The 50 largest US trucking operators grabbed a larger share of the market, while smaller carriers raised the bar in terms of revenue growth last year thanks to the strongest freight market since the 2009 recession.

Acquiring California-based Gardner Trucking will add more than $400 million to CRST's annual revenue while adding new services and markets.

Truck driver pay — or the lack of it — is a key factor in the so-called driver shortage, though not the only reason motor carriers can’t hire enough drivers.

Truckload carrier CRST is fielding teams of company drivers to haul long-haul temperature controlled freight from Southern California to the Northeast.