Landstar Buys Supply Chain Software Companies

Technology firms extend truckload carrier groups' reach into shipper freight networks

Truckload carrier Landstar System is expanding off-road by acquiring two technology companies that give it greater reach into shippers’ freight networks.

The Jacksonville, Fla.-based trucking and logistics holding group bought Premier Logistics, Detroit, and A3 Integration, Ann Arbor, Mich., spending about $2 million.

Landstar is creating a new subsidiary, Landstar Supply Chain Solutions, to house the companies. It will be headed by Landstar Global Logistics President Jim Handoush.

The new subsidiaries Web-based software will give Landstar’s shipper customers more control over freight management and greater visibility into their supply chain.

The acquisitions “position Landstar as a premier supply chain solutions provider for small and large customers alike in a software-as-a-service environment,” said Landstar President and CEO Henry Gerkens. “Additionally, our third-party capacity should benefit from increased loading opportunities” created through the new units, he said.

Gerkens said the two companies’ product offerings are complementary.

Premier provides freight management services through two operating units, National Logistics Management and Interactive Capacity Gateway. Its services include Web-based bidding, scheduling, shipping, and shipment tracking and reporting.

A3i offers shipment optimization, carrier visibility and supply chain event management, with multilingual, multi-currency and multimodal capabilities.

Scott Taylor, president of Premier, will remain with the company. He founded NLM in 1989. Lorne Darnell, a founder of A3i, will continue as president of the company.

 

 

Source: Journal of Commerce