Geodis buys US freight broker Velocity Transport

Global supply chain operator Geodis has acquired the assets of US freight brokerage firm Velocity Freight Transport, expanding its freight brokerage capacity in North America.

The European group said the acquisition of a leading freight brokerage company based in Plano, Texas, from McLane Company – a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway – “expands Geodis’ capacity solutions offering in North America at a critical time as the industry continues to face ongoing driver and truck shortages”.

It said the acquisition of Velocity “will help meet the increased customer demand for more transportation alternatives to ensure their supply chains remain agile and effective. Velocity provides freight brokerage services that include refrigerated and temperature-controlled freight, flatbed and less-than-load (LTL) trucking, intermodal, van, and specialty options.”

Velocity’s team will remain in Plano, expanding Geodis’ operation in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area – “where it currently employs up to 3,500 teammates”.

Mike Honious, president and CEO of Geodis in the Americas, commented: “With the acquisition of Velocity, we are welcoming an exceptionally talented team of freight brokerage experts who have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of today’s dynamic logistics and supply chain environment. For many reasons, they are an ideal fit for Geodis – none greater than our common cultures.

“This acquisition will expand our current freight brokerage capabilities and enable us to continue to aggressively grow our capacity solutions service for clients at a pivotal moment.”

John Lower, vice president at Velocity, commented: “Velocity began with the vision of becoming the first choice in freight brokerage with a reputation built on our principled approach and quality of service. This new chapter with Geodis will allow us to build upon our success and enable further growth opportunities. By combining our resources with Geodis’ truly expansive reach, we will ultimately be able to provide our clients a broader range of services across the Americas and globe.”

With its Americas region headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., Geodis operates a full-service managed transportation line of business in the US. Additionally, Geodis operates more than 150 warehouse facilities for its clients with over 47 million square feet of warehousing space in the US alone, with more than 15,000 employees across North America.

The transaction closed on 30 June, the companies said, noting that the terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.