LSI Acquires Five Rivers Distribution

Logistic Services Inc. (LSI) announced the acquisition of all assets of Five Rivers Distribution, LLC (Five Rivers) June 2, strengthening LSI’s inland waterways operations and expanding its presence on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.

Five Rivers operates two multimodal terminals at the ports of Van Buren and Fort Smith, Ark. The terminals provide barge, rail and truck connectivity for a diversified mix of agricultural, industrial and bulk commodities. Logistic Services Inc., a Carrix company, operates five intermodal bulk and breakbulk facilities in Arkansas and Mississippi, offering barge, rail, packaging and truck services for its customers. Through this transaction, Five Rivers’ terminals, operations and employees will be integrated into LSI. The acquisition positions LSI to continue to expand its customer-focused services while better serving its partners and the communities in which it operates.

Marty Shell, owner and president of Five Rivers, said he and all Five Rivers employees will remain as LSI team members.

“I’m looking forward to this next chapter, and we will continue doing what we’re doing, providing outstanding service to our customers on the McClellan-Kerr system, with LSI’s longer reach to help us,” he said.

Five Rivers Distribution, LLC is a stevedoring and terminal services provider. The company offers warehousing, cargo handling and multimodal logistics solutions to a broad customer base across the region.

As a second-generation port terminal operator, Shell has been associated with Five Rivers Distribution for the past 28 years, working with his father, Buck Shell, the founder of Five Rivers Distribution, for 15 of those years. Shell is a former president and current member of Arkansas Oklahoma Port Operators Association and serves on many industry bodies and committees.

Meghan Weinman, president of the Conventional Division of Carrix, the parent company of LSI, called Five Rivers an outstanding inland river operator with strong assets, deep customer relationships and a proven track record of safe, efficient operations.

“This acquisition aligns with LSI’s strategy to grow its inland rivers network, expand customer solutions and invest in assets that support longterm, sustainable growth,” she added.

Shell indicated his excitement for the future under LSI.

“We are proud of the business we’ve built at Five Rivers and are excited about what comes next as part of LSI,” he said. “LSI shares our commitment to customers, employees and the communities we serve. Joining LSI positions the business to continue growing while maintaining the operational focus and relationships that have defined Five Rivers for decades.”