Earlier today, Tampa, Fla.-based, non-asset-based 3PL BlueGrace Logistics announced it has acquired Palm Harbor, Fla.-based FreightCenter, a non-asset based full-services 3PL.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Established in 1999, FreightCenter provides comprehensive, online logistics services for various freight services, including less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload, international, and intermodal.
A BlueGrace spokesman told LM that FreightCenter provides BlueGrace with several strategic advantages for the company’s current operations.
“With an established and diverse customer base, including small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) that may not have previously engaged with BlueGrace, FreightCenter allows us to broaden our customer base and help make those businesses better,” he said. “Bobby Harris, our CEO and Founder, has admired FreightCenter for years, and this opportunity has been carefully considered for some time. The formal deal came together over the past six months.”
BlueGrace said that this deal will provide mutual benefits for each company,
For existing BlueGrace clients, the spokesman said there will be minimal immediate changes, and, they can look forward to potential enhancements as BlueGrace integrate some of FreightCenter’s innovative online tools into its platform.
And for FreightCenter’s customers, the spokesman said the advantages are significant, as they will gain access to BlueGrace’s extensive carrier network, the complimentary BlueShip TMS platform, a more comprehensive truckload solution (as FreightCenter primarily focuses on LTL services), and the opportunity to transition to a Managed Logistics solution as their shipping volume increases.
“BlueGrace has been growing every year, and we wanted to add to that growth in an impactful way,” said the spokesman. “We’ve been closely monitoring the logistics landscape, and with the gradual recovery being seen in 2024, we believe 2025 is looking to have even higher increases in demand. Immediately we can benefit from adding a new, experienced group of LTL experts and the aligning culture from FreightCenter. As a leader in the LTL (Less Than Truckload) space, we felt that the timing was right to broaden our customer base by acquiring the online leader in LTL, FreightCenter. We looked at many potential deals and even in this soft market, FreightCenter showed their strongest numbers in 2024, so we decided to add this key player to make BlueGrace better.
In addition, their digital platform and strong customer base complement our service offerings perfectly, positioning us to meet this growing demand with more robust and simplified solutions. The acquisition allows us to deliver enhanced value to both our existing and new customers while staying ahead in a highly competitive LTL market.”
BlueGrace CEO and Founder Bobby Harris said that BlueGrace has known and respected the team at FreightCenter for more than a decade, having watched them grow and succeed every year, calling it a great addition to BlueGrace.
“This acquisition is the perfect opportunity to enhance the logistics experience for thousands of customers,” said Harris. “By integrating our advanced technology, deep industry expertise, and extensive carrier network, we are committed to delivering solutions that meet their unique shipping needs.”
FreightCenter CEO Matt Brosious said FreightCenter is excited to join the BlueGrace family and bring even greater value to its customers.
“BlueGrace’s advanced technology and comprehensive service offerings perfectly complement FreightCenter’s commitment to simplifying freight for our customers,” he said.
