GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Schneider announced today that is has simultaneously acquired Watkins & Shepard and Lodeso.

Schneider says the new acquisitions will provide a superior home delivery experience for consumers of high-value over-dimensional goods and will complement the Final Mile service from Schneider (which provides customized home, commercial and retail delivery). 

Watkins & Shepard is a provider of LTL, truckload and logistics services for difficult-to-handle goods, such as furniture and floor coverings, across North America. The company was founded in 1974 and has more than 1,300 employees, including nearly 800 drivers based out of 20 terminals across the US. Lodeso uses proprietary technology to handle supply chain complexities within the national home delivery industry. It is is based in Zeeland, Michigan, and has more than 50 employees and nearly 600 agents across the US.

Watkins & Shepard and Lodeso customers will continue to receive the 99.3% claims-free service they have come to know and expect, Schneider said.

“The ability to provide differentiated experiences for retailers, manufacturers and consumers is a primary area of strategic growth for Schneider,” said Schneider president and CEO Chris Lofgren. “We will continue to make significant investments to capture the full potential the combined companies now have to connect the first mile to the final mile.”

Ray Kuntz, Watkins & Shepard CEO added: “We are facing a large increase in demand for our services, and that requires investment in people, equipment and facilities,” said “Schneider not only brings financial strength, they also understand transportation and the power of technology, and appreciate what we have built as a team. Schneider is the trusted choice to integrate and support our employees, as well as current and future customers.”

Terms of the deal will not be announced, Schneider said.