PS Logistics Acquires Flatbed Division of ELS

PS Logistics, a privately held transportation and logistics company, said its subsidiary Blair Logistics has acquired the flatbed division of ELS.

With this acquisition, PS Logistics said it has further established itself as operating one of the largest 53-foot flatbed carriers in the country, with more than 500 power units and 1,250 over-length trailers. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

It's the second such acquisition announced this month, following the recent announcement of PS Logistics acquiring Buddy Moore Trucking.

“The ELS flatbed division will be complementary to our existing over-length operations and allow us to provide enhanced geographic coverage and service offerings to our customers while simultaneously providing greater opportunities to drivers,” said Scott Smith, chief executive officer and co-founder of PS Logistics.
 
ELS, based in Kenly, North Carolina, was founded in 2009 by Tim Butts and has continued to operate as a family-owned business. ELS’s flatbed division maintains a fleet of more than 90 tractors and more than 240 over-length flatbed trailers and primarily hauls steel, industrial materials, lumber, and other building materials.

“ELS has worked in similar geographies and with similar customers as PS Logistics’ operating companies for many years, and we’ve been able to see firsthand how well they service customers and set up drivers for success,” said Butts.
 
ELS will retain its heavy haul and intermodal operating divisions and operate under the same name, and the flatbed division will now operate as Blair.
 
PS Logistics said the transaction continues its acquisition strategy of partnering with families and quality owners within the transportation and logistics industry. Since 2016, PS Logistics has successfully acquired 25 trucking operations and five non-asset logistics operations across the United States.