DAT Freight & Analytics has successfully acquired the operations of Trucker Tools LLC, a prominent player in the field of load visibility, automated booking, digital freight matching, and carrier engagement in the commercial trucking industry. This acquisition is poised to enhance DAT's capabilities significantly, allowing for real-time GPS tracking and load optimisation on its DAT One platform, which is recognised as the industry's largest marketplace for spot truckload freight.
A remarkable feature of the DAT One platform is its ability to post over 668,000 loads daily, drawing insights from approximately $1 trillion in freight transactions. This ensures that users can access up-to-date market rates and opportunities swiftly. Jeff Clementz, Chief Executive Officer of DAT, commented on the acquisition, stating, “Real-time load tracking and digital freight matching are among the most dynamic technologies in our industry today and part of an important evolution in how truckload freight transactions are conducted.” He emphasised that the demand for tracking and visibility has become critically important for all customers, expressing enthusiasm for the advanced solutions that the Trucker Tools capabilities will bring.
On the other hand, Kary Jablonski, CEO of Trucker Tools, referred to the acquisition as “a tremendous opportunity for Trucker Tools to grow and benefit from the resources, expertise, and market reach of DAT.” Jablonski articulated optimism about being better positioned to influence the future of the industry while unlocking new opportunities for customers, employees, and partners.
Trucker Tools has established itself as a key provider of real-time visibility, serving over 750 leading freight brokers. The company accelerates processes such as load tendering, rate negotiation, load booking, and digital document management through its Smart Load Board. The Trucker Tools app, which supports approximately 350,000 owner-operators, carriers, and drivers, plays a critical role by enabling users to find and book loads in the spot market and manage responses to various offers and bids.
The transition was facilitated by DAT's acquisition of Trucker Tools from ASG, a portfolio company of Alpine Investors. It has been confirmed that Trucker Tools will continue to operate under its existing leadership, with Kary Jablonski joining the DAT executive team.
Clementz further noted, “The technology and talented people behind Trucker Tools are an ideal fit for DAT.” He highlighted the shared commitment to enhancing the effectiveness and profitability of customers, regardless of the size of their operations. By combining Trucker Tools' real-time tracking and visibility features with DAT’s freight matching and analytics solutions, the partnership aims to streamline operations for freight brokers, carriers, and shippers across the industry.
The acquisition was officially completed on December 17, 2024, with representation provided by Raymond James as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP as legal advisor to Trucker Tools and ASG.
Source: Noah Wire Services