Leading rail corporation obtains Tampa-based shipping company
On Wednesday, Quality Distribution announced a deal to sell their Tampa-based shipping company, Quality Carriers (QC), to leading railway transportation corporation: CSX
According to a press release, the deal ensures that QC will become its own entity within CSX, and remain headquartered in Tampa. Boasso Global, QC’s subsidiary company, will become a standalone entity, and will also remain in Tampa.
Randy Strutz, president of Quality Carriers, will continue in his role under the acquisition deal, along with the rest of his leadership team.
“We look forward to partnering with CSX, and to create a new level of efficiency for bulk chemicals transportation,” Strutz said in a CSX press release.
Brigitta Shouppe, a public relations consultant for Quality Distribution, told the Catalyst that combining the two companies’ rail and trucking services will allow them to offer more well-rounded shipping options, using both methods to offer more flexibility and efficiency for the customers and regions they serve.
Quality Distribution Chairman and CEO Gary Enzor says the partnership will benefit all levels of the company, from drivers to investors.
“Transitioning Quality Carriers to CSX is a tremendous positive for all of our key stakeholders, including our drivers, employees, customers and investors,” Enzor said in a separate press release. “It’s incredibly exciting to see the creation of the CSX/Quality Carriers combination, which has the potential to be a game-changer for our industry.”
Boassa, a more specialized shipping company with international relationships, will continue serving its base, which did not fit into CSX’s highly regional market. 99% of QC’s workforce will retain their jobs amid the transition, as some move to Boasso.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, CSX is an Eastern U.S.-based rail company that’s existed for almost 190 years. Its routes cover 20,000 miles over 23 states, and provide traditional transport as well as cargo shipping. QC focuses primarily on liquid chemical shipments, and is an American Chemistry Council Responsible Care® Partner.
The transaction is scheduled to close in the third financial quarter of 2021.
Note: This article was updated to correct Brigitta Shouppe’s title.
