Estes Logistics Acquires Washington State Family Carrier, Expanding Pacific Northwest Operations
Estes Logistics, a subsidiary of Estes Express Lines, announced the acquisition of Washington State family-owned business Key Trucking effective January 1, significantly expanding its footprint in the Pacific Northwest. The acquisition brings over 25 power units and 100 trailers, with all employees retained. Key Trucking will serve as a vital gateway for Estes Logistics to Alaska, and its existing customers will continue to receive the same level of service while gaining access to Estes' scale and resources.
Key Points at a Glance
- Estes Logistics, a subsidiary of Estes Express Lines, completed its acquisition of Washington-based Key Trucking on January 1, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the Pacific Northwest.
- The acquisition adds more than 25 power units and 100 trailers, with all employees remaining on board, Estes said in a press release shared with Trucking Dive on Tuesday.
- "Our customers—many of whom have worked with us for over 25 years—can expect the same high level of service and care they have always received from Key Trucking, now backed by the scale and resources of Estes," said Mike Castagno, co-president of Key Trucking, in the statement.
Deeper Insights
According to Estes Logistics, the acquisition will make Key Trucking its key gateway to Alaska. Estes Logistics' other logistics service centers are located in California, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida, according to the company's map. This network operates independently of Estes Express Lines' less-than-truckload (LTL) business.
Headquartered in Kent, Key Trucking was founded in 1987 and offers full truckload services (both van and flatbed), same-day pickup and delivery, hot shot services, warehousing, consolidation and deconsolidation, storage, transloading, and trailer rental.
"When we learned that the Castagno family was considering retirement, we were immediately excited about integrating Key Trucking's dedicated transportation network into our expanding portfolio," said Bobby Speight, vice president at Estes, in the statement.
Recent merger and acquisition activity has prompted other family-owned businesses to join industry giants, such as Debrick Truck Line Co. joining PGT Trucking, as well as larger consolidation cases like Echo Global Logistics' acquisition of ITS Logistics.