The Carson, CA-based freight forwarder and logistics provider was acquired by Mainfreight in November of last year and increasingly is being integrated into the New Zealand company's worldwide logistics operation.
"The name change tells our thousands of customers and friends in the logistics industry that under the Mainfreight name, the same high standards of service will apply," stated Chris Coppersmith, President & CEO. "Whatever mode of transport; air, ocean or surface, we will continue to provide swift, reliable service to our customers' freight."
Coppersmith added that "after operating in the US and abroad for the past thirty eight years as Target Logistic Services, we are proud of our legacy of dedicated service to our customers." He noted the freight forwarder opened its doors in 1970 with zero revenues and one office. "We have grown into a $200 million company with facilities in 38 US cities and a network of subsidiaries and agents in 80 nations."
"In our new role as part of the Mainfreight worldwide team, we now can offer a greater variety of services, combined with competitive rates, that will enable us to become an even stronger presence in global logistics," stated Coppersmith.
He noted that Mainfreight is one of the largest transportation companies in New Zealand with offices throughout Asia and the South Pacific. The company has some 3,000 employees and $1 billion (NZ) in annual revenues. "We will be offering superior logistic services around the world," Coppersmith emphasized.
Coppersmith cautioned, however, that airfreight and the entire transportation industry face immediate, formidable challenges. "While the long term outlook is very positive for the international logistics industry with sustained growth predicted, the current situation poses a number of serious threats," he continued. "The sky high price of jet and bunker fuel, the slowdown in the US and the economies of many of our trading partners, overcapacity on many routes and extremely fierce competition combine to make the present cargo environment a difficult one."
Coppersmith is confident, however, that with the dedicated efforts of company personnel aided by the marketing and financial resources of parent Mainfreight, the US-based division will continue its pattern of sustained, profitable growth. "As part of the Mainfreight worldwide team, we are in a much stronger position than before the acquisition in November of 2007," Coppersmith concluded.
