Seko Logistics acquires customs brokerage

Third-party logistics (3PL) provider Seko Logistics said today it has acquired the Chicago-based forwarder and compliance specialist GoodShip International Inc. in a move to expand its global footprint, establish more strategic partnerships, and make strategic acquisitions.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The purchase is the first full acquisition of another independent freight forwarding specialist in Seko's 42-year history, the Itasca, Ill.-based company said.

SEKO Logistics kicks-off a 'transformative year' in 2019 by acquiring Chicago-based forwarder and compliance specialists, GoodShip International https://t.co/MnP99nch1L pic.twitter.com/ef9de56jqw

— SEKO Logistics (@SEKO_Logistics) January 3, 2019

However, Seko has made several other recent moves to grow its global supply chain solutions business. In the last 12 months, the firm has:

• expanded into Mexico with new locations in Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, McAllen/Reynosa, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toluca, and Queretaro
• announced a strategic partnership with Hermes Germany, one of the largest players on the European parcel and 2-man-handling market, and
• acquired a majority shareholding in SEKO's longstanding strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics to grow its e-commerce and technology solutions for retailers, pure-play etailers, marketplaces, and platforms.

Buying Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based GoodShip extends that pattern by bringing a customs brokerage and compliance consultancy into Seko's business.

GoodShip provides customs brokerage, compliance, and air and ocean freight solutions with emphasis on Trans-Pacific Eastbound cargo movements. It has clients in industries spanning aerospace, automotive, electronics, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare products, pharma and retail.

Adding the company will also build the capabilities of Seko's Chicago Gateway, which offers support to international shippers, by adding a new level of customs brokerage and compliance services, the company said. Seko plans to announce a further expansion of its Midwest operations in the second quarter.