RPM Acquires Dealers Choice, Merging Tech Scale with Luxury Auto Transport

RPM Acquires Dealers Choice, Merging Tech Scale with Luxury Auto Transport

RPM's strategic acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport signals a major shift, combining enterprise logistics tech with white-glove specialty service.

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RPM Acquires Dealers Choice, Merging Tech Scale with Luxury Auto Transport

By George Flores

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – December 18, 2025 – In a significant move set to reshape the vehicle logistics landscape, RPM Freight Systems, LLC has announced its acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport. The deal strategically unites RPM's formidable technology platform and expansive network with the specialized, high-touch service for which Dealers Choice is renowned in the luxury and exotic vehicle market. This merger promises to deliver a new class of service, blending enterprise-level efficiency with the meticulous care required for high-value automotive assets.

The acquisition combines two industry leaders, aiming to bridge the gap between large-scale, automated logistics and the nuanced demands of dealership-to-dealership, auction, and personal vehicle moves. For customers, the integration signals faster, more transparent, and higher-quality transport solutions, whether for a fleet of new vehicles or a single classic car.

A Strategic Consolidation Fueled by Growth

The acquisition is a calculated step in RPM's aggressive growth trajectory, heavily backed by private equity firms Trive Capital and Bluejay Capital, which invested in the company in June 2024. With 2023 gross revenues of $480 million and a ranking among the top 100 logistics companies in North America, RPM has demonstrated a capacity for rapid expansion, including a 65% growth surge in 2022 alone. This latest move solidifies its ambition to become a comprehensive, full-service logistics provider covering the entire vehicle lifecycle.

Trive Capital, a Dallas-based firm managing over $8 billion in assets, focuses on middle-market companies with potential for "transformational upside." Their support underscores a broader strategy of consolidating the fragmented auto-hauling sector. "The acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport further solidifies RPM's position as a comprehensive, full-service logistics platform for the entire vehicle lifecycle," commented Andrew Frank, Partner at Trive Capital. "Trive is excited to continue supporting RPM as they continue to accelerate their leadership in the vehicle logistics industry."

This private equity backing enables RPM to not only acquire key players like Dealers Choice but also to heavily invest in its technology and operational infrastructure, aiming to capture a larger share of a market ripe for modernization.

Bridging Enterprise Tech with White-Glove Service

At the heart of this merger is the fusion of two distinct but complementary strengths. RPM has built its reputation on a proprietary, custom-engineered technology stack. Leveraging platforms like Turvo's Transportation Management System (TMS) and its own RPM Drive app, the company automates and digitizes the shipping process, offering clients unprecedented end-to-end visibility and data-driven optimization. This tech-first approach has been a key differentiator in the broader logistics market.

In contrast, Dealers Choice Auto Transport has carved out its niche over two decades by providing "white glove" VIP service for high-line exotics, classic cars, and luxury dealership groups. With a strong reputation for reliability and meticulous handling, the Florida-based broker has become a trusted partner for clients who demand more than just transportation—they require careful stewardship of valuable and often irreplaceable vehicles.

The integration will see RPM's enterprise-grade technology deployed across Dealers Choice's specialized network. For dealerships and private owners accustomed to personalized service, this means gaining access to the real-time tracking, digital documentation, and predictive analytics that have historically been the domain of large-scale commercial freight, all without sacrificing the personal touch.

"Joining RPM is a fantastic opportunity for our team and our customers after more than 20 years of service," said Steven Yariv, President & CEO of Dealers Choice. "Our deep roots in the exotic luxury dealership community and our focus on reliable, on-time delivery align perfectly with RPM's values. Together, we will be able to offer an even more powerful set of tools and a broader network."

Enhancing Capacity and the Customer Experience

A key promise of the acquisition is operational continuity paired with enhanced capability. Dealers Choice Auto Transport will continue to operate under its well-established brand, and customers have been assured that their day-to-day contacts and service commitments will remain unchanged. This strategy aims to preserve the strong customer relationships and brand equity that Dealers Choice has built over 20 years.

Behind the scenes, however, the synergy is expected to yield significant benefits. The combined entity will boast a larger, more flexible carrier network, providing increased nationwide capacity. This is particularly crucial for managing the seasonal and cyclical demands of the automotive market.

"This combination will allow us to provide enhanced reliability and capacity during peak seasons, snowbird periods, and high-demand auction cycles," stated John Perkovioch, President of RPM North America. Highlighting the distinct expertise each company brings, Perkovioch noted that while RPM "moves metal," Dealers Choice "moves art." He added, "We are thrilled to have the support of Trive Capital and BlueJay Capital in welcoming Dealers Choice Auto Transport to the RPM team. We believe 2026 is going to be our biggest year yet."

For clients of both companies, this translates into a single, trusted partner capable of handling a diverse portfolio of logistics needs, from high-volume OEM shipments to single, specialized exotic car moves, with greater efficiency and reliability.

Reshaping a Niche Market Through Integration

This acquisition reflects a powerful trend within the logistics industry: the integration of specialized, niche services into larger, tech-driven platforms. The vehicle transport sector, particularly for finished vehicles, has historically lagged behind other freight categories in automation and digital visibility. RPM's strategy directly confronts this gap, using technology not just for efficiency but as a tool to transform service delivery in specialized markets.

By acquiring Dealers Choice, RPM gains immediate, deep-seated expertise and credibility in the high-value vehicle segment. In turn, it provides Dealers Choice with the scale, technological backbone, and capital investment needed to enhance its service offering and compete on a larger stage. This model of combining specialized knowledge with scalable solutions could set a new benchmark for the luxury auto transport industry, pushing competitors to adopt similar integrated strategies. The move positions the combined entity to better navigate industry-wide challenges like labor shortages and fluctuating demand by creating a more resilient and agile operational network. As the automotive world moves toward greater connectivity and digital transformation, this merger of high-tech and high-touch logistics appears to be a forward-looking step in defining the future of vehicle mobility.

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