Bison Transport, a prominent Canadian carrier known for its extensive fleet of Bison Transport Trucks, has officially acquired Pottle’s Transportation, a truckload carrier based in Hermon, Maine. The acquisition, announced on October 12th, became effective on October 31st, marking a significant expansion of Bison Transport’s operations within the United States. This strategic move involves Bison Transport acquiring all outstanding shares of Pottle’s Transportation through an affiliate, although the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed to the public.
Bison Transport LNG powered truck showcasing their commitment to a modern and diverse fleet.
“We are enthusiastic about this pivotal step in our U.S. growth strategy,” stated Rob Penner, CEO of Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Bison Transport. “Our investment in Pottle’s Transportation underscores our strong commitment to this region, our valued customers, and the exceptional individuals within our business. We anticipate a seamless integration of Pottle’s with our recently acquired Hartt Transportation Inc., as we continue to strategically develop Bison Transport USA.” This acquisition highlights Bison Transport’s dedication to strengthening its presence and service capabilities in the US market, leveraging its expertise in operating a large fleet of bison transport trucks.
Barry Pottle, former chairman of the American Trucking Associations and President of Pottle’s Transportation, photographed at an industry event.
Pottle’s Transportation, a family-operated business spanning two generations, was established over 60 years ago by Cliff Pottle. The company’s leadership transitioned to his son, Barry Pottle, a respected figure in the industry and former chairman of the American Trucking Associations, who served as President until this acquisition. Pottle’s boasts a substantial operation, including more than 200 tractors and 750 trailers, alongside a comprehensive logistics service offering. This complements Bison Transport’s already impressive scale, which features a fleet exceeding 2,600 tractors and 9,000 trailers, predominantly recognized as bison transport trucks across North America.
Barry Pottle expressed his positive outlook on the acquisition, stating, “I have long admired Bison Transport for their industry-leading standards in safety and overall success. Through our involvement in various industry associations and as fellow members of the TCA benchmarking group, I have developed a strong understanding of Bison and fostered relationships with many of their team members. I am confident that joining forces with Bison Transport will provide our Pottle’s team with unparalleled opportunities and continued success for many years in the future.” The alignment in company values, particularly concerning safety and operational excellence, was a key factor in bringing together Pottle’s established regional presence and Bison Transport’s extensive network of bison transport trucks.
Bison Transport emphasized that Pottle’s Transportation was an attractive acquisition due to several compelling factors, including its long-standing and loyal customer base, exceptionally low driver turnover rates, a strong emphasis on safety protocols, a high-quality fleet, and a robust company culture. These attributes resonate strongly with Bison Transport’s own operational philosophy and strategic objectives for growth within the North American transportation sector, further solidifying their position as a leader in the industry with their recognizable bison transport trucks.
Bison Transport is currently ranked No. 53 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America, a testament to their significant scale and influence in the transportation landscape.
