Christenson Transportation is expanding its freight network with the recent acquisition of Sharp Transport, a family-owned carrier headquartered in Ethridge, Tennessee.

The acquisition of Sharp Transport will offer customers additional freight capacity as both carriers largely operate in the same freight lanes in the lower 48 states. The company will operate under the name Sharp Transport, a division of Christenson Transportation.

The 42-year-old carrier, which operates about 180 trucks, said it will add another 120 drivers, including a mix of company drivers and owner-operators, to its growing fleet.

Christenson also acquired Sharp’s brokerage operation, which will be folded into its own brokerage company, CS Carrier Service.

“Our strategic plan has been about preparing for the next generation of management to eventually take over … The people that have been with me for a long time know they still have a place, but their roles transitioned to start doing more mentoring,” said Don Christenson, president and CEO of Christenson Transportation, in a press release. “Both companies have third-generation family members involved in the day-to-day operations that are dedicated to continuing the importance of a strong driver culture.”

Allie Sharp-Schwalb, who served as president and CEO of Sharp Transport, will step into a new role as vice president of the company for three years to help with the transition. Sharp was founded by Sharp-Schwalb’s parents, John and Rebecca Sharp, in 1979. 

Christenson’s son, RayVaun Christenson, serves as the director of operations of Christenson Transportation, while Sharp-Schwalb’s nephew, Chase Atkins will move to his new position as the company’s COO.

The acquisition was finalized on December 31, 2021, but the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.