���ϳԹ���

August 26, 1999 10:26 AM, EDT

A merger of Devine Intermodal of Sacramento, Calif., and Ted Peters Trucking Co. of Manteca, Calif., has created the largest company-owned intermodal trucking fleet in California, company officials said.

The two companies agreed to combine their operations Aug. 1.

Devine & Peters Intermodal will have a fleet of 250 trucks, including more than 150 company-owned tractors, and terminals in Sacramento, Manteca and San Pedro, Calif.

Both companies were formed in the early 1920s — Devine & Sons began hauling lumber and farm products, and Ted Peters began hauling milk and dairy products. For the past 25 years, however, each company has focused exclusively on hauling freight to and from ocean ports, rail terminals and airports in central and Southern California.

“The last few years, we have battled heads like the Hatfields and McCoys,” said John F. Drewes, the owner of Devine who will serve as chief executive officer of the new company.

“There are so many positives from this transaction, it’s frightening that it took so long to happen.”

Both companies serve California’s agricultural exporters that ship canned goods, forest products and dried fruit and nuts overseas. They also have contracts to haul electronic components from abroad to assembly plants throughout the region.

For the full story, see the August 23 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.