Leavitt’s Freight Service, a specialty carrier of utility poles and engineered wood products, has merged with Daseke-affiliated Central Oregon Truck Company. Leavitt’s current management team will remain intact under the merger and it will retain its existing name. The carrier operates a fleet of more than 120 trucks.

Leavitt’s Freight Service transports long loads such as utility poles on the company’s fleet of 45- to 48-foot trailers. Loads can range from 25 to 140 feet in length, which the company handles using floating trailers, some of which are outfitted with a steerable trailer. The company also hauls more conventional loads such as trusses, wood products for construction, and steel decking.

Both Central Oregon and Leavitt's operate in the Northwest along the I-5 corridor, which will allow the two companies to cut costs by sharing each other’s facilities for service, maintenance, and fuel.

“We’re now an even stronger force in our region as we can grow together,” said Rick Williams, CEO of COTC. “We serve customers in 48 states and Canada with a fleet of more than 350 trucks, while Leavitt’s is a dominant niche carrier on the West Coast. We will add to each other’s portfolio, while sharing resources.”