WINNIPEG — One of Canada’s biggest for-hire carriers has acquired three for-hire carriers in an attempt to expand Western operations and create additional capacity.

Winnipeg-based TransX Group of Companies — one of the country’s largest refrigerated and intermodal fleets — will welcome under its tent, Luke’s Cartage; its refrigerated subsidiary Vanalta Transpork; and Langley, B.C.-based Langley Executive Courier Services.

This acquisition, says Canada’s fourth-largest for-hire fleet, compliments TransX’s existing LTL and truckload services with fresh and frozen distribution services to more direct locations in Alberta and B.C. “TransX will lead the way with the most extensive same day and overnight-refrigerated transportation available in these provinces,” the company stated in a release.

All TransX business activity in Canada will be managed under the existing market identity of Luke’s Cartage, Vanalta Transpork and Executive Courier Services. The current management team at each fleet will also remain in place.

“Combining the TransX extensive network and technology-advanced customer information systems with the acquired companies’ developed operations will provide extended coverage, quality service and convenience for shippers.”

TransX President Louie Tolaini said part of the carrier’s strategy is to expand service in the Canadian market — especially in booming western Canada.

“We believe this change delivers increased opportunities for our customers and our employees. Linking our company with TransX’s vast network means we can give our customers access to one of the most established Canadian and North American transportation leaders,” added Neil Lukenbill, CEO of Luke’s Cartage.

TransX currently has more than 1,200 trucks, 3,500 trailers and intermodal containers (1,000 of which are refrigerated), 2,200 employees including owner-operators, and a network of freight terminals in every major Canadian city and key U.S. locations.