Geodis Acquires Drayage Provider Southern Companies

Transport and logistics company Geodis has acquired Southern Companies, a drayage provider serving ports in the Southeast. Geodis said the acquisition enhances its end-to-end supply chain capabilities across the U.S.

Southern Companies is a family-owned business founded in Miami in 1965 and reported it has moved more than 1 million containers. The company runs operating terminals serving seven key ports: Port of Miami, Port of Everglades, Port of Houston, Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port of Savannah, and Port of Charleston. The company provides a range of import and export services, including warehousing and trucking.

Geodis is a worldwide transport and logistics company that delivers shipments through its operations in land, air, and sea transport and provides contract logistics.

"The acquisition of Southern Companies represents an important addition to Geodis as we continue to strengthen and grow our capabilities, our team, and our client roster throughout the U.S.,” said Mike Honious, Geodis in Americas president and CEO. “From their people and culture to their expertise and capabilities, Southern Companies is an ideal fit for Geodis and aligns perfectly with our Americas growth strategy.”

Jorge Mora, owner and CEO of Southern Companies, said his 55-year-old company has a special emphasis on port operations and has witnessed tremendous organic growth over the life of the business.

“By combining our capabilities with Geodis’ exceptional leadership, deep bench of experts, and global footprint, we can expand our reach and provide an even broader range of services to our clients to help them navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape,” said Mora.

Geodis said the acquisition complements its existing transportation and warehousing capabilities and will provide customers with an efficient and reliable end-to-end logistics solution.

More than 80 employees spanning Southern Companies’ seven facilities throughout the Southeast will officially join Geodis. With its Americas region headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, the company currently operates more than 150 warehouse facilities for its clients with over 50 million square feet of warehousing space in the U.S. alone. Geodis now has more than 17,000 employees across North America.