CALGARY, Alta. — The TransX Group of Companies is positioned to expand its Canadian scope and capacity, especially in refrigerated freight service, by acquiring Luke’s Cartage, Vanalta Transpork and Executive Courier Services.

According to the company, these acquisitions compliment TransX’s existing LTL and truckload services with fresh and frozen distribution services to more direct locations in Alberta and B.C.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, TransX has more than 1,200 trucks, 3,500 trailers and intermodal containers; and a network of freight terminals in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Red Deer, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Minneapolis, Chicago and Milwaukee.

“Part of our strategy is to expand our service in the Canadian market. Acquiring western Canada carriers and their proven equipment and service reputation is a regional growth advantage for TransX,” stated Louie Tolaini, president of TransX.

All TransX business activity in Canada will be managed under the existing market identity of Luke’s Cartage, Vanalta Transpork and Executive Courier Services. The current management team will also remain in place.

Luke’s Cartage transports a wide range of refrigerated and frozen products in Alberta, with primary services in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer, which is home base for the company. Vanalta Transpork, a subsidiary of Luke’s Cartage, is a long haul transport company based in Calgary. Vanalta specializes in trailer load refrigerated freight and operates across Western and Central Canada, as well as the north western US. Executive Courier Services was purchased by Luke’s Cartage in 2003 and is based in Langley, B.C. Its fleet of trucks and trailers handles dry, refrigerated or frozen distribution requirements, with a focus on refrigerated freight service to the B.C. Lower Mainland.

“We believe this change delivers increased opportunities for our customers and our employees. Linking our company with TransX’s vast network means we can give our customers access to one of the most established Canadian and North American transportation leaders,” said Neil Lukenbill, CEO of Luke’s Cartage.