A. Duie Pyle and Dayton Freight herald rollout of a new strategic state overlap partnership

Westchester, Penn.-based freight transportation and supply chain services provider A. Duie Pyle and Dayton, Ohio-based less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier Dayton Freight recently rolled out plans focused on expanding their geographical footprints—as part of a “strategic state overlap” partnership between the carriers.

Pyle said that it is expanding its geographic footprint West, in the form of direct next-day service to all of Ohio, with Dayton heading East and expanding its next-day coverage into Pennsylvania.

The relationship between the carriers goes back to 2003, when they initially exchanged shipments at Pyle’s Streetsboro, Ohio service center and Dayton’s Cleveland-based facility, the companies said, adding that this operational arrangement has been a proven success over the years, and enabled the companies to offer two-day shipping access across the Midwest and Northeast.

A. Duie Pyle COO of LTL Solutions John Luciani provided LM with a detailed overview of the partnership in a Q&A below.

LM: What drove the need for A. Duie Pyle and Dayton Freight to expand their geographic footprints? How long had it been planned or in the works?

Luciani: Both A. Duie Pyle and Dayton Freight faced a competitive service disadvantage in overnight markets within the neighboring states they served. Previously, Pyle could only offer second-day service into much of Ohio, while Dayton Freight had the same limitation for shipments into Pennsylvania. To meet evolving market demands and maintain the high level of service customers expected, both companies recognized the need for a more efficient solution.

Over the past year, owners and leadership teams from both companies collaborated to develop a reliable, cost-effective strategy to enhance service capabilities. Through this engagement, it became increasingly clear that the most effective way to achieve their service and cost goals was to expand further into each other’s core territories.

As a result, Pyle will open three new service centers in Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati, strengthening its ability to provide direct overnight service into Ohio. Previously, shipments moving into Ohio and further into the Midwest relied on a transfer at Pyle’s Cleveland facility, where Dayton Freight would take over. While this partnership was effective, shifting market demands underscored the necessity for direct expansion.

After a year of planning and collaboration, this strategic expansion ensures that both companies can now offer overnight service in and out of each other’s networks, providing customers with greater efficiency and reliability.

LM: What are the main benefits of this announcement for the companies' shipper customers?

Luciani: For A. Duie Pyle customers, the key benefit is the expanded direct service offering from its existing network into Ohio. With the addition of three new service centers in Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati, Pyle will now provide direct overnight service between Ohio and key states in the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

This expansion, along with Dayton Freight’s continued service into Pennsylvania, allows both companies to offer shippers faster delivery times and more efficient operations. Customers benefit from a more seamless shipping experience, as direct service minimizes handling. With fewer touchpoints, improved freight density, and faster transit times, this strategic move enhances overall supply chain efficiency between the Northeast and Midwest.

LM:  Are there plans for future expansion initiatives between A. Duie Pyle and Dayton Freight?

Luciani: This expansion, along with Dayton Freight’s continued service into Pennsylvania, allows both companies to offer shippers faster delivery times and more efficient operations. Customers benefit from a more seamless shipping experience, as direct service eliminates the need for interlining, reducing multiple pro numbers and minimizing handling. With fewer touchpoints, improved freight density and faster transit times, this strategic move enhances overall supply chain efficiency between the Northeast and Midwest.