EVO Transportation & Energy Services, a dedicated truckload carrier and ground transportation supplier to the United States Postal Service Monday announced the acquisition of West Side Transport, a Midwest truckload carrier and brokerage with a diversified portfolio of Fortune 500 customers.
Operating through its two separate brands – EVO and West Side Transport – the combined company said it will continue to deliver high quality service to all of its customers while also capitalizing on opportunities to accelerate growth and leveraging its combined geographic footprint, resources and scale to further improve service offerings and capabilities. With this transaction, EVO transitions from being a predominantly USPS-focused carrier to a diversified transportation supplier with a broad customer mix, in keeping with the USPS’s supplier preferences and requirements.
From a single tractor and trailer more than 50 years ago, Don Vogt built West Side Transport into an operation that today includes a general commodities truckload carrier comprised of 550 trucks, 2,300 trailers and 700 employees as well as a logistics and warehousing business that spans the Midwest and beyond. In addition to West Side’s corporate headquarters and primary operations center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa opened in 2020, the company also has terminals in Circle Pines, Minnesota; Glenwood, Illinois;, Indianapolis; Canton, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; and Chattanooga.
West Side Transport will continue to operate as its own fully autonomous division. Day-to-day operations, personnel, management and services to customers are expected to remain unchanged. Ron Joseph has been promoted from chief operating officer to president of West Side Transport and will continue to manage all aspects of the business. Don Vogt will serve as a board observer providing strategic advice and services to the new, combined company.
Vogt said, “In EVO Transportation, West Side Transport has found a partner that helps expand its geographic footprint, as well as bringing efficiencies of scale helpful in a very competitive industry.”
Joseph said, “We are excited about partnering with EVO and believe that our complementary strengths will help both companies grow and prosper.”
Michael Bayles, CEO of EVO Transportation said: “From the moment we first set foot in Cedar Rapids, EVO was beyond excited about West Side Transport. Don Vogt dedicated his life to building an absolute best-in-class operation and we were drawn immediately to the quality staff, drivers, equipment and facilities. We are very excited about West Side joining the EVO family and look forward to honoring Don’s legacy.”
