First Freight Acquires Chris Cartage

First Freight Systems, Minneapolis, announced the acquisition of Chris Cartage of Eagan, Minn.

The companies will combine their operations at the Chris Cartage terminal in Eagan.

First Freight, a former division of Minneapolis-based W&G Transport, provides ground transport services for air freight carriers, plus less-than-truckload and expedited trucking services in Minnesota, the Dakotas and Western Wisconsin and offers overnight service to Chicago.

Tom Gilbertson, a former executive at Quast Transfer and Overnite Transportation, joined the W&G division as chief operating officer in October 1998 and bought a controlling interest in First Freight in January.

In a telephone interview, Gilbertson said the purchase of Chris Cartage gives the company its own facility in a good location, an expanded customer base and more equipment.

The combined company will operate a fleet of about 50 power units, including 15 straight trucks and 35 tractors, and 60 trailers. Gilbertson said he expects the business to generate revenue between $8 million and $9 million a year.