Hirschbach completes its purchase of John Christner Trucking

The deal is done. Dubuque, Iowa-based Hirschbach Motor Lines reports it has completed of the acquisition of Sapulpa, Okla.-based refrigerated carrier John Christner Trucking. The acquisition was announced in February.

“Today officially brings together these two great originations that complement each other perfectly – like putting two puzzle pieces together,” Brad Pinchuk, CEO and owner of Hirschbach, said in a news release. “The combination of Hirschbach and JCT will provide our customers a breadth of nationwide cold supply chain transportation services.”

John Christner was a driver hauling produce from the west and chickens from the east, according to the news release. In 1986, he started the company with his name on it with two trucks, hauling the same freight he handled as a driver. His two sons, Darryl and Danny Christner later joined the business.

“Together, they built one of the nation’s largest (seventh largest refrigerated trucking company) and most respected brands in our industry,” Pinchuk said in the news release.

John Christner Trucking will continue to operate as a separate company but will be highly integrated with its parent company.

Danny Christner has joined the Iowa company as the president of John Christner Trucking.

Dan Wallace continues as the president of Hirschbach.

“Both organizations have closely aligned cultures that are driver-centric and focused on delivering best in class service to our customers,” Pinchuk said in the news release.

With the acquisition of John Christner Trucking, Hirschbach says it becomes one of the nation’s largest refrigerated carriers. The revenue from the combined companies should exceed $1 billion, according to a news release. The acquisition brings Hirschbach to more than 3,000 trucks, 5,000 trailers, and a $150 million third-party logistics operation.

Christner Trucking was facing a class-action lawsuit

John Christner Trucking was facing a driver misclassification lawsuit that was granted class action status in Feburary 2020.

More than 3,000 truck drivers were involved. Federal judges approved separate class certifications for divers in Oklahoma and California.

The lawsuit was filed in 2017. It alleges Christner Trucking misclassified leasing drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, thus violating a variety of state and federal labor laws. The lawsuit also claimed that it wasn’t uncommon for drivers to receive negative paychecks.

There were 19 causes of action listed by Land Line Media in 2018.

More business news is available on Land Line Media.