Pacer International
 | |
| Industry | Intermodal (53’ containers) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Divisional headquarters: Dublin, Ohio, United States |
Key people | Paul V. Smith, President–Intermodal Services |
| Services | Domestic Intermodal, Cross-border Mexico Intermodal, Drayage |
| Parent | STG Logistics 2022–present XPO, Inc. 2014–2022 |
| Website | www.pacer.com |
Pacer International, also referred to as Pacer Stacktrain, was a leading provider of intermodal transportation services across North America. Between 2014 and 2022, it operated under the ownership of XPO, Inc. (NYSE: XPO), before being acquired by STG Logistics. Pacer managed one of the continent’s most expansive double-stack intermodal networks, offering connectivity to more than 40,000 miles of rail routes and collaborating extensively with independent drayage carriers nationwide.
The March 31, 2014 acquisition by XPO positioned the company as the third largest intermodal services provider in North America and the foremost in cross-border Mexico intermodal operations. Pacer’s business was subsequently merged into XPO’s comprehensive logistics offerings, which encompass truck brokerage, intermodal transport, expedited shipping, last mile delivery, contract logistics, freight forwarding, less-than-truckload brokerage, and managed transportation solutions.
Company history
- 1984: Don Orris developed the first cost-efficient double-stack rail network servicing the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, transforming domestic freight transport. He later established Pacer International.
- 1997: Don Orris founded Pacer International through the acquisition of fourteen small to mid-sized firms specializing in transportation, third-party logistics, intermodal marketing, drayage, and ocean freight.
- 1999: The company expanded by acquiring APL Stacktrain, which was operated under the name Pacer Stacktrain.
- 2001: Brokerage services were unified under Pacer Global Logistics; this division was renamed Pacer Transportation Solutions in 2008.
- 2002: Ajay Amlani joined the firm to oversee strategic initiatives and lead the initial public offering; Pacer became publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker PACR.
- 2006: Michael E. Uremovich was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
- 2008:
- Significantly broadened its intermodal network through new BNSF Railway service routes.
- Initiated expansion into truck brokerage and highway transportation services.
- 2009: Daniel W. Avramovich took over as Chairman and CEO.
- 2014: XPO completed its acquisition of Pacer International; Paul Smith was named President of Intermodal Operations.
Operating structure
Pacer’s former intermodal operations have since been incorporated into XPO, Inc.’s freight brokerage division.