Proficient Auto Logistics: the merger of five auto hauler companies

The merged company would operate approximately 1,130 vehicles and trailers, with a strategy focused on expanding its customer base

Five auto haulers companies plan to merge under the name Proficient Auto Logistics, aiming to become one of the leaders in North America. According to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the combined entity plans to increase its assets through the acquisition of competitors if the initial public offering is successful. The merged company would operate approximately 1,130 vehicles and trailers for car transportation, including 615 owned by them.

The company’s primary focus is transporting new cars from manufacturers to dealerships. It emerged from the merger of five companies in the same sector, collectively generating $415 million in revenue in 2023. The mergers are expected to be finalized with the closing of the initial public offering, as declared by Proficient in its SEC filing on April 11.

The five car transportation companies to be acquired by Proficient Auto Logistics are Delta Automotive Services, Deluxe Auto Carriers, Sierra Mountain Group, Tribeca Automotive, and Proficient Auto Transport.

Management and strategy of the merged company

The merged companies had a total of 649 employees and operated from 49 locations across the United States, with major ones in Florida, New Jersey, and California. These companies serve 17 of the top 18 global original equipment manufacturers by sales volume in the United States in 2022. Additionally, they have experienced a compound annual growth rate of 15% from 2019 to 2023, and the prospectus suggests favorable factors supporting this fragmented sector.

The envisioned management team for the merged company would leverage these factors, along with potential efficiencies in the supply chain and acquisition of competitors. Richard O’Dell, former CEO of Saia Inc., would assume the role of CEO, accompanied by Randy Beggs, a veteran in car transportation, as Chief Operating Officer. Beggs, who has led Proficient Auto Transport since 2018 and has over 20 years of experience at Jack Cooper Holdings, would join O’Dell in leadership.

The car transportation and logistics sector is highly fragmented, with the majority represented by smaller regional providers. The acquisition strategy focuses on purchasing regional providers to expand their geographical presence and increase the customer base. The goal is to acquire established, high-quality companies in markets where they can establish a leadership position, facilitating the consolidation of additional operations.