AFN Logistics Acquires Less Than Truckload (LTL) Company, HA Advantage, Gaining Proprietary TMS Technology and Expanding LTL Service Offering
Company enhances its position, in part, to capitalize on eCommerce boom as efficiency and LTL optimization become increasingly critical for retailers to profitably deliver eCommerce
NILES, Ill., July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AFN Logistics, which provides customized supply chain solutions to major manufacturers, top-20 retailers and best-in-class carriers in the U.S., announced today it has acquired Columbus, Ohio-based HA Advantage, the Transportation Management System (TMS) and LTL division of HA Logistics, Inc. The move will enhance AFN's holistic product offerings and ultimately the value delivered to its clients.
HA Advantage is a leading TMS and LTL freight management company which empowers its clients to lower their total landed costs through increased visibility, efficiency, business intelligence and control. The proprietary TMS developed by HA Advantage is a scalable, web-based, mobile-optimized solution that enables smarter, faster transportation decisions. Several HA Advantage employees have joined the AFN team as part of the acquisition, including those in business development and account management roles. The addition of new technology and team members will enhance AFN's existing LTL service offering, which is already a core capability for the company, as well as the service AFN provides to its LTL customers.
Growing Importance of LTL Optimization as eCommerce Wave Continues
eCommerce comprises 10-20% of deliveries in the $35 billion LTL trucking industry segment, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal[1]. LTLs transport loads from several customers in a single truck. Retailers are beginning to push smaller, more frequent loads into distribution centers and through their networks to keep pace with eCommerce demands, requiring LTL optimization, a capability AFN is bolstering with the HA Advantage acquisition. The company helps retailers optimize their eCommerce-related LTL trucking needs and balance network-wide demand.
"As we continue to see a strong increase in eCommerce activity, we plan to scale our LTL capabilities to take advantage of this growing market by helping our shipper customers manage their eCommerce growth more efficiently, strategically, and profitably," said AFN's CEO, Ryan Daube. "This is just one reason why the HA acquisition made sense for our business now. The move also strengthens our managed transportation services offering."
Staff and Revenue Growth Continue at AFN
Beyond LTL, growing demand for AFN's suite of people-first, technology-enabled solutions – from truckload and consolidation services to risk management, carrier compliance, cargo security and surveillance and more – has fueled its continued growth in staff and revenues. AFN exceeds 200 full time employees with the addition of recent new hires and the HA Advantage team members. The growth in staff has been in response to AFN's double-digit revenue growth over the past three years. The business continues to hold a spot on the Transport Topics Top 50 Freight Brokerage Firms, a listing of the largest logistics companies in North America.
"Our team will fit in seamlessly with AFN's business and culture," said Alan Huttman, President of HA Advantage. "We have a shared vision to continue to add value to the supply chains of customers by adding logistics horsepower to their operations. At the same time, we share Ryan's [Daube] commitment to creating a best place to work for employees. We're building a winning environment together all around."
The Peakstone Group advised HA Logistics in the transaction.
To learn more, visit www.loadafn.com.
About AFN
Serving the needs of the needs of major manufacturers, top-20 retailers and best-in-class carriers in the U.S. since 2003, AFN is an award-winning leader in freight brokerage, third party logistics and transportation management services. Known for its commitment to client service, AFN has a robust suite of people-first, technology-enabled solutions – from truckload, LTL and consolidation services to risk management, carrier compliance, cargo security and surveillance and more. To learn more about AFN, please visit http://www.loadafn.com or call 877-562-3236.
[1] Wall Street Journal, "E-Commerce Boom Roils Trucking Industry," April 14, 2016.
Media Contact
Megan Parker
Finn Partners for AFN Logistics
312-329-3975
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SOURCE AFN Logistics
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