Transaction creates a diversified, national truckload carrier and brokerage focused on high end
service to some of the nation’s largest shippers and a platform poised for growth
West Side Transport will continue to operate as its own autonomous division under Ron Joseph
Cedar Rapids, IA | September 23, 2024
EVO Transportation & Energy Services (“EVO”), a dedicated truckload carrier and top ground
transportation supplier to the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) today announced the
acquisition of West Side Transport, a leading Midwest based truckload carrier and brokerage with a
diversified portfolio of Fortune 500 customers.
Operating through its two separate brands – EVO and West Side Transport – the combined company
will continue to deliver high quality service to all of its customers while also capitalizing on
opportunities to accelerate growth and leveraging its combined geographic footprint, resources and
scale to further improve service offerings and capabilities. With this transaction, EVO transitions
from being a predominantly USPS-focused carrier to a diversified transportation supplier with a
broad customer mix, in keeping with the USPS’s supplier preferences and requirements.
From a single tractor and trailer more than 50 years ago, Don Vogt built West Side Transport into a
world class operation that today includes a general commodities truckload carrier comprised of
550 trucks, 2,300 trailers and 700 employees as well as a logistics and warehousing business that
spans the Midwest and beyond. In addition to West Side’s corporate headquarters and primary
operations center in Cedar Rapids, IA recently opened in 2020, the company also has terminals in
Circle Pines, MN, Glenwood, IL, Indianapolis, IN, Canton, MI, Columbus, OH, and Chattanooga, TN.
West Side Transport will continue to operate as its own fully autonomous division. Day-to-day
operations, personnel, management and services to customers are expected to remain unchanged.
Ron Joseph has been promoted from Chief Operating Officer to President of West Side Transport
and will continue to manage all aspects of the business. Don Vogt will serve as a Board observer
providing strategic advice and services to the new, combined company.
Don Vogt, stated: “In EVO Transportation, West Side Transport has found a partner that helps
expand its geographic footprint, as well as bringing efficiencies of scale helpful in a very
competitive industry.”
Ron Joseph, President of West Side Transport commented: “We are excited about partnering with
EVO and believe that our complementary strengths will help both companies grow and prosper.”
Michael Bayles, CEO of EVO Transportation remarked: “From the moment we first set foot in Cedar
Rapids, EVO was beyond excited about West Side Transport. Don Vogt dedicated his life to building
an absolute best-in-class operation and we were drawn immediately to the quality staff, drivers,
equipment and facilities. We are very excited about West Side joining the EVO family and look
forward to honoring Don’s legacy.”
WhiteHawk Capital Partners and EVO’s largest shareholder, Antara Capital provided debt and
equity financing for the transaction.
Brad Huge, Managing Director at WhiteHawk said: “West Side is an impressive business that has
differentiated itself by providing high-touch mission-critical services to its customer base.
WhiteHawk was pleased to provide a creative and flexible financing solution to support EVO’s
acquisition of West Side. We look forward to working alongside the EVO and West Side
management teams.”
FINNEA Group acted as financial advisor and Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC acted as legal
advisor to Vogt and West Side Transport on the transaction. Steven Moore provided transportation
M&A consulting services and Paul Hastings LLP acted as legal advisor to EVO.
About West Side Transport
West Side Transport is an asset-based trucking company specializing in short-haul van truckloads
throughout the Midwest and beyond. Led by Don Vogt, West Side entered the trucking industry in
1980 to provide freight services in support of its salvage operation and quickly grew to become a
premier player in the transportation industry. West Side Transport’s operations have continued to
grow with the support of its long-tenured leadership team and dedicated staff with deep industry
experience and currently operates 550 power units and a growing brokerage business. West Side is
actively hiring drivers in support of several new business opportunities.
For more information, please visit www.westsidetransport.com
About EVO
EVO Transportation & Energy Services is a truckload carrier and a leading ground transportation
supplier to the United States Postal Service. With a fleet of over 900 power units and a national
network, EVO’s core focus is centered around dedicated, high on-time service and best-in-class
safety performance. An acquisition roll-up, EVO is comprised of some of the longest tenured and
most respected legacy carrier brands in the USPS supplier space. EVO is actively hiring drivers in
support of a number of new contract opportunities.
For more information, please visit www.evotransinc.com
Contact Information:
Michael Bayles, Chief Executive Officer
michael.bayles@evotransinc.com