Continental Express acquires Ranger Refrigerated Express

Continental Express Inc, a national refrigerated logistics truckload carrier based in Sidney OH, has acquired Fort Worth TX-based Ranger Refrigerated Express Corporation for an undisclosed amount.

The new Fort Worth location will join Continental’s terminals in Sidney, Gaffney SC, Danville VA, and Louisville KY.

“Logistically, this makes perfect sense for our current business strategy and also for future expansion plans,” said Continental Express owner Russell Gottemoeller. “We currently have a good presence in Texas but lack the physical location to continue to expand in this market. Bringing this facility into the Continental network will allow us to service all of Texas and the entire Southwest United States. This location, strategically sought out in Texas, will now provide our drivers and trucks with a home base in the Southwest. There will no longer be the need to consistently bring these trucks back to the Midwest or Southeast. This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to our customers in the Southwest, as well as our commitment to grow.”

Continental has hired Ranger Refrigerated employees. The company also plans to hire more drivers and support staff. It now employs more than 420 drivers, mechanics, and office staff companywide.

Specializing in refrigerated cargo, Continental has a primary service area that includes the Midwest, Southeast, Central Atlantic regions and west to Salt Lake, with weekly coverage to the West Coast. Its five terminals are home to 315 trucks and 700 trailers. As an EPA Smartway-certified carrier, Continental has also been investing recently in hybrid technologies.