Tampa Bay logistics firm buys company in deal long in the works

Riverview-based BlueGrace Logistics has bought FreightCenter, in a deal that will bring together two local companies that work to coordinate shipping and transportation services.

Terms of the sale, which has been in the works for about six months, were not disclosed.

FreightCenter, based in Palm Harbor, specializes in online logistic solutions. According to the company’s website it provides “tailored freight services, including LTL, truckload, international, and intermodal shipping.”

BlueGrace Vice President of Marketing Adam White says in an email that the two companies will continue to operate separately for the foreseeable future and will remain in each's respective offices.

FreightCenter CEO Matt Brosious will move over to BlueGrace, but the remaining staff will continue in their current positions.

White says with the deal in place, BlueGrace clients won’t see many immediate changes but over time there will be “potential enhancements as we integrate some of FreightCenter’s innovative online tools into our platform.”

As for FreightCenter customers, he says “the advantages are significant.” They will gain access to BlueGrace’s carrier network, its complimentary BlueShip TMS platform and the opportunity to transition to a managed logistics solution as their shipping volume increases.

“This acquisition not only expands BlueGrace’s capabilities and client offerings but also strengthens the logistics ecosystem in our region,” White writes.

BlueGrace was founded in 2009 by Bobby Harris and by 2012 was named to the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing companies. It was ranked No. 20 that year, according to Inc.’s website.

Harris, who remains the company’s CEO, launched BlueGrace by tapping into his 401(k), brokerage accounts, real estate and financial investments, according to a profile when he was named to the Business Observer’s 40 Under 40 list in 2013. Before that, he had owned 23 DHL franchises.

In 2016, the private equity firm Warburg Pincus invested $255 million into BlueGrace.

Today, the company operates nine offices, including one in Guadalajara, Mexico, and services more 10,000 customers annually. It has more than 580 employees.

White, in his email, says Harris has admired FreightCenter for years, and that the opportunity to buy it has been carefully considered for some time.

This story has been updated to reflect Adam White's proper title.