Booth’s Group acquires Summerland Express Freight

In News2 MinutesBy NZ Trucking magazineJune 8, 2022

Booth’s Group Logistics has announced it has acquired Summerland Express Freight, marking the company’s expansion into the South Island.

The Booth’s Group of companies comprises of Booth’s Transport, Tomoana Warehousing and The Produce Connection.

The purchase of Summerland was made in conjunction with Brendan Prendergast, founder and former owner of MOVE Logistics.

Summerland founders Ross and Barbara Millard will step down from June 2022, after close to 30 years at the helm.

With a fleet of 100 trucks and employing 150 staff across 10 locations, the major South Island logistics operator will join the Booth’s Group of companies, rounding out the Booth’s geographic spread and providing its customers with a nationwide network.

Booth’s group of businesses provide services including linehaul transport, metro delivery, produce cartage, container handling, hiab delivery and a range of warehousing, storage and pick and pack services.

Group chief executive Dallas Vince said the company’s growth trajectory has been the result of customer demand for Booth’s to have an increased presence nationally. “Our customers want us to simplify their supply chain with one point of contact for all their transport, logistics and warehousing needs.”

“All Summerland stakeholders will benefit hugely from increased resources including new fleet vehicles that are on the way, additional technology platforms, access to a broader network geographically and a wider range of service offerings,” said Vince.

“All of the Summerland team will be offered new employment contracts and we expect the shared family values and business synergies between Booth’s Group and Summerland to make for an easy transition for all our team, suppliers and customers,” he said.

Alongside expanding its geographic reach, a key focus for Booth’s Group over recent years has been to operate a modern, safe and fuel-efficient fleet.

“The Booth’s business model is based on a modern fleet with a current average fleet age of 38 months,” Vince said.

“We are proud to have one of the lowest average fleet ages in New Zealand, and it’s our intention to apply this same model to the Summerland business in the short to medium term.”