CRST buys Indiana specialty trucking company

CEDAR RAPIDS -- CRST International has purchased an Indiana trucking company that transports products requiring special handling  and equipment as well as value added on-site services.

Specialized Transportation Inc. of Fort Wayne, Ind., an independent company since 2004, was formerly the high value products/logistics division of North American Van Lines. Specialized Transportation has 250 employees, 500 owner operators and works through an extensive network of 150 agents in the United States and Canada.

Specialized Transportation specializes in supporting customers in the technology, health care, industrial, furniture, store fixtures, retail, and financial services markets.

"With this acquisition, CRST International's projected annual revenue will be in excess of $1.3 billion and will make CRST one of the largest and most diversified transportation companies in the United States," said CRST President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Rusch. "It supplements our current business of expedited van,  flatbed, dedicated fleet and transportation management services by giving us access to a new network of agents and 45 distribution centers in key metropolitan areas in North America."

Cedar Rapids-based CRST International employs more than 4,400 drivers and office personnel, and an additional 2,500 independent contractors across the United States.

Ian Nicolson, president and CEO of Specialized Transportation, said his company's capabilities will complement and expand the services offered by CRST.

"Our suite of services includes specialized padded van transportation, trade show support, first and final mile logistics, white glove services, transportation management, warehousing, home delivery, and technology tools," Nicolson said. "CRST's substantial resources will enable us to expand our service offerings."