TORONTO — Greatwide Logistics Services of Dallas, Tex.– one of North America;s top 10 largest providers of non-asset-based transportation and third party logistics — has acquired Gallop Logistics Corporation, a privately held freight brokerage company in Toronto, Ontario.

Gallop, named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies in 2005, supplies a broad range of truckload and LTL services meeting a wide variety of temperature-controlled shipping needs for food producers, distributors and retailers.

The company’s business is split between U.S. domestic and U.S.-Canadian cross-border service.

The acquisition immediately provides Greatwide with substantial access to markets in the province of Ontario, as well as additional traffic lanes throughout the U.S. the company said in a release.

“Gallop’s focus on brokerage further supports the synergies that Greatwide creates between its Dedicated Transport and Truckload Brokerage units, expanding our ability to capitalize on back-haul opportunities to lower shipper costs and provide paid round-trip miles to drivers in the most efficient model possible,” said Ray Greer, president and CEO of Greatwide Logistics Services.

Lorne Swartz founded Gallop Logistics in 1993. Under his leadership, Gallop Logistics has grown to carry more than 15,000 loads, generate gross revenues of more than $82 million in annual revenue, and has become one of North America’s most important providers of mission-critical transportation solutions to the produce and food industries.

“Greatwide provides increased corporate capabilities and business development depth that can take the organization we built to the next level,” said Swartz. “Becoming a part of Greatwide enables expansion of our transportation and logistics offerings, while allowing our people to remain singularly focused on deepening and expanding strong relationships with carriers and customers.”

“Lorne is known throughout the transportation industry for his broad business vision and deep commitment to complete customer and carrier satisfaction,” added Greer. “His team’s deep knowledge and capabilities in Canada, coupled with our shared experiences in the United States, provide a wealth of expanded opportunities for Greatwide and our customers.”