Imagine running an e-commerce platform where efficient and reliable product delivery determines your competitive edge. In the fast-moving consumer goods, packaging, and industrial sectors, speed and accuracy are particularly crucial. A new player has emerged that claims to address these pressing logistics challenges.
Ascend, a newly launched trucking company headquartered in Atlanta, has officially entered the US transportation market with a focus on dry van truckload services. The company targets shippers in consumer goods, packaging, and industrial supply chains that require rapid regional transportation with high service quality standards.
Strategic Merger Forms Foundation
Ascend's creation stems from the merger and integration of Milan Supply Chain Solutions (Jackson, Tennessee) and J&B Services (Pontotoc, Mississippi). Milan acquired J&B in October 2018, combining their operations that served lighting, furniture, food, and automotive industries with a fleet of over 400 drivers.
The combined entity receives financial backing from middle-market private equity firm Wellspring, providing capital for strategic growth initiatives.
Seasoned Leadership Team
Michael McLary, a 30-year logistics veteran with executive experience at UPS and Amazon, leads Ascend as CEO. The management team benefits from advisory support by a board with collective experience exceeding 150 years from UPS, FedEx, and Amazon.
"We identified market needs and formed Ascend through this strategic merger," McLary explained. "With Wellspring's support, we aim to address middle-market demands, driver shortages, and evolving consumer behaviors by transforming regional trucking through technology, density building, and driver-friendly policies."
Operational Focus and Differentiation
Ascend positions itself as a reliable regional dry van specialist, currently operating 775 tractors and 2,270 trailers with 1,200 company drivers. The company emphasizes technology-driven route optimization and driver-centric policies to improve efficiency and work-life balance.
"Our technology enables better route planning and freight volume forecasting," McLary noted. "This reduces empty miles while creating employment opportunities. Drivers remain our most valuable asset - we've designed operations around their lifestyle needs, including home-time optimized routing."
Market Context and Growth Plans
The company enters a competitive trucking market facing persistent capacity constraints. Wellspring partner Naishadh Lalwani stated: "Ascend's leadership designed the business to address current market realities - driver shortages and supply chain complexity as shippers navigate rising consumer expectations."
Ascend's emergence provides shippers with additional transportation options while offering drivers competitive compensation and improved scheduling. The company's ability to execute its growth strategy in the challenging freight environment remains to be tested as it works to establish its market position.