RoadOne Strengthens Charleston Intermodal Presence with Higgins Transport Acquisition

## RoadOne Expands Port of Charleston Operations via Acquisition RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has bolstered its presence at the Port of Charleston through the acquisition of Higgins Transport Service, a drayage specialist with established operations in Charleston, South Carolina, according to FreightWaves. The move represents a strategic expansion of RoadOne's intermodal network along the US East Coast, where the Port of Charleston has emerged as a critical gateway for containerised cargo. Charleston has seen sustained volume growth in recent years, driven in part by supply chain diversification efforts by shippers seeking alternatives to congested West Coast ports. ### Strategic Significance Drayage capacity — the short-haul trucking that connects port terminals to rail yards, warehouses, and distribution centres — is a key bottleneck in intermodal logistics. By absorbing an established local operator like Higgins Transport Service, RoadOne gains immediate access to existing customer relationships, equipment, and operational expertise in the Charleston market. RoadOne IntermodaLogistics operates one of the largest intermodal drayage networks in North America, and acquisitions of regional carriers have been a consistent element of its growth strategy. The Higgins deal follows a broader industry trend of consolidation among drayage providers as shippers demand more integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions. ### Port of Charleston Context The South Carolina Ports Authority has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades at Charleston in recent years, including expanded container handling capacity at the Wando Welch and Hugh K. Leatherman terminals. These investments have positioned Charleston as a competitive alternative to larger East Coast hubs, attracting increased liner service calls and cargo volumes. For logistics providers, a stronger presence at Charleston offers the ability to capture freight flows tied to the region's growing manufacturing and distribution base, including automotive, e-commerce, and retail supply chains. Financial terms of the Higgins Transport Service acquisition were not disclosed. Industry observers will be watching whether RoadOne pursues further bolt-on acquisitions at other East Coast port markets as competition for intermodal drayage contracts intensifies. *Source: FreightWaves*