FORT SASKATCHEWAN, Alta. -- Who says small trucking fleets aren't participating in the economic recovery?

Surly not Ashton Transport, a 14-truck, nine-owner-op flatbed carrier based in Fort Saskatchewan.

The company recently purchased the assets and operations of John Perrotta Trucking, an Edmonton-based hauler of steel between the three most western provinces.

Ashton bumps its fleet size to 28 total trucks, plus the majority of JPT owner-ops who will be making the switch over.

Paul Ringuette, operations manager at Ashton Transport, tells Today's Trucking that the acquisition was a capacity-expansion move.

"It was an asset purchase,” says Ringuette, who adds that the two companies often partnered on freight moves. "JPT approached us based on the fact that we’re a family owned business and they wanted their customers they’ve been dealing with over the last 20 years be looked after.

"We’re strong enough in our market right now that we could financially do it … and (why not) help out another smaller carrier?"

He says the deal will increase his company's customer base and strengthen its presence in Alberta and B.C.

Ringuette allows that it's difficult for small fleets to secure capital for growth in the current market, but the company had saved some cash by tightening its belt these last few years and the bank was satisfied that Ashton could ensure its revenue streams.

"Obviously you're going to have some financial assistance," he says. "In this sort of purchase you just don’t keep that kind of capital hanging around … and it’s not as easy (to get a loan) as it was a few years ago.

"The biggest thing is getting assurances from the new customers you’re absorbing."  

— Ozman Omar