Contrans completes purchase of western bulk fleet

WOODSTOCK, Ont. — Like many of Canada’s larger carriers, southern Ontario’s Contrans Income Fund is continuing to drive west.

Yesterday, the 1400-truck fleet from Woodstock, Ont. completed the acquisition of Spectrum Transport in Calgary. Contrans will fold the company into its existing Tri-Line Carriers division, which operates from offices in Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina.

A bulk transportation carrier serving customers with dump and tank trailers in western Canada and the northwest U.S., Spectrum hauls cement, lime and similar products with 26 highway tractors and five owner-operators. It also has about 31 dry tank and dump trailers under its tent.

Spectrum recorded revenue of about $7 million in its most recent fiscal year.

Contrans will maintain the company’s employees and customers, and manage Spectrum under a separate business model.

“Through our existing bulk trucking operations in Ontario, we have a thorough knowledge and understanding of this portion of the trucking business, and recognize that there is a lot of demand for service in Western Canada,” Contrans CEO Stan Dunford stated in a release. “Spectrum will add to our existing presence in the bulk business in Western Canada and enhance the service and growth potential within this market.”