Major U.S. railroad CSX has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Quality Carriers, the largest provider of bulk liquid chemicals truck transportation in North America, from Quality Distribution.

The acquisition will create a unique multimodal chemicals transportation solution that will expand the reach of both CSX and Quality Carriers, CSX officials said in a press release.

“Our new partnership will provide chemical producers and shippers with a first-of-its-kind multimodal solution that capitalizes on the powerful synergies between Quality Carriers’ truck transportation fleet and our cost-advantaged rail network, James Foote, president and CEO of CSX said. “We believe that this new capability will create meaningful long-term value for our company.”

Through a network of over 100 company-owned and affiliate terminals and facilities in key locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Quality Carriers provides transportation services to many of the leading chemical producers and shippers in North America. It operates with about 2,500 drivers.

Quality Carriers’ management team, led by President Randy Strutz, will continue to lead the business as part of CSX.

 “Together, we will be exceptionally positioned to provide our customers – many of which have existing relationships with both CSX and Quality Carriers – with a unique and seamless rail-to-highway offering,” Strutz said. “We look forward to partnering with CSX and to create a new level of efficiency for bulk chemicals transportation.”

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and certain customary closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.