Werner Enterprises, Inc. announced today it has purchased Baylor Trucking, Inc.

Founded in 1946 and based in Milan, Indiana, Baylor operates 200 trucks and 980 trailers in the east-central and south-central U.S.

“Baylor, with its highly-skilled professional drivers and non-driver associates, further strengthens our portfolio with their exceptional service and stellar reputation,” said Derek Leathers, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “I have known Cari Baylor for many years and I have tremendous respect for what Cari, her family, and her leadership team have created at Baylor. This acquisition delivers on our Werner DRIVE strategy and will position us for further growth.”

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A statement from Werner said Baylor’s leadership, including President Cari Baylor, drivers, and non-driver associates will remain in place, and said it is retaining the Baylor brand to ensure smooth integration and high driver retention. Werner also said the acquisition increases Werner’s fleet size by 2.4%

“Both Werner and Baylor believe deeply that our professional drivers are the backbone of our companies,” said Leathers. “Both companies were founded by their first driver. We look forward to welcoming the Baylor team and working together to create additional value for our customers and shareholders.”

According to Werner’s statement, Baylor will operate as a standalone business unit within Werner.

“I have admired and respected Werner for a long time as an industry leader,” said Cari Baylor. “We are extremely excited to join the Werner team and look forward to continued growth as we leverage the strengths of Baylor and Werner to serve our existing and new customers at even higher levels. We will stand by our customers and continue to provide them with the superior service they expect from Baylor.”