SEKO acquires Chicago-based forwarder GoodShip

Fulfilling its previously stated goal to grow its global footprint and forwarding holdings, SEKO Logistics this week purchased GoodShip – a fellow Illinois-based forwarder. Headquartered in Chicago, GoodShip’s location will underpin SEKO’s Chicago gateway – a landing pad for its international customers.

SEKO’s president and CEO, James Gagne, said that, after more than 40 years in the business, “it is time to enhance our strategy to step up to the next level by working with the right types of strategic partners and undertaking acquisitions to enhance our technology, network and capabilities.”

GoodShip focuses on customs brokerage and compliance consultancy for shippers dealing mainly in eastbound trans-Pacific air and ocean freight in aerospace, automotive, electronics, fast moving consumer goods, healthcare products, pharma and retail.

“GoodShip’s clients will now have access to the resources and expertise of a single logistics company that possesses a worldwide footprint,” including omni-channel, cross-border e-commerce, and “white glove service,” said Ryan Villiard, president of GoodShip.

SEKO has done well so far in following up on its promises to forge new partnerships to enhance its international network. In August, SEKO’s German subsidiary, SEKO Logistics GmbH, entered a partnership with parcel delivery company, Hermes Germany, to capitalize on demand for international e-commerce. One month later, the former parent company acquired a majority stake in its partner of five years, Australia-based Omni-Channel Logistics, a provider of global fulfillment and delivery management solutions.

SEKO also said plans for further expansions of its Midwest operations will be announced in the second-quarter of 2019 to underpin services at its Chicago hub.