Trimac to buy Ellsworth Motor Freight

Ellsworth, which operates from 10 terminals in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas, has about 300 employees, including about 190 company drivers and independent contractors. It provides transportation services to manufacturers of dry bulk and liquid products, and to distributors of cement, sand, asphalt and related products.

Trimac, which has more than 140 terminals in North America, said it is buying about 500 trailers and 90 tractors but didn't disclose financial details of the deal, which is expected to close in early December.

"The purchase of Ellsworth will provide opportunities for growth and enhanced customer service due to the complementary nature of Trimac's existing U.S. terminal locations and traffic lanes," Trimac executive vp Terry Owen said.

Owen added that Trimac will integrate Ellsworth's business into its petroleum, dry bulk and mining services division, which is based in Longmont, CO.