Daseke Adds The Steelman Cos. to Its Family of Firms
Daseke Inc. has added The Steelman Cos. into its family of companies, marking the 12th operating unit to join the flatbed carrier and signaling an aggressive growth strategy after Daseke went public in late February.
The Steelman Cos., which is based in Springfield, Miss., generated an estimated $46 million in revenue and an estimated $7 million in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in 2016.
Earlier this year, Daseke also added the Schilli Cos. and Big Freight Systems into its portfolio. Daseke owns more than 3,600 trucks and 7,500 flatbed and specialized trailers.
“We’re seeking companies that share our values about people and running a top-tier operation,” said Don Daseke, president and CEO of Daseke. “The Steelman Cos. have a terrific reputation and will bring their expertise to our family as we build Daseke together.”
The Steelman Cos. has two distinct areas of expertise in its operating companies, according to Daseke. Steelman Transportation carries flatbed and heavy-haul freight while Group One specializes in transporting roll-on powersports, industrial warehousing as well as offering 10-wheel drive-away services.
“The ability to work with the rest of the fantastic companies in the Daseke family, share customers and develop synergies and efficiencies were all major attractions to joining Daseke,” Towery said. “To move forward, you must have pride in what you’re doing, and we’re definitely proud to be moving forward as a member of the Daseke family.”
Don Daseke added, “We also are very excited that the Steelman Cos. merger should find immediate synergies with Big Freight Systems of Canada, as we progress deeper into the powersports sector on both sides of the border.”
The Daseke family of companies consists of Smokey Point Distributing, E.W. Wylie, J. Grady Randolph, Central Oregon Truck Co., Lone Star Transportation, Bulldog Hiway Express, Hornady Transportation, The Boyd Cos. (including Boyd Bros. Transportation and WTI Transport), The Schilli Cos., Big Freight Systems and The Steelman Cos.
