CRST makes major acquisition

CRST International (No. 23 in the CCJ Top 250) announced this week its acquisition of Chino, Calif.-based Gardner Trucking (No. 67), which CRST says is the largest acquisition in the company’s history.

Gardner is considered the largest truckload carrier in California, according to CRST, with customers in the paper and packaging, food and beverage, wood products, and metal and plastic container industries. The company primarily services the western U.S. with facilities in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Texas.

CRST projects the Gardner acquisition will add approximately $400 million in revenues to the company with its more than 2,400 drivers. Tom Lanting, Gardner’s previous owner and president, will continue in his role as president of the company.