In the past couple months, Daseke Inc. has merged with three companies in an effort to expand its company in North America.
Daseke is the largest owner of flatbed and specialized transportation and logistics solutions in North America. It is made up of 12 operating companies with over 3,600 trucks and over 7,500 flatbed and specialized trailers.
The Addison-based company announced its third merger with The Steelman Companies on Wednesday, July 5. Daseke has a history of working with TSC President and CEO Jim Towery. Daseke CEO Don Daseke said Towry has worked closely with Daseke and its companies, like Lone Star Transportation, for many years.
“The ability to work with the rest of the fantastic companies in the Daseke family, share customers, and develop synergies and efficiencies were all major attractions to joining Daseke,” Towery said in a news release. “To move forward, you must have pride in what you’re doing, and we’re definitely proud to be moving forward as a member of the Daseke family.”
In 2016, TSC generated about $46 million in revenue, according to the release. “The Steelman Companies’ expertise, as well as their excellent reputation, will bring synergies and efficiencies to the Daseke family,” Daseke Inc. said in the release.
After the TSC merger, as well as its previous Schilli Companies and Big Freight Systems mergers, Daseke’s estimated 2016 revenue would have been $818 million, 25 percent more than what its actual 2016 revenue was.
According to the release, the company will continue to pursue mergers with not-for-sale companies. In particular, the company says it is looking for partners who share its values of investing in the people of the company and doing top-tier work.
“An important aspect of the Daseke, Inc. philosophy is not just consolidating companies and purchasing equipment but investing in people,” said Daseke. “The Steelman Companies have a terrific reputation and will bring their expertise to our family as we build Daseke together.”
According to the release, the Daseke family of companies includes Smokey Point Distributing, E.W. Wylie, J. Grady Randolph, Central Oregon Truck Company, Lone Star Transportation, Bulldog Hiway Express, Hornady Transportation, The Boyd Companies (including Boyd Bros. Transportation and WTI Transport), The Schilli Companies, Big Freight Systems and The Steelman Companies.