Pilot Freight Services, a worldwide provider of transportation and logistics services, announced that its station in Portland, OR is now being managed by the franchise group that also runs Pilot's stations in Seattle, WA, Spokane, WA. and Boise, Idaho. The joining of these stations under regional franchise owner Patrick Allen positions Pilot as a stronger, more cohesive force in the Pacific Northwest.

"The marriage of the complementary strengths of these stations, including international and home delivery, really solidifies our position in the Northwest," said Richard Phillips, chief executive officer of Pilot. "I believe that all four stations will benefit from this move, and I look forward to seeing Pilot grow even stronger in this region."

In addition to taking over Portland, Pilot Seattle recently acquired Express Northwest, a perishables freight forwarder with offices in Seattle and Portland. This purchase gives Pilot, which already exports large volumes of cherries from Seattle, a major foothold in the perishables market.

"I'm very excited about these changes," said Allen. "We have a great infrastructure in place in the region, which will only be made stronger by the addition of the Portland station and the acquisition of Express Northwest. I expect to see new customers and new markets opened up to us in the immediate future."