Kriska snaps up cold-chain carrier Sharp in cross-border play

Kriska Transportation Group has acquired Sharp Transportation Systems, a Canada-based carrier specializing in temperature-controlled freight and cross-border logistics, the companies announced.

Sharp Transportation, headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, operates a fleet of about 29 trucks and drivers and focuses on hauling sensitive freight such as pharmaceuticals and refrigerated goods across Canada and the U.S.

The acquisition adds to Kriska’s growing footprint in cross-border and specialized freight, particularly in temperature-sensitive shipments. 

Executives said the deal will expand service capabilities in the Midwest and Northeast U.S. while strengthening cross-border coverage between Canada and the U.S.

Sharp has terminals in Cambridge, Ontario, Montreal and Calgary, as well as a terminal in Holland, Michigan.

Kriska Transportation Group says it operates more than 800 trucks across its network of companies, though U.S. federal data shows about 187 power units under its primary U.S.-registered carrier authority, reflecting the company’s multi-entity operating structure.

Sharp’s existing operations — including its expertise in pharmaceutical transportation and strategically located terminals — are expected to complement Kriska’s broader network, enhancing flexibility and capacity for customers.

“The Sharp team will keep providing the same service, responsiveness, and care they’re known for,” Kriska said in a LinkedIn post, adding that customers should see “expanded capabilities” and additional resources following the integration.

Kriska–Sharp deal: By the numbers

Acquirer:

• Kriska Transportation Group (Kriska Holdings Ltd.)
• ~187 power units, ~180 drivers
• Services: truckload, cross-border freight, refrigerated, bulk commodities
• Core lanes: Canada–U.S. (Midwest, Northeast focus)

Target:

• Sharp Transportation Systems (Cambridge, Ontario)
• ~29 power units, ~29 drivers
• Specialties: temperature-controlled freight, pharmaceuticals, sensitive cargo
• Cross-border operations across Canada and the U.S.

Strategic fit:

• Expands refrigerated and pharma logistics capabilities
• Adds density in cross-border lanes (Midwest, Northeast)
• Enhances service for high-value, time-sensitive freight

Building scale under Mullen Group umbrella

The acquisition also highlights Kriska’s role within the broader ecosystem tied to Mullen Group, one of Canada’s largest logistics companies.

Mullen Group holds a significant minority stake in Kriska Transportation Group dating back to a 2014 investment, when it contributed assets in exchange for a 30% equity interest, while Kriska’s leadership retained a controlling 70% stake.

Mullen operates a network of independently run trucking and logistics companies across North America, spanning less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, specialized hauling and industrial services.

The company has completed more than 80 acquisitions since going public, using a decentralized model that provides capital, shared services and strategic oversight while allowing operating companies to run independently.

The deal underscores ongoing consolidation in North American trucking, particularly among carriers focused on niche segments such as refrigerated and pharmaceutical freight.

Sidebar: Canadian carrier scale comparison

How Kriska stacks up vs. major Canadian trucking groups

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