What does RoadOne's acquisition of Higgins Transport Service mean for shippers in the Southeast?

The acquisition expands RoadOne's regional footprint in South Carolina and likely the surrounding Southeast. Shippers may experience changes in service availability, pricing structures, and account management as RoadOne integrates Higgins' operations and customer base into its network.

Is carrier consolidation in trucking continuing to accelerate?

Yes. M&A activity in the trucking sector has intensified as larger carriers seek scale to manage rising operational costs, driver scarcity, and regulatory compliance. Smaller regional carriers like Higgins represent attractive acquisition targets for companies building national or multi-regional networks.

How should supply chain teams prepare for carrier consolidation?

Monitor your preferred carrier list and contract terms. When carriers merge, review your agreements for any changes in service levels, pricing, or routes. Maintain relationships with multiple carriers to preserve competitive options and reduce dependency on any single provider.

What are the typical operational impacts after a carrier acquisition?

Acquisitions often result in systems integration, fleet rationalization, route optimization, and potential service disruptions during transition periods. Account management may shift, and pricing may be renegotiated. Some customers may see improved service through expanded networks; others may face changes in available capacity or service windows.

Why is South Carolina a strategic acquisition target for trucking companies?

South Carolina has significant port activity (Port of Charleston), manufacturing hubs, and distribution centers. A carrier with regional density in SC gains competitive advantages in handling port drayage, regional LTL, and last-mile delivery, making Higgins an attractive strategic asset for RoadOne.

Procurement

Moderate

RoadOne Acquires Higgins Transport Service in SC Consolidation

Aug 21, 2026

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The signal

RoadOne has completed an acquisition of Higgins Transport Service, a South Carolina-based carrier, marking another consolidation move within the fragmented trucking industry. This transaction reflects the ongoing trend of larger logistics operators consolidating smaller, regional carriers to expand service coverage and operational capacity. For supply chain professionals, this deal signals potential shifts in regional carrier availability and service offerings in the Southeast.

When carriers merge, shippers often experience changes in pricing, service terms, route networks, and account management. The consolidation trend in trucking has intensified as carriers seek scale advantages to offset rising fuel costs, driver shortages, and capital investment demands. The deal underscores the strategic importance of carrier partnerships for supply chain resilience.

Shippers should monitor how RoadOne integrates Higgins' operations and customer base, and assess whether their current contracts or preferred carrier relationships are affected. Regional consolidation can benefit shippers through expanded networks but may also reduce carrier options in competitive bidding scenarios.

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