Schneider has announced the simultaneous acquisitions of Watkins & Shepard and Lodeso. The acquisitions bring together final-mile delivery, claims-free handling and a home delivery technology platform which Schneider plans to integrate with its existing service proposition for omnichannel retailers and manufacturers.
Both acquisitions have been made to further develop Schneider’s Final Mile+ service which provides customised home, commercial and retail delivery with white-glove services. Schneider states that these acquisitions mean it can provide a single tariff and invoice, integrated tracking and reverse logistics capabilities.
“The ability to provide differentiated experiences for retailers, manufacturers and consumers is a primary area of strategic growth for Schneider,” said Schneider President and CEO Chris Lofgren. “We will continue to make significant investments to capture the full potential the combined companies now have to connect the first mile to the final mile.”
Based in Montana, US, Watkins & Shepard is a provider of LTL, truckload and logistics services for difficult-to-handle goods, such as furniture and floor coverings, across North America. The company was founded in 1974 and has more than 1,300 employees, including nearly 800 drivers based out of 20 terminals across the US.
Lodeso uses proprietary technology to handle supply chain complexities within the home delivery industry. Lodeso is based in Michigan, US, and has more than 50 employees and nearly 600 agents across the country.
Schneider has stated that the terms of the deal will not be announced.
Source: Schneider
