Shareholders of Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. approved the company's acquisition by Western Express Inc. late last week, following an announcement made earlier this year.

The two premier truckload carriers, which haul diversified freight nationwide, struck a deal first announced in March, that includes $54 million in equity.
The acquisition terms, which have been approved by both boards of directors, is expected to build upon Western's established dry van operation by combining the dry van operations of both companies. Additionally, Smithway's flatbed operation is expected to offer Western the market presence and reputation to make the combined flatbed operation a force in the industry. On a combined basis, the companies would operate approximately 1,600 tractors in dry van operations and 1,400 tractors in flatbed operations.
Smithway's senior management team and employees are expected to remain at Smithway and play integral roles in delivering the companies' combined services to the truckload market.
Wayne Wise, chairman, president, and CEO of Western, said the combination of the two companies places the company in the top 15 truckload carriers measured by revenue.