ATLANTA – July 1, 2008 – RoadLink, the largest private independent intermodal logistics service provider in North America, announced today the purchase of Vancouver, Wash.-based international intermodal trucking service provider American Freight Systems, Inc. (AFS). The third such acquisition of this year, this transaction further supports RoadLink’s position as the leading provider of intermodal transportation and specialized warehousing services in North America.
With major operations centers in Vancouver, Wash., and the ports of Tacoma, Wash., and Portland, Ore., AFS moves freight between these ports and a shipper’s or consignee’s location with a fleet of 55 company-owned trucks and super chassis, and 16 Independent Contractors. Started in 1998 by John Rogers, AFS has grown by providing reliable service throughout the region.
“By leveraging our import, export and regional transportation network, my team and I focused on building a business based on customer service,” said Rogers, “Our staff is excited about joining the RoadLink team and they know they can add immediate value to their regional services. AFS’s customers should see immediate benefits.”
After a short transition period, AFS will implement RoadLink’s industry-leading TrueVision operating technology, which can provide customers with visibility of their freight from their inbound cargo ships all the way to the floor of their operating facility.
As trade with the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow, the ports in the Pacific Northwest will become even more important. The combination of efficient port operations, coupled with reduced transit times between Asia and the Northwest, continue to fuel the growth in this region. According to Chris Munro, President and Chief Executive Office of RoadLink, “AFS’s presence in these markets, which are positioned for significant growth, combined with RoadLink’s North American infrastructure will be a strategic advantage for all of our customers.”
AFS joins Seattle, Wash.-based West Coast Trucking (WCT) and C-Truck (the Canadian trucking portion of Hapag-Lloyd) as RoadLink’s third acquisition in 2008, and along with RoadLink’s newly announced strategic relationship with Canada-based Fenway portfolio company Fastfrate, dramatically enhances the company’s intermodal network across North America. “Customers will benefit from the great synergies that result from these relationships, being able to select from either a single comprehensive, end-to-end solution or individual best-of-breed services, depending on their specific circumstances and requirements,” continued Munro.
Following the conclusion of the transaction, John Rogers will continue on as a consultant to the RoadLink team to ensure a smooth transition, and AFS will be officially rebranded as RoadLink to fully harness the power of this acquisition for customers.
About American Freight Systems
AFS, founded in 1998 by John Rogers, is a premier regional drayage firm that specializes in moving export and import containers through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Wash, and Portland, Ore.
About RoadLink
RoadLink is North America’s largest, privately-held intermodal logistics provider. The company provides customers with a unique combination of value-added services, including capabilities in logistics planning, asset management, intermodal transportation, integrated transportation and distribution solutions, and warehouse/freight handling. RoadLink’s resulting “IntermodaLogistics” solutions enable customers to utilize the company’s more than 60 Service Centers, 50 on-site customer locations, 2,200 vehicles and more than 5,000 Associates and Independent Contractors to capitalize on market opportunities and solve market challenges. Headquartered in Atlanta, RoadLink is owned by Fenway Partners, LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that partners with management to create companies with strong strategic positions and significant opportunities for growth in the logistics and consumer sectors. For more information about RoadLink, visit www.roadlink.com. Additional information about Fenway Partners is available at www.FenwayPartners.com.