Pat Salmon & Sons, the North Little Rock-based transportation company that has been a major contractor for the U.S. Postal Service for over 70 years, was acquired in July 2022 by an entity called 10 Roads LLC. This change in ownership marks the end of an era for the iconic Arkansas company.
Background on Pat Salmon & Sons
Pat Salmon & Sons was founded in 1946 by Pat Salmon, who began by driving a bobtail truck from Harrison to Little Rock to deliver mail under a contract with the Postal Service. Over the decades, the company grew into one of the largest transportation suppliers for the USPS.
Key facts about Pat Salmon & Sons
- Originally a family-owned business started by Pat Salmon in 1946
- Headquartered in North Little Rock, AR
- Core business is mail transportation and supply services for the USPS
- Fleet includes 1,400 trucks and trailers
- One of the largest USPS contractors with $335.3 million in USPS revenue in 2018
- Employs approximately 50 people
The company has been a significant player in the Postal Service transportation industry for over half a century under longtime family ownership
Acquisition by 10 Roads LLC
In July 2022, it was announced that Pat Salmon & Sons had been acquired by 10 Roads LLC, effective that month.
According to Jeff Boone, who remains vice president of operations for Pat Salmon & Sons, 10 Roads has similar shareholders as two other USPS transportation contractors, Hoovestol Inc. and Eagle Express Lines.
While details about 10 Roads remain limited, the acquisition suggests a move to consolidate control in the postal transportation industry. With $335 million in revenue from the USPS in 2018 alone, Pat Salmon & Sons was likely an attractive takeover target.
What the Acquisition Means for Pat Salmon & Sons
According to Jeff Boone, the operations of Pat Salmon & Sons will remain independent and not merge with the new owners’ other transportation companies. It appears 10 Roads acquired Pat Salmon & Sons as a strategic asset but will allow the company to continue operations from North Little Rock.
However, with new ownership, changes could still occur:
- Potential shift from family-owned business to absentee corporate ownership
- Operations could be streamlined to improve profit margins
- Expansion into new services beyond core USPS transportation
- Cost-cutting measures impacting employees
- Loss of Arkansas-based leadership and decision-making
While the Salmon family no longer owns the company their father founded, Pat Salmon & Sons seems poised to continue as a stand-alone business serving the USPS from its Arkansas headquarters. However, employees and customers will likely notice changes reflecting the new priorities and style of the corporate owner.
Significance for Arkansas Business
The acquisition marks the end of a long era of Arkansas-based, family-owned leadership for Pat Salmon & Sons. From a small contract mail delivery service started in 1946, Pat Salmon built the company into one of the Postal Service’s biggest transportation providers. Keeping this homegrown success story in local hands has now proven impossible amid industry consolidation.
While Pat Salmon & Sons will go on under new ownership, the sale underscores the difficulty of remaining an independent, Arkansas-based operation in an increasingly nationalized business environment. As local brands become part of larger corporate entities, it represents a loss for the uniqueness of the state’s business community.
The new owner may bring resources and efficiencies that allow Pat Salmon & Sons to grow in new directions But the acquisition still represents the end of a proud Arkansas company that will now serve the priorities of an outside corporation For better or worse, the Pat Salmon & Sons story enters a new chapter.