News
IN PRINT — Bulk Buyer: Don Daseke
STEINBACH, MB -- Big Freight Systems wasn't for sale. The Coleman family had been running the business since 1948, when they bought South East Transfer in Steinbach, Manitoba. Chief Executive Officer Gary Coleman was focused entirely on finding ways to grow. When a courier package arrived from Don Daseke, proposing a potential sale, he simply filed it away. But Daseke persisted. The pair met in person. And this spring Big Freight Systems became the first Canadian operation in Daseke Inc.'s expanding family of specialized, flatbed carriers. "His philosophy on business, his philosophy on people, his philosophy in terms of driving success forward through collaboration, all ran very close to me," Coleman recalls. "I got comfortable with his long-term plan." That plan is to consolidate fleets in an industry sector dominated by family-owned businesses. The Texas entrepreneur has secured more than 3,800 trucks and 8,200 trailers so far, accounting for about 1% of what Daseke estimates is a US $133 billion market. The business reported $30 million in revenue in 2009, growing to a pro forma of $869 million last year. And more acquisitions are in the works. Daseke refers to himself as an accidental trucker. He began his career as an auditor, held roles at IBM, and later built a residential real estate business that sold for US $1.7 billion. He first invested in trucking nine years ago only after a friend introduced him to Smokey Point Distributing, which specialized in aviation cargo. That became the first of today's 13 operating companies.
Fleets changing routes to attract drivers: survey
COLUMBUS, OH - With a strong freight market and tight labor market expected to continue into 2018, fleets are adjusting their business models to compensate, according to CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR). The firm conducted a survey of 50 fleets in October, and found companies are shortening the average length of hauls, and implementing more regional hauls, in order to be more attractive to drivers. The shorter hauls allow drivers to be home each night, a major item on the wish lists of many, and fleets are hoping the changes will mean increased driver recruitment and retention according to CKCVR.
Overing to oversee Hankook Canadian sales team
BRAMPTON, ON - Hankook Tire has a new director of sales and marketing in Canada. The company announced today that John Overing will oversee the region's sales team, and will be instrumental in identifying growth opportunities within the Canadian market. Overing has more than 18 years of industry experience, including senior-level positions at Yokohama Tire and Michelin North America.
