilograms of cocaine during a search at a commercial vehicle inspection area in Jackson County, according to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/2-truckers-from-canadian-carrier-charged-in-us-drug-trafficking-cases

Alberta trucking company seeks creditor protection

A truck with a tank trailer travels on a road in Alberta.

An Alberta, Canada, trucking company specializing in fluid transportation for the oil sector is seeking credit protection as it faces over CA$3 million ($2.3 million) in debt to dozens of companies and the country’s tax authority.

Prairie Tech Oilfield Service, based in Elk Point, filed a notice in the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta on Feb. 22 that the company is insolvent and intends to make a proposal to its creditors under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

Prairie Tech owes nearly...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/alberta-trucking-company-seeks-creditor-protection

Canadian trucking greets US border vaccine mandate with trepidation — and shrugs

A semi-truck with a Canadian and US flag on the trailer travels on a higheway.

Like many cross-border trucking companies in Canada, Ontario-based Star Van Systems feared it would lose a chunk of its drivers — up to 15% — to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate taking effect at the U.S. border on Saturday.

But something happened as the deadline approached: Drivers started getting vaccinated, said General Manager Brenden Smith. Some even went to the U.S. to get a single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which isn’t widely available in Canada.

“A lot of guys have made the choice to...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/canadian-trucking-greets-us-border-vaccine-mandate-with-trepidation-and-shrugs

Canada Cartage acquires Quebec trucking company Laurentien Transportation

A white tractor-trailer of trucking company Laurentien Transportation, which was acquired by Canada Cartage, seen from the front on a road.

Canada Cartage has acquired dedicated contract carrier Laurentien Transportation in a deal that expands the trucking and logistics firm’s dedicated business in Quebec.

Bois-des-Filion-based Laurentien, with a fleet of about 110 power units, specializes in temperature-controlled transportation services for customers in the grocery, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and retail sectors. 

“Both companies focus on providing essential products to Canadians through our partnerships with some of the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/canada-cartage-acquires-quebec-trucking-company-laurentien-transportation

Titanium Transportation acquires Canadian carrier Bert and Son’s

A tractor-trailer from Titanium Transportation Group

Titanium Transportation Group has acquired Bert and Son’s Cartage in a deal to fuel the future expansion of the Canadian firm’s Ontario-based trucking, logistics and warehousing business. 

The acquisition, announced Tuesday, gives Titanium (TSX-V:TTR) a small, family-owned carrier with around 30 trucks and — importantly — land, near its Brantford, Ontario, terminal and another facility in the city. 

Titanium plans to consolidate its operations in Brantford into the former Bert and Son’s...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/titanium-transportation-acquires-canadian-carrier-bert-and-sons

Bison Transport acquires US trucking firm Hartt Transportation

A tractor-trailer of Bison Transport driving on a highway with trees in the background.

Canadian trucking giant Bison Transport acquired Maine-based trucking company Hartt Transportation Systems in a deal that will significantly expand its presence in the northeastern U.S.

The acquisition, effective Friday, adds a fleet of over 360 trucks and three terminals — in Bangor and Auburn, Maine, and Sumter, South Carolina. The price was not disclosed.

“There is a great energy in this business and the people have a strong desire to continue to grow and prosper in a responsible way,” Bison...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/bison-transport-to-acquire-us-trucking-firm-hartt

Truckers get $7,800 COVID-19 vaccine bonus at Canadian carrier

A tractor-trailer of Canadian trucking Fuel Transport is driven on a snowy day.

A trucking and logistics company in Canada has taken an unusual — and expensive — step by giving a CA$10,000 bonus to drivers who already are or get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Montreal-based Fuel Transport is paying out the bonus — equivalent to $7,800 — in monthly installments over a year. To be eligible, drivers will need to get their first shot by Jan. 15, a week before the U.S. vaccination requirement for foreign essential workers takes effect. 

“Once the mandate came down from the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/truckers-get-7800-covid-19-vaccine-bonus-at-canadian-carrier

Manitoulin acquires British Columbia trucking firm, courier

A red and white box truck of Manitoulin Transport on a dirt road with Manitoulin tractor-trailer on a highway the background

Canadian transportation and logistics firm Manitoulin Group has acquired British Columbia carrier Diamond Delivery and courier First Canadian Messenger in a deal that grows its presence in western Canada. 

The deal, announced Tuesday, adds 180 vehicles, seven terminals and 150 service points for Ontario-based Manitoulin. The price was not disclosed.

Based in Surrey, Diamond Delivery provides truckload, LTL, temperature-controlled, flatbed, parcel, cross-border and warehousing services. First...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/manitoulin-acquires-british-columbia-trucking-firm-courier

Canadian carrier Titanium targets pricing as inflation drags on record Q3

A tractor-trailer from trucking firm Titanium seen from the side on a highway.

Canada’s Titanium Transportation Group reported record revenue in the third quarter as executives told financial analysts that the cross-border transportation and logistics firm is working to negotiate higher rates with its customers.

“Nobody is shocked — and not a lot of pushback,” Chief Operating Officer Marilyn Daniel said during a conference call with analysts Wednesday. “Now it’s coupled with, ‘OK, can you do it?’ more than how much it is — no different than the way we buy our groceries...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/canadian-carrier-titanium-targets-pricing-as-inflation-drags-on-record-q3

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