Good day,
J.B. Hunt has acquired Specialized Logistics Dedicated for $136 million. The move expands the firm’s access to last-mile distribution services.
Specialized is based in Houston and provides pool distribution services in North America with 14 terminals and fulfillment centers. It has a fleet of more than 200 power units. John Roberts, Hunt president & CEO said the move opens up additional opportunities to handle online orders of outsized goods.
“Hunt’s acquisition of SLD appears attractive on a financial level, but also on a strategic level as it helps increase the company’s depth of services. Hunt already provides dedicated so perhaps not necessarily an addition to their breadth of services unless you really peel the onion base on niche specializations,” said a report from Stifel.
Did you know?
A survey of wholesale distributors by Exact’s Macola division found that 60% of warehouse and fulfillment operations are now outsourced; 80% of respondents have adjusted prices based on regulatory concerns; and 58% are using connected machinery.
Quotable:
“Our work on infrastructure is continuing to move as planned. Rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure has always been a major priority for the president and his team remains on track to do that.”
– Natalie Strom, in a statement to the New York Times on President Trump’s infrastructure plans
In other news:
A tech approach to routing
Fleets take different approaches to routing and scheduling, but more of them are adopting the latest technologies to get the job done. (CCJ)
Amazon’s long reach
According to a new survey, 92% of warehouse operators consider Amazon to be a direct competitor, although 64% also consider it a partner. (Supply Chain Dive)
Trucking divided on ELD delay
The trucking community is divided on the latest push to delay the ELD mandate, with each side digging in its heels. (American Trucker)
Infrastructure plan stuck in a rut
Plans for a massive infusion of infrastructure funding remain stuck behind the many other issues Washington is facing, including healthcare and tax reform, raising the likelihood that no plan is forthcoming. (New York Times)
Speed limiter proposal takes back seat
An update to the regulatory calendar suggests that the speed limiter rule is no longer a near-term agenda item, suggesting that it may years before the rule ever resurfaces. (Heavy Duty Trucking)
Final Thoughts
J.B. Hunt has been very aggressive in its bid to expand operations in last-mile delivery. It’s acquisition of Specialized Logistics Dedicated is another step in that direction and is the latest in a line of moves traditional truckload carriers have been making recently to move into the last-mile space.
Hammer down everyone!
