INDIANAPOLIS – Celadon Group Inc. (Nasdaq
GS: CLDN) announced today that one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries
has purchased the truckload business and certain tractors and
trailers of Air Road Express Inc. (“Air Road”). Air
Road will continue to provide asset based logistics services with
its LTL consolidation and warehousing operations. According to the
seller’s unaudited financial statements, the
Indianapolis-based transportation company generated approximately
$26 million in gross revenue from its truckload operations,
including fuel surcharge, in 2006.
Steve Russell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated,
“We are delighted with the Air Road acquisition and expect it
to follow the pattern established in our acquisitions of Warrior,
Digby Truck Lines, CX Roberson and Highway Express during the past
few years. In those acquisitions, as in this one, our goals are to
continue to broaden our customer base with quality customers, add
density in our primary traffic lanes, and gain experienced drivers.
In February 2007, Celadon acquired certain assets of Warrior Xpress
and in October 2006, Celadon acquired certain assets of Digby Truck
Lines.
"Based on our evaluation of the business, we believe Air Road had a
group of quality customers that will enhance our current lane
flows, but suffered from the excessive cost structure that plagues
many mid-sized carriers. We expect to integrate the acquired
operations promptly. As part of the integration process, we expect
to optimize the combined customer, driver, and equipment base to
improve asset productivity. We believe we can enhance the service
to Air Road’s former customers through an upgraded equipment
fleet, excellent technology, more available assets for dispatch,
and an outstanding safety record.
"Air Road has been a long haul carrier and its lane flow
compliments our network. We expect the acquired operations to be
accretive beginning in the September 2007 quarter."
Celadon Group Inc. (www.celadongroup.com), through its
subsidiaries, primarily provides long-haul, full-truckload freight
service across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company
also owns TruckersB2B Inc. (www.truckersb2b.com) which provides
cost savings to member fleets.