Heniff Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 71) on Wednesday acquired tank truck operator Coal City Cob (CCC), accelerating the Oak Brook, Illinois-based carrier’s growth in the chemical space. Terms were not disclosed.

With more than 230 drivers and 500 trailers, CCC operates a nationwide network of terminals, including a significant rail-to-truck bulk transfer yard and tank wash facility at its headquarters in Waxahachie, Texas. 

Heniff Transportation Systems Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bob Heniff said he was “pleased” to welcome a one-time competitor and a second generation, family-owned company into the fold. 

“I’ve been friends and a competitor with the Cloonen family for many, many years and this combination now allows us to work together as partners,” he said. “Given the complementary nature of the two operations, we believe strongly that this combination will create value for all our stakeholders and offer real service enhancements to our respective customers.”

Heniff operates one of the largest asset-based bulk hauling networks in North America with approximately 2,000 tractors and 5,000 trailers, and CCC President Alan Goldstein expressed his excitement to join the Heniff team “and improve our abilities to provide our customers with creative solutions and excellent service,” he said. “Of equal importance, I believe our existing drivers will discover meaningful economic opportunities by gaining access to Heniff’s expansive footprint and uniquely diversified service offerings.”

There have been 25 deals among CCJ‘s Top 250 for-hire carriers since the beginning of June, and 31 Top 250 fleets have struck 33 deals this year. Heniff most recently acquired the foodgrade hauling business of Jasa Transit through its Carry Transit division last year.