Schneider Logistics Inc. President Tom Escott noted the acquisition of American Overseas Air Freight will provide Schneider Logistics with the ability to offer door-to-door service on global moves for customers who have that interest. The acquisition was announced on February 13, 2006 and follows closely on the opening of Schneider’s Shanghai office. Together with last year’s acquisition of American Port Services, the latest addition to the Schneider portfolio is part of an expansion strategy to build a comprehensive door-to-door global delivery system in air, ocean, rail and truck said Chris Lofgren, president and CEO of parent Schneider National Inc.
Escott explained that the addition of freight forwarding and customs brokerage services helps fill the gap between Schneider’s capability to provide port-to-door service in North America and the capability to offer door-to-door service in an environment where more of the inland deliveries Schneider handles for its customers originate off shore or in Mexico. Schneider’s acquisition last year of American Port Services gave it better capabilities to handle port drayage, port transloading and inland delivery in North American, explained Escott. It also provided some origin services for importers, but, increasingly, Schneider’s customers were asking for help with customs clearance and expanded origin services.
Schneider Logistics opened an office in Shanghai early in 2006 to help it provide continental and intercontinental operations in the growing China market. It also has primarily land-based operations in continental Europe. When the acquisition is complete, it will be the first time Schneider has been in a position to provide air and ocean services and customs brokerage directly.
The acquisition was termed a “stock purchase agreement,” but no further details on the transaction were available. American Overseas will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Schneider Logistics, and Ron Barker will remain in his current role as president of the company. The transaction should be completed within 60 days.
