Brokerage M&A continues: Cheema adds Walker Logistics to portfolio

Tuck-in deal the latest in a flurry of activity

Brokerages remain hot M&A targets (Photo: Cheema Freightlines)

Cheema Logistics announced the acquisition of 3PL provider Walker Logistics on Tuesday.

Founded in 2003, Missoula, Montana-based Walker Logistics brokers dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, expedited and partial truckloads in the U.S. and Canada through a network of approved motor carriers. The group also provides less-than-truckload brokerage services.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to have added the capabilities, customers and all employees of Walker Logistics to the Cheema family,” said Harman Cheema, founder and CEO of Cheema Freightlines, the asset-based parent of Cheema Logistics. “We look forward to expanding our logistics network and providing Walker’s customers with added third-party and asset-backed solutions.”

In addition to its logistics unit, Sumner, Washington-based Cheema Freightlines is a family-owned carrier hauling dry van TL freight mostly along the Interstate 5 corridor. It also provides yard management as well as dedicated and intermodal services. The 15-year-old carrier operates a fleet of more than 325 tractors and 1,100 trailers.

Brokerage M&A has seen several high-profile deals in recent weeks. 

ArcBest (NASDAQ: ARCB) announced Wednesday it was acquiring Chicago-based TL broker MoLo Solutions in a deal ranging between $235 million and potentially more than $450 million. Echo Global Logistics (NASDAQ: ECHO) was taken private in a $1.3 billion deal in early September, and Uber Freight (NYSE: UBER) acquired Transplace in July for $2.25 billion.

“Knowing Harman for over seven years, I am confident our customers will be able to take advantage of Cheema’s growing network, services and technology,” said Michael Walker, founder and president of Walker Logistics. “I believe Cheema will provide a great home to our employees and continue to provide outstanding service to Walker Logistics’ customers.”

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Todd Maiden

Based in Richmond, VA, Todd is the finance editor at FreightWaves. Prior to joining FreightWaves, he covered the TLs, LTLs, railroads and brokers for RBC Capital Markets and BB&T Capital Markets. Todd began his career in banking and finance before moving over to transportation equity research where he provided stock recommendations for publicly traded transportation companies.