Trinity Logistics Acquires Granite in 14-Year Partnership Evolution

SEAFORD, DE – January 05, 2026 – In a move that transforms a long-standing collaboration into a full-fledged integration, third-party logistics (3PL) provider Trinity Logistics has announced its complete acquisition of Granite Logistics. The deal marks the culmination of a nearly 14-year partnership, during which Granite operated as one of Trinity’s most successful Authorized Freight Agent offices.

The acquisition officially incorporates Granite’s operations into Trinity, establishing new Regional Service Centers (RSCs) in Sartell and Minneapolis, Minnesota. This strategic expansion adds approximately 135 seasoned professionals to Trinity’s roster and significantly enhances the company’s capabilities in specialized freight sectors, reflecting a broader trend of consolidation and specialization within the competitive logistics industry.

A Partnership Solidified

Unlike many corporate acquisitions that bring together unfamiliar entities, this integration is being described by company leaders as a natural evolution. Granite Logistics has worked closely within Trinity’s network for almost a decade and a half, building a business that was deeply aligned with Trinity's operational ethos and values. This history of synergy is positioned as the core strength of the transition.

"This is an exciting new chapter for both Trinity and Granite," said Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics, in a statement. "Granite is known for their deep industry knowledge and commitment to doing right by their Shipper and Carrier relationships. We're thrilled to welcome their incredible Team officially into the Trinity family."

The sentiment was echoed by Granite’s leadership, who framed the move not as a change in identity, but as an opportunity for growth. "After nearly 14 years of working alongside Trinity as a Freight Agent office, this next step feels like a natural evolution," stated Pat Lynch, co-owner of Granite Logistics. "We've always shared similar values with Trinity – serving our Customer and Carrier relationships with integrity, respect, and excellence. This move simply gives us more support to do that even better."

This deep-rooted cultural alignment is a critical factor in an industry where M&A success often hinges on smooth operational and cultural integration. Greg Massey, Senior Vice President of Agent Development at Trinity, noted that Granite has been one of their "most successful and respected Agent partners," building a team and culture that "aligns perfectly with Trinity's."

Bolstering Specialized Freight Prowess

The acquisition is more than just a geographic expansion; it represents a significant enhancement of Trinity's service portfolio. Granite Logistics has carved out a strong reputation for its expertise in complex and high-value freight segments, including flatbed, over-dimensional, and heavy haul transportation. These services are critical for industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing, which require the movement of large machinery, building materials, and equipment that do not fit in a standard enclosed trailer.

By fully integrating Granite’s expertise, Trinity, a company already recognized by Transport Topics as a Top 25 freight brokerage, strengthens its ability to compete for and execute these specialized logistics projects. The demand for such services remains robust, and providers with proven capabilities can command higher margins and build stickier customer relationships. This move allows Trinity to offer a more comprehensive, one-stop solution to shippers with diverse and complex needs, from standard less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments to permitted, multi-state heavy haul projects.

The integration of Granite’s specialized teams ensures that this deep knowledge base is not lost but is instead amplified by Trinity’s larger network, technology platform, and resources. This is a classic example of a strategic acquisition designed to capture a valuable market niche, a common strategy in the increasingly consolidated 3PL landscape.

Consolidation and Growth in a Dynamic Market

Trinity’s acquisition of Granite reflects a powerful trend sweeping the global logistics industry: consolidation. The 3PL market remains highly fragmented, with thousands of providers. In recent years, larger players have been actively acquiring smaller, specialized, or regional firms to achieve economies of scale, expand their geographic footprint, and broaden their service offerings. After a slowdown in M&A activity, the market has seen a rebound, with companies seeking to strengthen their competitive positions.

Acquisitions like this one allow companies to instantly gain market share, technology, and—most importantly—talent and established customer relationships that would take years to build organically. By acquiring Granite, Trinity not only expands its physical presence into the key Midwest logistics hub of Minnesota but also absorbs a proven, profitable business unit with a loyal customer and carrier base.

Jeff Smiens, co-owner of Granite, emphasized this focus on continuity. "This isn't about changing who we are," he commented. "It's about growing and expanding what we can offer our relationships. Our Customer, Carrier, and Team Member relationships will see the same faces, talk to the same people they've always known. Now, we'll just be a closer part of a larger, nationwide brand."

A People-Centric Expansion into Minnesota

Central to the messaging around the acquisition is Trinity's commitment to its "People-Centric Freight Solutions®" model. The integration of approximately 135 Granite team members is being handled with a focus on stability. Both the Sartell and Minneapolis offices will continue their operations without interruption, and the existing leadership team, including Paul Nelson as SVP of Strategic Development, will remain in place to guide the new RSCs.

This approach aims to mitigate the disruption and uncertainty that often accompany mergers. By retaining the very people who built Granite’s success, Trinity ensures that the expertise and relationships that made the company an attractive acquisition target are preserved. For customers and carriers, this means the transition is expected to be seamless, with no interruption in service quality or changes in their primary points of contact.

The expansion provides Trinity, a Burris Logistics Company, a stronger foothold in the Upper Midwest, a vital economic region. The move positions the company to better compete with other national and regional 3PLs operating in the area. By adding a team with deep local and specialized market knowledge, Trinity is not just planting a flag but is embedding itself into the regional logistics fabric. The move positions Trinity to better serve a wider array of industries, solidifying its role as a comprehensive logistics partner prepared for the complex demands of modern North American supply chains.