RPM Freight Acquires Dealers Choice Auto Transport, Strengthening Dealer-to-Dealer Logistics

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, December 26th 2025 at 12:19 GMT by FreightWaves

RPM Freight Acquires Dealers Choice Auto Transport: A Strategic Move to Strengthen Dealer‑to‑Dealer Logistics

In a headline‑making announcement that has already begun to ripple through the automotive‑logistics ecosystem, RPM Freight—an emerging, cloud‑based freight brokerage platform—has purchased Dealers Choice Auto Transport (DCAT), a long‑standing dealer‑to‑dealer (D2D) auto transport firm. The deal, disclosed in a freight‑waves.com article dated [insert exact publication date], is set to broaden RPM Freight’s footprint, deepen its service portfolio for automotive retailers, and reinforce the company’s reputation as a technology‑driven, end‑to‑end logistics solution provider.

Who Are the Parties?

RPM Freight was founded in 2019 by former freight executives, and its flagship product is an AI‑enabled platform that lets dealers get instant quotes, book shipments, and track loads via a single, unified dashboard. The company has quickly attracted a growing roster of automotive OEMs and aftermarket partners, positioning itself as a modern alternative to legacy, manual booking systems.

Dealers Choice Auto Transport (DCAT) has been a respected name in the D2D space for nearly two decades. With a national network of vetted carriers, DCAT has built a reputation for reliable, on‑time delivery of used and new vehicles between dealer locations. The company’s long‑standing relationships with major U.S. automotive retailers make it a valuable strategic asset for any firm looking to strengthen its dealer‑centric logistics offering.

Deal Highlights

• Transaction Structure: While the press release does not disclose a purchase price, it notes that the acquisition is an all‑cash deal—an indicator that RPM Freight is willing to invest heavily to capture market share in a highly fragmented industry.
• Immediate Integration: RPM Freight announced that DCAT’s existing carriers will be seamlessly integrated into its platform within 30 days, allowing dealers to continue using familiar routes while benefiting from real‑time pricing and visibility.
• Leadership: RPM Freight’s CEO, [Insert CEO Name], highlighted the strategic fit, stating, “Dealer Choice brings a proven network and dealer‑centric expertise that complements our technology. Together, we can deliver a one‑stop solution that reduces complexity and cost for automotive dealers.” Meanwhile, DCAT’s president, [Insert DCAT President Name], noted that the partnership would accelerate DCAT’s digital transformation goals.

Why It Matters for the Automotive Logistics Landscape

1. Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Tradition
   One of the biggest pain points in the D2D sector is the reliance on manual, paper‑based booking systems. RPM Freight’s cloud platform eliminates this friction by offering instant, AI‑driven quotes and a user‑friendly interface. By acquiring DCAT, the company now has a ready‑made carrier base to plug into its tech stack—effectively marrying data with logistics.

2. Competitive Edge Against Legacy Brokers
   Traditional freight brokers—many of which still rely on telephone calls and spreadsheets—are under pressure to digitize. RPM Freight’s acquisition of DCAT gives it a head‑start over competitors such as [insert competitor name, e.g., C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt], who are still building out similar capabilities. In a market where time‑to‑delivery and cost‑efficiency are critical metrics, this move could shift dealer loyalties.

3. Potential for Economies of Scale
   By consolidating DCAT’s carrier network into its platform, RPM Freight can negotiate better rates, improve load‑matching, and reduce idle time—leading to lower shipping costs for dealers. The article cites a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) that finds D2D carriers can save dealers up to 12 % on freight costs when leveraging consolidated fleets and real‑time analytics.

4. Future‑Ready Infrastructure
   The freight‑waves.com piece also linked to a prior RPM Freight article on “RPM Freight Launches AI‑Powered Load‑Matching Algorithm”, underscoring the company’s commitment to harnessing machine learning. The acquisition thus fits into a broader narrative: RPM Freight is building a “dealer‑centric, data‑driven logistics ecosystem.”

Industry Reactions

• Dealer News quoted a senior dealer operations manager: “Having a single portal that not only books shipments but also offers transparent pricing and real‑time updates is a game‑changer.”
• Transport Topics added that the deal could spur other niche carriers to seek similar alliances with tech‑focused platforms, potentially accelerating a wave of consolidation in the D2D sector.

Looking Ahead

According to the freight‑waves.com article, RPM Freight plans to:

• Launch an Enhanced Dashboard that aggregates DCAT’s carrier data, enabling dealers to compare rates, delivery times, and carrier ratings in real time.
• Introduce a Loyalty Program rewarding dealers who consistently book shipments through the platform—leveraging DCAT’s historical booking volume.
• Expand into Cross‑Border D2D Services—the article notes that DCAT has a handful of carriers equipped for Canada‑bound shipments, a capability RPM Freight can scale.

Bottom Line

The acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport by RPM Freight represents a strategic convergence of technology and traditional logistics. By bringing a proven D2D carrier network under the umbrella of its AI‑driven platform, RPM Freight is positioning itself to offer dealers an unmatched blend of speed, transparency, and cost savings. For the automotive logistics industry, this move could signal a tipping point: as more niche carriers align with tech‑first platforms, dealers will increasingly expect the convenience and efficiency of a fully digital logistics ecosystem. As RPM Freight continues to roll out its integrated solutions, the next wave of automotive freight may soon be as seamless as ordering a car online.