The logistics landscape in the U.S. is undergoing significant changes, with one of the most notable moves coming from Pitt Ohio, a key player in the less-than-truckload (LTL) sector. On December 16, 2024, Pitt Ohio Transportation Group announced the acquisition of Sutton Transport, a well-established Midwestern LTL trucking company. This acquisition marks a strategic expansion of Pitt Ohio’s LTL footprint in the Midwest, offering U.S. shippers more options for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective freight solutions.
As the 13th-largest LTL carrier in the nation, Pitt Ohio’s acquisition of Sutton Transport is poised to provide a wide range of benefits to shippers, from enhanced regional coverage to greater service reliability. This blog post explores the details of this acquisition, what it means for shippers, and how it can impact logistics strategies for businesses across the U.S.
Pitt Ohio: A Leader in LTL Services
Pitt Ohio, a privately held transportation group, has built its reputation over the years as one of the top LTL carriers in the United States. With a 2023 revenue of over $900 million, Pitt Ohio already offers extensive LTL services throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, boasting 25 terminals across these areas.
The company operates with a focus on next-day LTL delivery, providing customers with consistent, reliable service. Through its network of terminals, Pitt Ohio delivers high-quality service to a variety of industries, from retail to manufacturing, offering competitive pricing for both regional and national LTL shipments.
One of Pitt Ohio's key differentiators is its extensive partnerships with subsidiary companies, allowing it to expand its coverage further. With the recent acquisition of Sutton Transport, Pitt Ohio is poised to extend its reach in the Midwest, adding nearly 50 additional terminals through a network of sister companies such as Dohrn Transfer, Ross Express, and US Special Delivery. This gives Pitt Ohio and its clients a larger network of service areas, particularly in key markets like Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Sutton Transport: A Legacy of Reliable Service
Founded in 1979, Sutton Transport has been a leading Midwest LTL carrier for over 40 years. The company has built its reputation by offering next-day LTL service for palleted freight and has earned a loyal customer base due to its exceptional on-time and intact delivery rate of 98.5%.
Sutton operates 77 doors at its Milwaukee terminal and recently expanded its Chicago facility to a 126,000-square-foot location in Northlake, Illinois. With more than 850 pieces of equipment and 13 terminals across the Midwest, Sutton is a major force in the region’s transportation industry. Their strategic expansion includes the acquisition of CRH Transportation's LTL division in 2021, further solidifying Sutton's presence in Missouri and surrounding areas.
As a family-owned business, Sutton Transport prides itself on offering personalized customer service and has long focused on being the “most efficient and reliable transportation network in the Midwest.” Their emphasis on customer loyalty and operational excellence aligns with the goals of Pitt Ohio, making Sutton a valuable addition to the Pitt Ohio Transportation Group.
Key Benefits of the Acquisition for U.S. Shippers
1. Expanded Coverage and Service Area
The acquisition of Sutton Transport significantly strengthens Pitt Ohio's presence in the Midwest, particularly in regions like Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Shippers can now access nearly 50 additional terminals across the Midwest and New England states through Pitt Ohio's expanded network, which will offer enhanced service options for both regional and long-distance LTL shipments.
For U.S. shippers, this expanded network means more access to reliable and efficient transportation solutions, especially for businesses looking to streamline their LTL shipping needs across the Midwest. This expansion is particularly advantageous for companies that regularly ship in and out of these regions.
2. Improved Service and Reliability
Sutton Transport has built a reputation for on-time and intact deliveries, achieving a remarkable 98.5% on-time rate. By bringing Sutton’s network into the Pitt Ohio fold, shippers can expect the same level of reliability, backed by Pitt Ohio’s existing reputation for high-quality service. The combination of Pitt Ohio’s robust infrastructure and Sutton’s efficient regional service makes this acquisition an attractive prospect for companies seeking to improve their LTL shipping performance.
3. Increased Flexibility with Regional and National Shipping
While Sutton has long specialized in regional LTL service within the Midwest, Pitt Ohio’s extensive network opens the door to more flexible national shipping options. By consolidating with Pitt Ohio, Sutton customers can access an even broader range of transportation solutions that are both regional and national in scope. This offers shippers more flexibility when planning routes, reducing lead times, and improving overall shipping efficiency.
4. Access to a Broader Range of Services
Through its diverse subsidiary companies, Pitt Ohio already provides a range of specialized services, including those tailored for specific industries and shipping needs. The addition of Sutton Transport to the Pitt Ohio Transportation Group expands this offering, allowing shippers to tap into a wider array of logistics solutions. These services include dedicated solutions for next-day delivery, volume LTL shipments, and more.
Additionally, Pitt Ohio offers specialized services for New York City shipping through its partner company, Sunline Express, which ensures that businesses with needs in the metro area also have a trusted partner for efficient deliveries.
5. Family-Owned Focus on Customer Service
Sutton Transport's long-standing commitment to customer loyalty and service excellence will continue to play a pivotal role under Pitt Ohio's leadership. As a family-owned business, Sutton has always emphasized personalized service and customer satisfaction. This focus will likely continue to benefit shippers, as Pitt Ohio incorporates Sutton's values into its broader business strategy.
What This Means for Shippers Going Forward
For U.S. shippers, Pitt Ohio’s acquisition of Sutton Transport represents an opportunity to take advantage of expanded service offerings, improved shipping reliability, and greater flexibility. Companies looking to optimize their LTL shipping solutions will now have access to a larger, more efficient network that spans the Midwest and beyond.
This acquisition also signals Pitt Ohio’s continued commitment to expanding its footprint in the LTL space and ensuring that its customers have access to top-tier service and coverage. For shippers, it’s a chance to streamline logistics operations, reduce transit times, and potentially lower costs by leveraging Pitt Ohio’s growing network of terminals and services.
Conclusion: The Future of LTL Shipping in the Midwest
The acquisition of Sutton Transport is a strategic move by Pitt Ohio to strengthen its LTL capabilities and broaden its geographic coverage. For shippers in the U.S., especially those operating in the Midwest, this expansion is a welcome development that promises enhanced service reliability, more efficient shipping routes, and access to a broader range of logistics solutions.
At Gain Consulting, we understand how important it is for businesses to stay ahead of changes in the logistics and transportation landscape. Whether you are already utilizing Pitt Ohio’s services or exploring new LTL options, we are here to help you optimize your supply chain strategy and navigate the evolving shipping environment. Let us assist you in making the most of these recent developments, ensuring that your business continues to thrive in a competitive marketplace.