NEWS
Fastfrate, ASL Distribution, and Challenger Motor Freight Named Canada’s Best Managed Companies
May 14, 2024
Fastfrate, ASL Distribution and Challenger Motor Freight, all part of the Fastfrate Group was recognized for their industry-leading performance, its global business practices, and its sustained growth by receiving the prestigious 2024 Canada’s Best Managed Companies. All three companies are also a member of the Platinum Club which is exclusive to Canada’s leading organizations that have been Best Managed companies for seven years or more.
Celebrating over 30 years, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their leadership in the areas of strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities, and innovation, governance, and financial performance.
Fastfrate Group and CPKC Extend Long Term Agreement to Connect Canada, the United States and Mexico.
February 27, 2024
Today, Fastfrate Group is pleased to announce it has renewed and enhanced its long-term agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). This new five-year agreement features operational enhancements, infrastructure investments, and continental service expansion.
This agreement solidifies and expands Canada Drayage Inc. (CDI) (a Fastfrate Group company) as the largest coast-to-coast drayage provider in Canada. As part of this announcement, CDI will become the largest drayage provider in North America for CPKC.
Fastfrate’s Halifax Warehouse Expansion
December 7, 2023
Fastfrate’s newly expanded warehouse marks a significant milestone for Fastfrate, reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients. The expansion celebration was held on December 6, 2023, and was a testament to the dedication and hard work that went into the Halifax warehouse expansion project. The additional 70,000 square feet of warehouse space enhances Fastfrate’s capacity to 130,000 square feet which provides comprehensive and efficient logistics solutions and addressing the growing demand for warehousing and distribution services in the Martimes.
Fastfrate’s Halifax warehouse is well-equipped to handle various aspects of logistics, with 120 employees offering a full suite of services that includes Intermodal LTL and FTL, drayage, transloading, logistics, cross-border, warehousing, pick and pack, ecommerce, and distribution. This full suite of services positions Fastfrate as a one-stop solution for businesses looking to streamline their supply chain operations.
CENTREPORT CANADA RAIL PARK WELCOMES FASTFRATE GROUP AS FIRST TENANT
August 1, 2023
August 1, 2023 – Fastfrate Group, one of Canada’s largest privately held transportation and supply chain providers, is investing $55 million to build approximately 140,000 square feet of facilities in the CentrePort Canada Rail Park (“Rail Park”). Situated on 25 acres in the Rural Municipality of Rosser, Fastfrate Group is the first tenant to break ground in the 665-acre industrial rail park project, in development by Focus Equities Inc.
“It’s so exciting to be breaking ground today on what is an extremely important economic project for Manitoba,” said Premier Heather Stefanson. “This is just the beginning of creating more good jobs with this economic corridor. I’d like to congratulate CentrePort on this milestone, and I thank Fastfrate Group for choosing Manitoba.”
Having outgrown their existing space on Keewatin Street, the new facility, expected to be operational in the fall of 2024, will enable Fastfrate Group to rapidly expand their existing operations in Manitoba, bring new service offerings to the local market, and create upwards of 150 new jobs within the first 12 months of operation.
Fastfrate Group announces majority acquisition of Challenger Group
June 16, 2022
The acquisition adds to Fastfrate Group’s diverse suite of transportation and supply chain offerings
Today, Fastfrate Group has announced the majority acquisition of the Challenger Group. The newly combined entity will help address the rapidly changing state of supply chains.
Fastfrate Group will add the Challenger Group’s industry-leading cross-border trucking capabilities to complete an already diverse suite of services, which includes LTL, TL, intermodal, drayage, logistics, warehousing, distribution services, home delivery, e-commerce, and more.
“Our acquisition of the Challenger Group brings together two iconic organizations in transportation and supply chain,” said Ron Tepper, Chairman of Fastfrate Group. “Together, we are a force within our industry that will compete collectively to deliver a complete and complementary suite of solutions to customers. This will serve to help our customers as supply chains become more diverse.”
Together the new entity will bring over 100 years of experience combined, more than 5,000 employees and owner operators, over 1.2 million sqft of facilities, and over 5,500 pieces of equipment.
“With similar histories of entrepreneurship and growth, this is as much an acquisition as it is a partnership of like minds,” said Dan Einwechter, Founder and Chairman of Challenger. “We are excited to offer truly end-to-end transportation and supply chain solutions to our customers which support their needs and grow their business.”
As part of the terms of the acquisition, Challenger Group will continue to operate independently under incoming CEO Jim Peeples. Dan Einwechter will remain Chairman of Challenger Group and join the Board of Directors of Fastfrate Group. Manny Calandrino will continue as CEO of the Fastfrate Group. Current employees and management teams at both organizations will not be impacted by the transaction.
“Who we are won’t change,” said Jim Peeples, CEO of Challenger Group. “Like Fastfrate Group, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service, maintaining a people-first culture, and providing end-to-end services that meet our customers’ needs. Those common values are what will drive our collective success.”
Now with 7 companies and 40 locations operating across Canada and the United States, Fastfrate Group is one of the largest independently owned transportation and supply chain companies in Canada.
“After years of aggressive growth, Fastfrate Group is ready to set a new standard in our industry,” said Manny Calandrino, CEO of Fastfrate Group. “We have the people, solutions, and service to deliver on our promise to customers. And when we deliver, our customers win.”
Loopstra Nixon LLP is acting as legal counsel and Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Fastfrate Group. Scotiabank and Whiteshell Advisory Inc. are acting as financial advisors and Gowling WLG is serving as legal counsel to the Challenger Group.
About Fastfrate Group
Fastfrate Group is comprised of 6 companies operating out of 30 terminals and final mile hubs across Canada and into the United States. We provide industry-leading, end-to-end supply chain solutions that are an essential part of keeping our customers businesses running. We offer customers a full suite of asset-based transportation including over-the-road, crossborder and intermodal LTL and TL, drayage and transload, warehousing, distribution, final mile, and logistics services. With a 56-year legacy in Canada, we are driven to be the country’s most trusted and leading transportation company.
About Challenger
Challenger Motor Freight has been serving customers for 48 years. We provide leading transportation, warehousing, and distribution services to customers from coast-to-coast, with the ability to ship domestically and across North America. Challenger transportation services include LTL, full truckload, rail transport, intermodal, and expedite services to ensure efficient, on-time delivery. Logistics and Supply Chain Management, including Third-Party Logistics and On-site Warehousing are key parts of Challenger’s complete shipping and transportation solution. Our customs specialists make hassle-free cross-border shipments easy.
Media Contact
For more information, please reach out to:
Anh Thai
marketing@fastfrate.com
Fastfrate Continues Western Canada Expansion with Acquisition of United Transfer Limited
February 8, 2022
Fastfrate Group, a leader in providing transportation and logistics (T&L) services to customers in Canada and the United States is excited to announce its acquisition of United Transfer Limited, a transportation and warehousing company based in Saskatoon, SK, effective February 3rd, 2022.
Prior to its acquisition by Fastfrate Group, United Transfer Limited was owned and operated by business partners Paul Glover and Paul Rigby. Since its founding in 2008, United Transfer Limited has been providing LTL services and expertise throughout the Saskatoon and Regina region. In 2020, United Transfer Limited became an official partner of Fastfrate Group by leveraging its delivery, pick-up and LTL services.
“Growth at Fastfrate means being able to provide more services to more customers in more regions” says Manny Calandrino, Chief Executive Officer at Fastfrate Group. “Bringing United Transfer Limited, a well-established company with a sterling reputation for professionalism and results into the Fastfrate family allows us to do just that.”
“The working relationship we’ve had with Fastfrate Group has allowed us to share knowledge, best practices, experience and insights. LTL in Saskatoon is in high demand and being able to first partner with Fastfrate Group and now join them in a permanent capacity allows us to set new standards and take advantage of the opportunities found within the industry and the region” adds Paul Glover, co-owner of United Transfer Limited.
“United Transfer Limited expands our footprint in Saskatchewan by adding Saskatoon into our terminal network. This allows us to enhance our Intra West services and our final mile offerings, we also look forward to growing our offerings in the Regina market.” says Calandrino.
“Paul and I both started our careers as drivers, so we’ve always had an affinity for the road. United Transfer Limited is our vision of what a transportation company should be in terms of operations and customer service. Fastfrate Group shares these values which made this decision an easy and natural one” says Paul Rigby, co-owner of United Transfer Limited
Ross Glover of United Transfer Limited has been newly appointed to Regional Manager,Saskatchewan reporting into Richard Rose, Vice President, Prairies Region, Fastfrate Group. Ross will lead and manage the United Transfer Limited team in Saskatoon and Regina.
Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to United Transfer Limited.
About the Fastfrate Group
Headquartered in Woodbridge, Ontario, The Fastfrate Group has been providing industryleading transportation services for more than 50 years. From what started out as an LTL over the road and intermodal carrier, Fastfrate has grown into a diverse group comprised of multiple companies operating across Canada. This evolution now offers customers a full suite of assetbased transportation including over-the-road, cross border and intermodal LTL and TL, drayage and transload, warehousing, distribution, logistics services and final mile. Please visit fastfrate.com for more information.
About United Transfer Limited
United Transfer Limited, headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was founded in 2008 by two British transportation professionals. Known for their expertise in warehousing and deliveries they offer unique logistics solutions emphasizing operational effectiveness and service excellence. Operating in two locations; Saskatoon and Regina, they offer over 37,000 square feet of racked warehousing with cross-docking services, storage, and efficient inventory programs in their distribution hub. Deliveries are made across Western Canada for last mile, cartage, LTL & FTL and hot shot/direct drives. Please visit https://www.unitedtransfer.ca/ for more information.
Media Contact: Anh Thai
marketing@fastfrate.com
Fastfrate Group and Audrey’s Place donates $500,000 to University Health Network
October 6, 2021
The donation will accelerate research in Chiari malformation and organ transplantation.
Fastfrate Group, a leader in providing transportation and logistics services, are excited to announce that they have made a $500,000 donation to the Audrey's Place Foundation. This generous contribution has been forwarded to University Health Network (UHN) where it will accelerate research in two areas: Chiari malformation, led by Dr Michael Fehlings, and repairing and engineering superior organs for transplantation, led by Dr. Shaf Keshavjee.
"Giving back to the communities in which we do business is important to Fastfrate Group. Any donation that we can provide to Audrey's Place Foundation directly helps our community, either through funding scholarships for nursing students or valuable research at University Health Network. We are proud that we can provide this support," said Manny Calandrino, CEO of Fastfrate Group.
“Philanthropy is critical to advancing medical research,” says Louise Aspin, SVP and Chief Development Officer at UHN Foundation. “The Tepper family are generous supporters of UHN. We are honoured that that their foundation, Audrey's Place Foundation, and Fastfrate Group have now also stepped in to support the work of Drs. Keshavjee and Fehlings.”
Chiari malformation affects 1% of children and occurs when the skull develops at a much slower rate than the maturing brain, which can eventually damage the spinal cord. Research led by Dr. Michael Fehlings at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute focuses on better predictive tools and treatment approaches to manage spine and spinal cord disorders, including Chiari malformation.
Dr Shaf Keshavjee serves as Surgeon-in-Chief of the Sprott Department of Surgery at UHN. He is also the director of the world-renowned Toronto Lung Transplant Program at UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre, which completed the first-ever single and double lung transplants decades prior. It has also developed innovations that allow it to use 40% of the donated lungs it receives compared with 15% elsewhere in the world.
"Audrey's Place has supported UHN for many years, and with this generous donation from Fastfrate Group, we were able to provide critical additional funding for this valuable research into Chiari malformation and organ transplantation," said Audrey Tepper, Founder of Audrey's Place Foundation.
About Audrey’s Place
Audrey’s Place Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 2010 by the Tepper family of Toronto. The mission of Audrey’s Place is to assist in funding post-secondary and graduate education for individuals entering the nursing field. They also focus on supporting Toronto’s University Health Network.
About Fastfrate Group
Headquartered in Woodbridge, Ontario, Fastfrate Group has been providing industry-leading transportation services for more than 50 years. From what started out as an LTL over the road and intermodal carrier, Fastfrate has grown into a diverse group comprised of multiple companies operating across Canada. This evolution now offers customers a full suite of asset-based transportation including over-the-road, crossborder, intermodal, LTL and TL, drayage and transload, warehousing, distribution, logistics services and final mile. Please visit fastfrate.com for more information.
About UHN Foundation
Part of University Health Network (UHN), UHN Foundation raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, Toronto Rehab and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. With donor support, UHN Foundation is helping UHN pursue new knowledge to build a healthier world. UHN Foundation is an amalgamation of Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation and Toronto Rehab Foundation. uhnfoundation.ca
About University Health Network
University Health Network (UHN) consists of Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehab, and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. It has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in arthritis, cardiology, transplantation, neurosciences, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. uhn.ca
Media Contact: Anh Thai marketing@fastfrate.com
Breaking Ground on New 85,000 sq.ft. Facility in Ottawa, Ontario
February 25, 2021
We are extremely pleased to announce Fastfrate Group will be commencing the build of our state-of-the-art facility in the Spring of this year. This location is positioned on 10 acres of land in a new industrial park in southeast Ottawa. On the heels of our most recent acquisition of ASL Distribution, this new facility will both increase our capacity to serve our customers and further our foothold in the home and office delivery marketplace.
Its capabilities are designed to provide eastern Canada all services within the Fastfrate Group portfolio including multi-modal and final mile distribution. With expected completion in the Spring of 2022, this facility will generate a great number of various career opportunities in the greater Ottawa area.
Key Highlights:
- Located in southeast Ottawa
- 10 acres of land
- 85,000 square foot building
- Cross docking
- Full height warehouse
- Full suite of multi-modal services
- Final mile distribution hub
- Designed to handle all forms of final mile deliveries including non-conveyable and bulky shipments
Exponential growth trajectory continues for Fastfrate Group with acquisition of ASL Distribution Services Limited
February 16, 2021
Fastfrate Group is excited to announce the acquisition of ASL Distribution Services Limited (ASL) – a leading transportation, warehousing, distribution and final mile service provider. The details of the agreement were not provided, however the purchase which includes all operating entities, is projected to increase Fastfrate Group revenue by an additional $120MM in 2021.
Fastfrate Group’s national network increases significantly with the addition of 13 terminals and final mile hubs throughout Ontario and into Quebec, Manitoba and New York.
This immediately provides Fastfrate Group entry into the ecommerce marketplace. ASL’s home and office final mile delivery division currently completes over 2 million deliveries per month and Fastfrate sees great opportunity for growth. President and CEO Manny Calandrino comments, “ASL already has the technology and the processes in place to fulfill the needs of Fortune 100 companies in the ecommerce space. By integrating this into Fastfrate’s national infrastructure and providing our substantial account-base with an enhanced service offering, we see tremendous opportunity for accelerated, national growth.”
There will be no changes to ASL management as their existing team has agreed to stay in place and run the company. Cole Dolny, President and CEO of ASL Distribution Services states, “Our working relationship dates back over 30 years. Both companies have a highly creative and entrepreneurial spirit. We’ve engaged strategically to utilize the skills and capacities of each organization over the last few decades, to engineer better logistics solutions for our customers. Our similar cultures and long-standing record of protecting and enhancing our customers’ supply chain were important factors in the decision process.” Mr. Dolny continues, “Fastfrate has an incredible leadership group, a clear vision for the future, a customer-first culture and a highly leverageable national network that ASL is extremely energized and proud to be part of.”
This acquisition is the latest in a series of recent strategic moves for Fastfrate Group who last year purchased Bestway to bolster their crossborder service offering. Fastfrate Group consists of 5 companies including Fastfrate, Canada Drayage Inc. (CDI), Fastfrate Integrated Logistics, Bestway and now ASL Distribution Services. Fastfrate Group Executive Chairman, Ron Tepper adds, “Whether through partnerships or acquisitions, we are aggressively pursuing further growth avenues. Each company in our group brings its own specialization to complement and strengthen every facet of our customers’ supply chain. This latest addition of ASL not only greatly enhances our ability to serve final mile and ecommerce segments but allows both Fastfrate and ASL customers to benefit from a greater national network.”
“These are very exciting times for our ownership, employees and customers alike. We would like to welcome everyone at ASL into the Fastfrate Group family as we look forward to working together to bring truly enhanced service offerings to the market.”
About ASL Distribution Services: An asset and non-asset based full-service third party logistics (3PL) provider. Established in 1959, ASL provides companies with seamless customized logistical solutions, encompassing warehousing services including e-commerce fulfillment and all modes of transportation including LTL, TL, intermodal, courier, small parcel, and expedited, utilizing its own fleet of trucks and with partner carriers. ASL also performs “Final Mile” home & office deliveries through its Precision Home & Office Deliveries division, delivering e-commerce fulfillment orders direct to consumers. ASL also offers freight management services through its brokerage division, including an LTL Cross-Border Consolidation program, utilizing their Buffalo, Oakville and Winnipeg distribution centers. For more information about ASL Distribution, please visit www.asldistribution.com
Fastfrate Group Boosts Crossborder Service Offering with Purchase of Bestway Cartage and Bestway Global
August 10, 2020
Fastfrate Group is excited to announce its acquisition of cross border carrier, Bestway Cartage Limited and Bestway Global Limited, effective August 1st, 2020. Bestway has been serving Ontario and the USA since 1976 and over the years have established a strong presence in key U.S. markets. The development of this purchase began approximately two years ago, however discussions started picking up once Bestway relocated into Fastfrate’s Woodbridge facility in September of 2019.
President and CEO of Fastfrate Group, Manny Calandrino is thrilled with this latest addition to their group of companies and explains, “There couldn’t be a better fit for us right now. As our group continues to grow and build momentum, the next logical step was to increase our foothold in the USA marketspace. Bestway brings a lot of great experience and relationships to our group, allowing us to better-serve our customers on both sides of the border.”
Fastfrate Group consists of four companies including Fastfrate, CDI, Fastfrate Integrated Logistics and Bestway. The ever-growing group continues to take an asset-based approach to transportation and combines the unique strengths of each company to provide end-to-end solutions for their diverse customer-base. Mr. Calandrino adds, “It’s all about providing simple and seamless service. The integration of Bestway into our operation allows us to keep all north and south-bound shipments in our care and control from pickup to delivery.” Manny continues, “A closed-loop method for crossborder shipments reduces the amount of touch, accelerates transit times and keeps the process very simple for our customers.”
Roynat Equity Partners and Tepper Holdings Inc. Announce Sale of Interest in Comtrad Strategic Sourcing
October 31, 2017
Roynat Equity Partners, along with their partners in the transaction, Tepper Holdings Inc. ("THI" ), are pleased to announce the sale of their majority equity ownership interest in Comtrad Strategic Sourcing Inc. ("Comtrad") to Ardenton Capital Corporation and Comtrad President, Jim Long.
Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Comtrad is a leading importer and distributor of hardware and component products to furniture, kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturers and distributors throughout North America. With over 45 years of experience, Comtrad provides a "one-stop" solution for OEMs to outsource all facets of their supply chain with top quality products from Asia.
Under the ownership of Roynat Equity Partners and THI, Comtrad has expanded its operations and developed an innovative approach to outsourcing manufacturing, which in turn, has allowed it to service a wide range of industries.
"Comtrad and its management team have built a leading distributor in the industry that allows it to compete across North America", said David Daum, President and CEO of Roynat Capital. "The company is well positioned to continue creating new opportunities".
"With the support provided by Roynat and THI, Comtrad has experienced significant growth and diversification and can now continue that momentum with a new partner", said Comtrad President, Jim Long.
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance served as exclusive financial advisor and Loopstra, Nixon LLP served as legal counsel to Roynat Equity Partners and THI in connection with the sale.
Consolidated Fastfrate Inc. is once again a 100% Canadian Owned and Operated Company
October 10, 2017
Ron Tepper, Founder and CEO of Tepper Holdings Inc. (THI) and Chairman and CEO of Consolidated Fastfrate Inc. announced today that THI has acquired the outstanding Fastfrate shares held by the New York based private equity firm, Fenway Partners.
Included in the shares acquired are companies Canada Drayage Inc. (CDI), Fastfrate Integrated Logistics and Consolidated Fastfrate. According to Mr. Tepper, “We have come full circle. We sold 75% of the company to Fenway in December 07 and have now bought back those shares in two installments in March 2013 and September 2017.” Tepper adds, “I am very proud it is back in Canadian hands. I am grateful to the 1,500 people employed by Fastfrate and the extreme hard work, through some very trying times to make this purchase possible.”
CDI is the only national drayage company in Canada and serves all ports from Vancouver to Halifax. It employs a total of 400 drayage drivers and is currently experiencing fast paced growth at approximately 100 drivers per year.
Fastfrate Integrated Logistics is a 3rd party logistic operation, with offices in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver and has expanded coverage and capacity through an extensive highway and intermodal partner carrier network.
Consolidated Fastfrate is one of Canada’s largest LTL carriers, located adjacent to CP Rail yards in every city from Montreal to Vancouver and is the largest repositioner of steamship containers on CP Rail’s line. Fastfrate also has expedited trucking services to and from all cities in Canada and currently handles in excess of 1 billion lbs of LTL freight per year.
Consolidated Fastfrate Moves to New Facility in Edmonton and Significantly Expands Service Offering
September 18, 2017
Consolidated Fastfrate is now open for business at its expanded cross dock, transload and warehousing facility in Edmonton. The new location is much closer to the CP intermodal yard and all major roadways.
Over the last 7 months since its purchase, renovations are now complete and the move took place over Labour Day weekend. The branch manager of the Edmonton terminal, Bill Shupenia, is a 40 year veteran at Fastfrate and comments, “Our old terminal was laid out for railside loading and unloading from our historical boxcar days. Our new facility is a 55 door cross dock operation, boasts a 24/7 secure warehousing component with a fully fenced, paved yard and about 6,000 sq. ft. of finished office space. We have a mandate and room for growth. We look forward to providing a more comprehensive value proposition to our customers.”
The roughly 80,000 sq. ft. facility operates around the clock, 6 days a week. A new feature that will enhance the safety and performance of their growing fleet is a 5 bay service bay for tractor, trailer and chassis service. Sister company, CDI is sharing the facility and operates over 20 power units and a versatile chassis fleet for the transport of sea and intermodal containers, of all lengths. The new CDI operation for Edmonton is headed up by David Hogan.
Fastfrate Edmonton acts primarily as an inbound terminal for intermodal and highway activity from Ontario and Quebec. Their Intrawest service continues to grow and with the proper cross dock and secure warehousing features now available, advances in transload and distribution services are expected.
“Consolidated Fastfrate has a 51-year history as a strategic partner to CP,” says Jonathan Wahba, CP’s Vice President Sales and Marketing, Intermodal and Grain. “They are the largest repositioner of marine containers in Canada, and we are really pleased that this new Edmonton facility will increase capacity to the northern Alberta marketplace.”
Once the Edmonton team has everything ship shape, a function will be held to show customers the improved operations at the new facility. New signage will be installed shortly and future plans include the transition to LED lighting as an energy saving measure.
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