In Canada, Big Freight Systems, a Daseke company, has announced a merger with Kelsey Trail Trucking.

Left to right: Gary Coleman, president of Big Freight Systems, and Jim Clunie, president of Kelsey Trail Trucking.

Combined, the two companies operate nearly 750 tractors and trailers. Kelsey Trail will become a division of Big Freight and keep operations intact, with locations in Saskatoon and Innisfil, Canada. Big Freight is headquartered in Steinbach, Canada.

“This is a big day for both companies,” said Gary Coleman, president of Big Freight. “While we will operate somewhat autonomously, we will share many resources - there is a lot of synergy between the two companies. Big Freight hauls single flatbed trailers throughout the USA and Canada, while Kelsey Trail is the largest dedicated B-train (two trailers linked together by a fifth wheel) operator in Canada, with coast-to-coast truckload and LTL [less than truckload] services.

"Kelsey Trail also has a regional B-train operation in Ontario and Quebec. We’ve never competed for freight, but now we’ll be able to work together in some creative ways.That’s exciting for both companies, and it will be a benefit for our customers. It will give us a competitive edge and more freight opportunities.”

According to Jim Clunie, president of Kelsey Trail Trucking, much like Big Freight, Kelsey Trail started as a small, family-operated trucking company. “I’ve had others knock on our doors, but have never been inclined to sell or merge. We’ve been very successful. But, the opportunity with Big Freight was different, and what our two companies can do together is very exciting. What’s more, Big Freight is a part of Daseke, which represents the largest asset-based flatbed operation in North America. This combination led us to the merger.”

According to Big Freight’s website, it is also capable of handling over-dimensional freight.

www.bigfreight.com
 

www.kelseytrail.com

 

www.daseke.com

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