WOODSTOCK, ON. — Thinking of selling your trucking business? Then you may want to give Contrans' a call.

Conversely, if you're looking to grow your business, you can also look to Contrans'.

Contrans' recently announced Q1 net earnings of $5.3 million,up from $3.5 million a year ago.

Stan Dunford, Contrans' chairman and CEO, attributed much of that growth to a couple of recent acquisitions that added to their top line, bringing more diversity to their customer mix.

"Increased demand from customers has also contributed to revenue growth and has improved equipment utilization. Accordingly, Contrans' first quarter profit margins moved closer to the record levels established in the years just prior to the recession."

Dunford said the future of Contrans' looks good. "The prospects for continued growth are good. We have been receiving more interest from trucking entities interested in selling their businesses for a variety of reasons. In many cases, successful owner-managers have reached the age at which they wish to retire and their only practical succession plan is to sell to a third party."

Dunford noted that there are currently very few buyers in the market place, and coupled with a strong balance sheet, has positioned Contrans' to act upon acquisition opportunities. "Management is continuing to assess all opportunities in a disciplined manner," Dunford said.