- KAG acquires MC Tank and unlocks turnkey ISO tank servicesโsee how three new depots reshape chemical supply chains.
- A 775-asset fleet integration strategy slashes empty miles by 7 % while boosting capacity for high-hazmat lanes.
- Discover why this positive 2025 power move positions KAG ahead of rivals in tank truck logistics and intermodal reach.
Discover how KAGโs acquisition of MC Tank in 2025 reshapes chemical logistics with expanded ISO tank services, terminals, and fleet capacity. In a major chemical logistics acquisition, the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) โ North Americaโs largest tank truck transporter โ visit our Kenan Advantage archive – acquires MC Tank Transport (MC Tank) to expand its bulk chemical trucking reach. Announced in March 2025, this strategic deal adds approximately 775 assets (including drivers and equipment) to KAGโs operations, markedly boosting its tank truck expansion efforts.
The move positions KAG to offer broader hazmat transport services and integrated solutions by combining MC Tankโs strengths in liquid bulk and ISO container transport with KAGโs nationwide network. The result is a consolidated fleet and terminal network that reshapes the U.S. chemical logistics landscape with greater capacity, coverage, and capabilities.ย Browse our full acquisitions coverage to see how consolidation is reshaping bulk logistics.ย
Deal Overview: KAG Acquires MC Tank to Expand Chemical Logistics
Kenan Advantage Group tanker trailers parked in a yard. The MC Tank acquisition expands KAGโs fleet by about 100 tractors and 500 tank trailers, strengthening its capacity in bulk chemical transport.
KAGโs acquisition of MC Tank Transport was officially announced on March 31 2025, marking a significant expansion of KAGโs chemical logistics portfolio.โฆ
โThis acquisition marks a key milestone in KAGโs continued growth and solidifies our commitment to delivering innovative, specialized solutions to our chemical customers,โ
The deal adds 775 assets to KAGโs fleet in a single stroke.
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Stay InformedBy combining MC Tankโs strengths โ namely its regional presence, ISO container expertise, and specialized chemical handling โ with KAGโs existing nationwide network, KAG can offer a more comprehensive suite of services.โฆ
โKAG is the perfect partner to provide M.C. Tank with the resources and know-how to expand our footprint, capabilities, technology, and services,โ
โฆAnderson expressed excitement for MC Tankโs team to join the KAG organization, indicating a positive outlook on integration and future growth.โฆ
Explore ongoing developments in chemical transportation that include liquid bulk chemical hauling. Get more insights into the tank-transport sector ISO intermodal containers.
Key acquisition facts and assets gained by KAG include:
- Experienced Drivers: Approximately 175 professional drivers from MC Tank are joining KAGโs team, all trained in handling hazardous bulk liquids. KAG will also absorb about 70 operational and administrative staff, preserving MC Tankโs human capital and expertise.
- Fleet Equipment: KAGโs fleet grows with 100 additional tractors (power units) and 500 tank trailers/chassis acquired from MC Tank. This fleet consolidation bolsters KAGโs capacity in bulk chemical trucking and ISO container movements.
- Terminals & Depots: MC Tankโs eight truck terminals and three ISO container depots in the Midwest and Southeast are integrated into KAGโs terminal network. These facilities, including locations near major ports (Houston, Charleston, Savannah), extend KAGโs geographic reach and provide new hubs for staging and maintenance of equipment.
- Specialized Services: MC Tank brings expertise in ISO tank services โ including container storage, heating/steaming, washing, and maintenance at its depots โ which KAG can now offer to its customers. Both companies specialize in transporting hazardous chemicals (hazmat) safely, so KAGโs hazmat transport services portfolio is enhanced with additional capacity and intermodal capabilities.
For best practices in handling hazardous materials, see our hazmat logistics hub.
Acquisition Highlights | Details |
---|---|
Terminals Added (Midwest & Southeast) | 8 terminal locations integrated into KAGโs network |
ISO Tank Depots (Intermodal Facilities) | 3 depots for container storage/maintenance (in Houston, Charleston, Savannah) |
Fleet Expansion | +100 tractors and +500 trailers/chassis added to KAGโs fleet of tank trailers |
Personnel Onboarded | ~175 drivers and 70 staff joining KAG (combined ~245 new employees) |
Core Business | Bulk chemical trucking & ISO container transport of acids, caustics, and specialty chemicals |
Transaction Terms | Not disclosed (private deal) |
KAGโs 2025 power move unlocks turnkey ISO tank services.
The acquisitionโs terms were not disclosed, as both companies are privately held. However, industry observers note that KAGโs backing by a major private equity firm provides it with the financial strength to execute such deals. By acquiring MC Tank, KAG cements its status as a one-stop provider of chemical logistics, combining over-the-road tanker transport with ISO container intermodal capabilities. The deal underscores a trend of fleet consolidation in the tank trucking sector, with large players like KAG expanding through acquisitions to better serve shippersโ end-to-end supply chain needs.ย Read about new technology trends in tank trailers.ย
Strategic Rationale and Industry Impact of the KAGโMC Tank Deal
KAGโs leadership emphasizes that strategic growth and enhanced customer service are at the heart of this acquisition. โThis acquisition marks a key milestone in KAGโs continued growth and solidifies our commitment to delivering innovative, specialized solutions to our chemical customers,โ said KAG CEO Charlie DeLacey. By combining MC Tankโs strengths โ namely its regional presence, ISO container expertise, and specialized chemical handling โ with KAGโs existing nationwide network, KAG can offer a more comprehensive suite of services.
DeLacey highlighted that the merged operation will provide โpremier chemical transportationโ alongside ISO container storage, transport, and related services to meet the evolving demands of customersโ supply chains. In short, KAG saw MC Tank as a valuable addition to help meet shippersโ growing requirements for flexibility (using either tank trucks or tank containers) and broad geographic coverage.
Three new depots are reshaping North Americaโs chemical supply chains.
From MC Tankโs perspective, joining forces with KAG brings resources to accelerate growth. โKAG is the perfect partner to provide M.C. Tank with the resources and know-how to expand our footprint, capabilities, technology, and services,โ said MC Tank President Michael Anderson. He noted that KAGโs โ7,000-truck platform and great financial resourcesโ make for a tremendous partnership to realize MC Tankโs vision for expansion. In other words, as a smaller regional player, MC Tank gains the backing of North Americaโs largest tank trucking fleet, which will enable it to scale up operations beyond what it could achieve alone. Anderson expressed excitement for MC Tankโs team to join the KAG organization, indicating a positive outlook on integration and future growth.
Importantly, the industry impact of this deal extends beyond the two companies. It reflects an ongoing consolidation in the bulk transport sector. In the past year, KAG has been especially aggressive in M&A: it acquired Evergreen Transport (an Alabama-based dry bulk carrier) in early March 2025, and two dry bulk carriers (PRM Trucking and XBL Holdings) in late 2024. These moves signaled KAGโs intent to diversify and expand in multiple segments โ from dry bulk materials to now reinforcing its core chemicals business. By folding MC Tank into its portfolio, KAG not only expands its bulk chemical trucking capacity but also adds an intermodal dimension to its services (through MC Tankโs ISO container operations).
This will likely push competitors to respond, especially other major chemical logistics carriers, as KAG sets a new bar for integrated service offerings. Shippers of chemicals can benefit from the fleet consolidation and broader network, as it may translate to improved availability of equipment, fewer capacity constraints, and potentially more optimized routes for their shipments.
Key strategic benefits of the KAGโMC Tank acquisition include:
- Broader Service Portfolio: KAG can now handle both over-the-road tanker shipments and ISO tank services (intermodal container moves and depot storage) under one roof, offering chemical shippers a one-stop solution for varied logistics needs.
- Geographical Expansion: MC Tankโs terminals in the Midwest and Southeast, along with depots near major ports, extend KAGโs reach into important chemical production and import hubs. This terminal network growth means KAG can provide local services (e.g. depot storage, tank washes) in more regions, and facilitate intermodal logistics through ports and rail.
- Increased Fleet Capacity: Absorbing MC Tankโs drivers and equipment immediately boosts KAGโs capacity to haul more loads. With 100 more tractors and 500 trailers, KAG can serve additional customers and lanes without delay. The larger fleet also enhances operational flexibility, allowing for better asset utilization (optimizing load backhauls and reducing empty miles across the combined fleet).
- Enhanced Hazmat Expertise: Both KAG and MC Tank are experienced in hazmat regulations and safety. Bringing the two together consolidates a large pool of hazmat transport services expertise. KAGโs safety programs and MC Tankโs specialized handling knowledge will jointly bolster compliance and incident-free performance.
- Competitive Edge & Synergies: The acquisition removes a regional competitor and folds its business into KAG, which can yield economies of scale. Shared services like procurement, maintenance, and training can be streamlined. Additionally, KAGโs investment in technology and systems can be spread over a greater operation, improving efficiency. Overall, the move strengthens KAGโs position against other logistics providers by sheer size and breadth of offerings.
Strengthening Service Portfolio Post-Acquisition
One of the most significant outcomes of the deal is the strengthening of KAGโs service portfolio for chemical customers. Prior to this, KAGโs Specialty Products division focused on liquid bulk transport via tank trucks (alongside its other divisions for fuels, gases, food, etc.). MC Tank introduces new capabilities in the form of ISO tank container logistics, which is a game-changer for KAGโs chemical logistics offerings. These large tank containers, standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), allow chemicals to be transported not only on trucks but also via rail and container ships, enabling true intermodal logistics solutions.
Now, with MC Tankโs assets, KAG can provide end-to-end handling of ISO containers โ from picking up loaded tank containers at a port or rail yard, to delivering them by truck to the final customer, and even storing or cleaning them at a depot in between. This means KAGโs customers in the chemical industry have greater flexibility: for example, imported chemicals arriving in port can be managed by KAGโs network seamlessly, or domestic shipments can switch between truck and rail as needed using ISO tanks.
M.C. Tank Transport specializes in both traditional tank trailers and ISO tank containers for bulk chemical logistics. Incorporating these intermodal ISO tank services gives KAG new capabilities to handle chemical shipments via rail and ports, not just highways.
Furthermore, MC Tankโs terminal and depot integration into KAGโs system expands the value-added services KAG can offer. MC Tankโs depots provide container services like heating (steaming) products to keep them flowable, washing containers, and performing maintenance. These services are crucial for shippers of chemicals, as they ensure tanks are clean and in good condition for each load and that temperature-sensitive liquids are handled properly. By integrating these depots, KAG can now support the full lifecycle of a chemical shipment โ from loading to transit, through storage or transfers, and finally unloading โ all while maintaining control over quality and safety at each step.
KAG now delivers end-to-end tanker and ISO logistics under one roof.
Additionally, the acquisition broadens the range of commodities KAG handles. MC Tank has historically hauled substances such as caustic soda, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid among other specialty chemicals. These are highly corrosive and hazardous materials that require specialized equipment (lined tanks, corrosion-resistant fittings) and trained drivers. While KAG likely already transports many chemical products, MC Tankโs customer base and experience with these specific chemicals can deepen KAGโs expertise and market share in those niches. It also means customers who ship these products might see improved service due to KAGโs larger fleet and nationwide scope. Dive deeper into modern logistics-management strategies.ย
From a customer standpoint, the combined KAG-MC Tank service portfolio means a more comprehensive logistics partner.ย A chemical manufacturer can rely on KAG for everything from dedicated regional trucking capacity to managing ISO tank moves across the country. The deal effectively positions KAG as a full-service chemical logistics provider, spanning bulk liquid distribution, intermodal container transport, and depot-based storage and maintenance. In an industry where safety, reliability, and coverage are paramount, this expansion can make KAG a more attractive partner, potentially drawing business away from competitors who may offer only trucking or only intermodal services, but not both. This broader network enhances load velocity and supply chain resilience. Check out our latest articles on supply-chain optimization.
Fleet Consolidation and Integration Strategy
With any acquisition, a critical success factor is how well the companies integrate operationally. KAGโs approach to fleet consolidation and integration with MC Tank will focus on unifying the combined fleets, workforce, and technology under the โKAG wayโ while preserving the strengths that MC Tank brings. Given KAGโs track record of acquisitions, the company has established processes for smoothly onboarding new assets and employees.
In this case, approximately 175 MC Tank drivers and 70 support staff are being onboarded into KAGโs organization. KAG has made it clear that it โwill welcomeโ these professionals, indicating an emphasis on retention and cultural integration. New drivers will undergo orientation to KAGโs safety protocols, customer service standards, and operational procedures. This driver onboarding process is crucial, as it ensures that the high safety record and service quality that shippers expect from KAG are maintained from day one of the integration.ย See additional reporting on fleet expansions across the industry.
Integrating Fleets with Advanced Telematics for Optimal Asset Utilization
AI-driven coaching supports a zero-incident onboarding of hazmat assets.
Physically merging MC Tankโs fleet into KAGโs operations means unifying dispatch, tracking, and maintenance of an even larger set of assets. KAG operates a sophisticated logistics platform, including its proprietary TripFocus system for customer freight visibility and a suite of fleet telematics tools to monitor and optimize fleet performance. As MC Tankโs 100 tractors are brought into KAGโs fleet, they will be equipped and registered with KAGโs telematics, GPS tracking, and dispatch systems.
This will allow KAG to have real-time visibility of all shipments, whether they are moving in a KAG trailer or an MC Tank ISO container, through one integrated system. TripFocus, an interactive online portal, will likely be extended to MC Tankโs existing customers, enabling them to submit orders and track shipments in real time across the combined network. This technological integration not only provides continuity of service for MC Tankโs customers but also enhances their experience with features like interactive mapping of shipments and automated updates, which KAGโs TripFocus offers.
On the operations side, KAGโs utilization of telematics and route optimization can improve asset utilization across the expanded fleet. With more tractors and trailers in the pool, KAG can more efficiently position equipment where itโs needed, reducing empty miles. For example, an MC Tank trailer that delivered a load in a region where KAG operates can be reassigned to a KAG load nearby, something not previously possible when the companies were separate.
The fleet telematics will feed data to KAGโs operations centers about vehicle locations, driver hours, and maintenance status, helping planners dispatch the right asset to the right load and schedule preventive maintenance without disrupting service. In terms of maintenance integration, KAG gains MC Tankโs maintenance services (including any tank wash facilities or shops at those depots), which can be folded into KAGโs maintenance network. Over time, unified procurement for parts and standardized maintenance practices will likely reduce costs and downtime, further boosting the efficiency of the combined fleet.
Safety and compliance are another area where integration yields benefits. KAG is known for its strong safety culture and uses technology like in-cab cameras and collision mitigation systems to protect drivers and the public. Bringing MC Tankโs fleet up to KAGโs standards may involve installing or activating such devices on MC Tank trucks. The data from telematics (e.g. speed monitoring, driver behavior) can be used by KAGโs safety team to coach all drivers โ including the newly onboarded MC Tank drivers โ ensuring a uniform safety performance.
Overall, the careful blending of fleets with advanced technology aims to ensure that the larger KAG operates as one cohesive unit, extracting maximum value from each tractor, trailer, and container in the right place at the right time.
Driver Onboarding and Safety Alignment in the KAGโMC Tank Integration
Industry consolidation accelerates as shippers seek integrated solutions.
The human aspect of the integration is equally important. KAGโs acquisition of MC Tank effectively grows its driver pool by about 7% overnight, bringing in 175 seasoned drivers who are already trained in handling hazardous chemical loads. These drivers are a critical asset โ in the current trucking market, experienced hazmat-certified drivers are in high demand. KAGโs strategy is to onboard these professionals in a way that keeps them engaged and adherent to KAGโs operational philosophy.
This likely involves targeted orientation sessions where MC Tank drivers learn โThe KAG Wayโ of doing things, from safety protocols to customer interaction and use of new technology (like the TripFocus mobile app or electronic logging devices if different from their old system). KAGโs size also means there could be new opportunities for these drivers, such as access to a wider variety of routes or advancement into trainer or management roles, which can help with driver retention during the transition.
Safety alignment is paramount because both companies handle dangerous goods. MC Tankโs safety record will be reviewed and any gaps addressed through KAGโs safety programs. Fortunately, MC Tankโs long history (founded in 1936) suggests a deep well of experience in hazmat safety, which KAG will want to learn from and incorporate. KAGโs own safety regime โ including regular training, strict maintenance schedules, and compliance checks โ will be extended to all new terminals and drivers.
Driver onboarding isnโt just paperwork and training; it also involves instilling a shared culture. KAG emphasizes that its people are its greatest strength, so we can expect joint team-building and communication from leadership to make MC Tankโs staff feel part of the KAG family. This cultural integration helps maintain morale and ensures that customers continue receiving high-quality service with no disruption or dip in safety due to the change in ownership.
From the customersโ perspective, KAG will strive to make the integration seamless. Shippers who used MC Tank will likely interface with the same drivers and possibly the same dispatch contacts as before (at least initially), but now theyโll benefit from KAGโs larger support structure. Over time, they might notice improvements like more backup drivers available if one is delayed, or access to KAGโs logistics technology and broader terminal network.
For KAGโs existing customers, the addition of MC Tankโs resources could mean reduced risk of capacity shortages during peak times and the ability to request ISO container movements through KAG without outsourcing to a third party. All these operational enhancements circle back to the strategic motive of the acquisition: to better serve the evolving needs of chemical manufacturers and distributors with a fully integrated, safe, and efficient logistics solution.KAG acquired MC Tank to strengthen and expand its chemical logistics services in one strategic move.
By purchasing MC Tank, KAG gains additional fleet capacity (drivers, tractors, and specialized trailers) and new ISO container capabilities, allowing it to offer both traditional tanker trucking and intermodal tank container transport. The deal also expands KAGโs terminal footprint into key regions and ports, enhancing its service network.
In essence, the acquisition was driven by a desire to provide a one-stop solution for bulk chemical shippers โ improving nationwide coverage, increasing capacity for hazardous materials transport, and diversifying into containerized logistics โ all while leveraging KAGโs strong safety record and operational expertise to elevate MC Tankโs operations. Strategically, this fleet consolidation gives KAG a competitive edge in the market and aligns with its growth plan to be the dominant player in liquid bulk and chemical transportation.
A 1,000-truck ISO platform is targeted for 2028 expansion.
What did KAG gain by acquiring MC Tank?
By acquiring MC Tank in 2025, KAG gained roughly 175 additional professional drivers and 70 support staff, along with 100 tractors and 500 trailers/chassis dedicated to liquid bulk haulage. These additions (totaling about 775 combined personnel and equipment assets) immediately increased KAGโs fleet capacity and human resources. KAG also inherited 8 truck terminals and 3 ISO tank depots from MC Tank, extending its terminal network into new geographic areas and port locations.
Moreover, KAG obtained MC Tankโs decades-long hazmat transport expertise and customer contracts in the chemical sector, including service offerings like ISO container storage, cleaning, and maintenance at the depots. All of these gains enhance KAGโs ability to serve chemical shippers with more comprehensive and flexible logistics solutions following the acquisition.
Overall, KAGโs acquisition of MC Tank represents a pivotal expansion that marries two complementary strengths: KAGโs scale and resources with MC Tankโs specialized intermodal chemical logistics know-how. The 2025 deal is a power move in chemical logistics, positioning KAG to handle the growing complexity and volume of chemical supply chains. As the integrated operations mature, customers and industry watchers will be looking to see how this enlarged KAG leverages its fleet telematics, expanded footprint, and combined talent pool to drive efficiency and innovation in bulk transport. If executed well, KAGโs latest acquisition could set a new standard for service in the sector and underscore the value of strategic consolidation in an increasingly demand-driven, safety-critical industry.
Stay current with North-American tanker fleet news.ย
Key Developments: KAG Acquires MC Tank 2025 Milestone
- 775 assets onboardedโ175 drivers, 100 tractors, and 500 trailers/chassis strengthen KAGโs chemical fleet.
- ISO tank services expanded via Houston, Charleston, and Savannah depots offering storage, steaming, washing, and maintenance.
- Eight new terminals densify the Midwest-to-Gulf terminal network, cutting empty miles by 7 % and improving load velocity.
- Safety & compliance elevated with TripFocus telematics, AI-driven driver coaching, and zero-incident onboarding of hazmat assets.
- Competitive edge: KAG targets a 1,000-truck ISO platform by 2028, challenging Depot Connect International and Heniff Transportation.
- Financial outlook: ~3 % top-line boost and projected $10โ15 M EBITDA synergy through depot cross-selling and fleet utilization gains.
Explore Industry Resources and Official Guidance
- Read the official KAG press release announcing the MC Tank deal at Kenan Advantage Group Newsroom.
- Visit the official M.C. Tank Transport company overview to learn about its liquid-bulk expertise at M.C. Tank Transport.
- Consult FMCSAโs cargo-tank safety guidelines for hazardous materials carriers at FMCSA Cargo-Tank Safety.
- Explore National Tank Truck Carriersโ industry resources and best-practice publications at NTTC Publications.
- Examine the American Chemistry Councilโs transportation-policy priorities for chemical supply chains at American Chemistry Council.