SASKATOON—The Yanke Group of Companies, owned by the Marcoux family since 1975, has been sold to Celadon Canada, the Canadian division of Indianapolis giant Celadon Trucking Services.   

Employees of the two companies, which are both perennial finalists in the Best Fleets to Drive For competition, were informed of the deal last  week.

In an extensive list of FAQs delivered to his staff, the head of Yanke, Russell Marcoux, told employees that for the time being, it will be business as usual.

Here’s an excerpt from Marcoux’s exhaustive memo:

What happens to Yanke drivers?

All qualified Yanke drivers are retained.

What should I look forward to?

You are joining an existing Canadian footprint, providing you access to Canadian based dispatchers, a larger network of intra-Canadian freight, along with a larger network of cross-border freight. Celadon Canada is arranging to maintain driver parking at existing sites. Look forward to the same freight, as well as new.

What do drivers do in the meantime?

Continue business as usual. Over the next 60 days we will work with your schedule to arrange a brief orientation.

What happens to driver pay?

Your pay package and base rate will see slight adjustments, in order to ensure that Celadon Canada provides you the level of income to which you are accustomed. 

What happens to driver benefits?

Drivers are immediately eligible for benefits after 1) completion of orientation, and 2) combined tenure between Yanke/Celadon Canada reaches 90 days. Sun Life benefits: life insurance, dependent life insurance, drug, paramedical, major medical, dental.

The Yanke pension will terminate, but you will retain your balance.

Why did Celadon Canada acquire Yanke?

Yanke began in the 1980s as a three-tractor operation. Decades later, after building one of the most prestigious fleets in the Western Provinces, Russel Marcoux is nearing retirement. Celadon Canada recognized a great driver and customer base, offering growth to its Canadian footprint.