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RPM Freight Expands Auto-Transport Footprint by Acquiring Dealers Choice Auto Transport

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 13:24 GMT by FreightWaves

RPM Freight Expands Auto‑Transport Footprint by Acquiring Dealers Choice Auto Transport

In a move that underscores the growing convergence of third‑party logistics (3PL) services and specialized vehicle‑moving operations, RPM Freight has announced the acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport (DCAT). The deal, completed in early December, brings the Texas‑based auto‑shipping firm under RPM’s umbrella, allowing the Denver‑headquartered 3PL to broaden its service offerings and extend its geographic reach across the United States.

What the Acquisition Means for RPM Freight

RPM Freight, founded in 2002, has built a reputation as a versatile, technology‑driven logistics partner for a diverse range of industries—from retail and automotive to healthcare and manufacturing. The company’s platform is centered on data‑intelligence, real‑time tracking, and a unified transportation‑management system (TMS) that gives clients end‑to‑end visibility.

“With the addition of Dealers Choice, we are solidifying our position in the automotive segment and offering dealers a single, end‑to‑end solution that spans traditional freight, dedicated transport, and vehicle‑specific logistics,” said John P. “Johnny” Thompson, RPM’s CEO. “This is a strategic extension that leverages our technology, network, and operational expertise while preserving the specialized service model that DCAT has cultivated for more than a decade.”

The purchase is valued at approximately $30 million in cash and stock, with the transaction expected to be fully accretive to RPM’s earnings per share (EPS) by the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The deal was announced on a joint press release by both companies—available on RPM’s corporate site and on the DCAT website—highlighting the complementary strengths of each organization.

The Profile of Dealers Choice Auto Transport

DCAT was founded in 2009 by former dealer logistics specialist, Michael B. Smith, and has since grown into a national network of dedicated and shared trucking operations focused exclusively on the automotive market. Its services include:

• Dealer‑to‑Dealer (D‑to‑D) transfers – moving used and new vehicles between retail locations.
• Manufacturer‑to‑Dealer (M‑to‑D) logistics – ensuring timely arrival of new stock at dealership lots.
• End‑of‑life vehicle (EOL) disposal – handling the safe transport of vehicles destined for reclamation or recycling.
• White‑glove and logistics‑consulting services – customizing transport plans based on dealer inventory cycles.

DCAT’s fleet consists of 70 trucks, ranging from 15‑ft to 40‑ft refrigerated trailers, and employs more than 120 drivers. The company operates from a network of regional hubs in the Midwest, South, and West, serving over 3,500 dealerships nationwide. Its reputation for on‑time delivery and low damage rates has made it a trusted partner for major manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Toyota.

“By joining forces with RPM, we can enhance our capabilities with additional warehousing assets and a broader transportation network, while still preserving the dealer‑centric culture that defines DCAT,” said Smith in a statement released on the DCAT website. “The synergy will allow us to provide a more comprehensive, data‑driven service to our dealer partners.”

Synergies and Operational Integration

Both companies have outlined a clear integration plan that prioritizes seamless customer experience and technology alignment. Key initiatives include:

• Unified TMS – RPM’s existing platform will be extended to include DCAT’s vehicle‑specific tracking and analytics, allowing dealers to view all freight and auto‑transport activities from a single dashboard.
• Expanded Capacity – RPM’s cross‑dock and warehousing facilities will serve as additional pickup and drop‑off points for DCAT’s vehicles, enhancing route flexibility and reducing transit times.
• Cross‑Selling – RPM’s broader customer base will be introduced to DCAT’s specialized services, while DCAT’s dealers will gain access to RPM’s broader supply‑chain solutions (e.g., reverse logistics, inventory optimization).

“The integration roadmap has already been set in motion, and we expect full operational alignment by mid‑2025,” noted Thompson. “Our teams are working closely with DCAT’s operations, technology, and sales departments to ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders.”

Market Context and Future Outlook

The automotive logistics sector has seen a wave of consolidation in recent years, driven by rising demand for on‑time delivery, increased regulatory scrutiny, and the need for higher operational efficiency. According to a FreightWaves analysis (link to “Automotive Logistics Consolidation Report 2024”), 34% of U.S. vehicle‑moving companies have merged or been acquired since 2018, a trend accelerated by the pandemic‑induced supply‑chain disruptions.

RPM’s acquisition of DCAT is a strategic response to these dynamics. By combining its robust 3PL infrastructure with a specialist auto‑transport firm, RPM positions itself as a one‑stop logistics solution for dealerships and manufacturers alike. This integrated offering is expected to drive incremental revenue growth and enhance RPM’s competitive advantage in a market that increasingly values data‑rich, end‑to‑end visibility.

Industry analysts predict that the merger will accelerate RPM’s market penetration in key automotive corridors, particularly the Midwest and Southern United States, where DCAT has a strong presence. The combined entity is projected to achieve an average fill rate of 98% for vehicle shipments—a significant improvement over the industry average of 94%.

Closing Remarks

The partnership between RPM Freight and Dealers Choice Auto Transport represents a forward‑looking strategy that blends scale with specialization. By leveraging RPM’s technology platform and DCAT’s dealer‑centric expertise, the new entity is poised to deliver unparalleled service levels, cost efficiency, and data transparency to automotive logistics stakeholders across the country.

As the deal moves toward finalization, stakeholders will watch closely to see how the integration unfolds, particularly how the technology platforms mesh and how dealer partners benefit from the expanded service footprint. If the synergy promised by both parties materializes, the acquisition could set a new benchmark for integrated automotive logistics solutions in the United States.