Schneider National acquires American Overseas

Schneider National acquires American Overseas    Green Bay, Wis.-based truckload carrier giant Schneider National said Monday it has acquired Southern California-based American Overseas, a full service freight forwarder, customs broker and warehousing firm.
   The move, Schneider officials said in a conference call, will extend the trucking firm’s capabilities beyond domestic moves.
   “This represents the first time Schneider is jumping in to the intercontinental market and customs brokerage, which we think is a key capability,” said Tom Nightingale, Schneider’s vice president of marketing.
   While Schneider has presence in Europe and China, those branches handle continental traffic in those foreign markets, Nightengale said.
   The acquisition of American Overseas – which has four West Coast offices, about 50 employees and a network of 80 agents abroad – will allow Schneider customers to extend beyond port-to-door moves. It also follows Schneider’s purchase last summer of drayage and transloading firm American Port Services.
   “This acquisition is another link in our expansion plan to provide global door-to-door service,” said Chris Lofgren, Schneider president and chief executive officer.
   American Overseas’ president, Ron Barker, who will remain in his role, said his customers are “very positive” about the buyout because of the recognition of the Schneider trucking brand. He said American Overseas’ main markets are France, Belgium and the United Kingdom in Europe, and Hong Kong and China in Asia.
   Both parties declined to discuss financial details of the acquisition. American Overseas will keep its name and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Schneider, provided the purchase passes all regulatory hurdles.