GIRARD – Aim Transportation Solutions reported a strong finish to 2020 and expects the rebound to continue this year, says its chairman and CEO, Tom Fleming.
The company expanded its national presence last year by acquiring McCoy NationaLease’s business in Indianapolis; some of Estes Leasing’s Richmond, Va., assets; and PacLease’s business in Columbus. These moves added more than 450 vehicles to Aim’s fleet and almost 100 new customers.
While Aim Leasing Co.’s total revenue was down 9%, leasing revenue was up 4.5%.
Aim’s rental business, down 24%, was hit hardest during the pandemic-related economic downturn. However, heading into fall, rental demand surged, returning to expected and even above-expected levels at times. With a very solid final quarter, 2020’s bottom line ended stronger than 2019’s, Fleming says.
The rental division purchased 300 new vehicles, and combined with its acquisitions, Aim added 764 vehicles last year, growing in assets by $60 million.
Aim helped its hard-hit customers in several ways – such as deferring payments interest-free on more than 450 vehicles – to offer relief until their revenue levels stabilized. Overall, more than 50 Aim customers were assisted.
“The fact that the company continued to grow in 2020 is a testament to Aim’s adaptability and laser focus, finding creative solutions for every curveball thrown at us while never losing sight of our long-term goals,” says Matt Svancara, executive vice president of sales and marketing.
Aim Integrated Logistics, the company’s dedicated fleet service, is one of Aim Transportation Solutions’ fastest-growing divisions. Led by Dave Gurska, chief operating officer, the division continued its trend of year-over-year profitability.
Of note was Aim Integrated’s scale-up of its client Family Express, an Indiana convenience store chain with 70-plus locations. To improve safety and efficiency, Aim switched its fleet from box trucks to tractor-trailers, which use lift gates instead of walk ramps. This change required a higher class of commercial driver, which increased productivity across the board, and covered the increase in payroll.
Aim Transportation Solutions, a NationaLease member, is composed of Aim Leasing Company, Aim Integrated Logistics and Aim 3PL Services.
With headquarters in Girard, the company operates 11,000 vehicles for more than 100 separate operations and has 1,200 employees across the country.