JOC Staff | Dec 05, 2012 3:52PM EST
Regional truckload carrier LinkAmerica is merging with Arnold Transportation, a division of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, increasing Arnold’s capacity and reach.
When the merger is complete in January, the combined company, which will operate under the Arnold name, will have more than 1,400 tractors and 5,000 trailers.
“With this merger, Arnold Transportation Services is now the 32nd largest truckload operation in the U.S.,” with more than 1,800 drivers, said Arnold CEO Todd Smith.
U.S. Xpress Enterprises, which owned 100 percent of Arnold, will have a 45 percent stake in the new company, according to Executive Vice President John White.
“This is a positive for everyone,” White said in an interview. “It will greatly expand the brand of Arnold and provide more breadth and greater capacity.”
The merger will extend Arnold’s network coverage and accelerate its growth plans, which the Jacksonville, Fla.-based carrier hopes will attract more drivers.
LinkAmerica, Fort Worth, Texas, is owned by Tenex Capital Management. Arnold’s Smith spent five years as president of the carrier, now headed by John Simone.
Tenex Capital purchased LinkAmerica in July 2011, giving the company an infusion of cash to update its tractor-trailer fleet and invest in new technology.
