News

Carlile Transportation Joins Saltchuk Family Of Companies

May 31, 2013

Seattle, WA – Carlile Transportation Systems, one of the largest trucking and logistics companies in Alaska, has been acquired by Saltchuk Resources, a Seattle-based family of diversified transportation and petroleum distribution companies.

“Our relationship with Saltchuk is 20 years long, already having been friends, vendors and customers. I really feel this is a match made in heaven. Saltchuk is family owned, as we are, and we share like values. Carlile’s management and employees are excited about the new opportunities and benefits we will be able to offer our customers,” said Carlile CEO and co-founder Harry McDonald.

Carlile will remain a standalone company headquartered in Anchorage. “As with all of the Saltchuk companies, we will reinvest in Carlile’s assets, pursue growth opportunities and build on the very strong foundation the McDonald family has built for the future,” said Mark Tabbutt, of Saltchuk.

Carlile’s 700 employees will join Saltchuk’s national team of 5,500 persons. “Carlile’s strong safety culture was one of the driving factors in our interest,” said Tim Engle of Saltchuk. “There is a lot of similarity between Carlile and our other operations – we have people often exposed to harsh environments and working around and relying on heavy machinery. Getting everyone home safe to their families is our number one priority,” said Engle.

Through its family of companies, Saltchuk has invested significantly in Alaska over the last thirty years. Other Saltchuk Alaskan companies include Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Delta Western, Northern Air Cargo, Inlet Petroleum and Cook Inlet Tug & Barge.

“The addition of Carlile to the TOTE, Inc. transportation and logistics network further enhances the already broad service offerings we have available to our respected client relationships. We are honored to have Carlile become an integral member of our team stated,” Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE, Inc.

Carlile will become a part of TOTE Logistics, significantly increasing Saltchuk’s presence in cargo consolidation, warehousing, trucking and other logistics in North America. TOTE Logistics’ other operations include Jacksonville, Florida based Spectrum Logistics and Alta Logistics. “Carlile has developed a tremendous brand in the markets it serves,” said TOTE Logistics President James Armstrong. “The brand is defined by its people who are proud, enthusiastic and loyal. We’re looking forward to becoming one team.”

The transaction closed May 31, 2013. The purchase price was not made public.

About Carlile Transportation Systems.

Founded in 1980 by brothers John and Harry McDonald, Carlile has grown from two tractors to one of Alaska’s largest trucking companies. Today, with over 350 tractors, Carlile offers a full range of transportation and logistics services. Carlile is based in Anchorage, AK and employs 700 people. Carlile’s wholly owned terminals serve Alaska from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Kodiak, Prudhoe Bay and Seward, as well as Seattle, WA, Houston, TX, Blaine, MN, and Edmonton, AB.