CFI Takes Over Logistics Company

Joplin, Missouri-based truckload and logistics company CFI is taking over the operations of a sister company, the non-asset-based Chicago logistics operation, Optimal Freight.

CFI is a subsidiary of TFI International Inc., which purchased the former Con-way Freight operations from XPO in 2016. Since 2011, Optimal Freight has operated out of Chicago under the TFI umbrella to provide transport of truckload and LTL shipments throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Its services include dry van, temperature controlled, expedited, over dimensional, LTL, and intermodal.

Optimal Freight is rebranding and will operate as part of the CFI Logistics organization. The company was founded by Noam Frankel, an experienced logistics professional, according to the comany's website. Frankel co-founded American Backhaulers in 1982, a freight brokerage firm eventually bought by CH Robinson. He then built the truckload capabilities of Echo Global Logistics, before starting Optimal Freight in March 2011.

“We are thrilled at the prospect of learning from the talented individuals at Optimal Freight while better supporting this group under the CFI Logistics umbrella,” said CFI President Greg Orr in a news release, “The timing for this transition is ideal, as CFI expands its logistics division and customer service offerings in 2019.”

With U.S. offices in Joplin, as well as Dallas and now Chicago, CFI Logistics bills itself as an “asset-enhanced 3PL operating in North America utilizing all modes of transportation,” including cross-border expertise. In the U.S., CFI manages 15 owned terminals and drop lots, and through sister company CFI Logistica, CFI’s Mexico operations include an LTL network and solutions through C-TPAT carriers into South America.