A third-party logistics provider is expanding its produce presence by opening a Texas office.
On Aug. 1, Access America Transport opened an office in San Antonio, its first office dedicated to produce.
The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company plans to use the location to expand its refrigerated produce business, said Ted Alling, chief executive officer.
“Refrigerated freight is our fastest-growing mode,” he said. “We have long sought out a Texas presence and are seeking resources to dramatically grow our produce end. It really helps to be on the ground in the southern Texas market.”
Though close to Mexico and southern Texas produce, Alling said Access America plans to use the office to handle all types of produce from throughout the U.S.
He said the other offices in Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Eufala, Ala.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis; and Denver handle little produce.
Access America dabbled in produce in the past and does much refrigerated and frozen business, Alling said.
San Antonio produce broker Josh Kellett is leading Access America’s expansion.
Kellett worked for two years as a produce broker for Edinburg, Texas-based Mike’s Loading Service Inc.’s San Antonio office and worked in a similar capacity with a San Antonio logistics provider after graduating from Samford University in Birmingham in 2002.
Alling said the office opening comes as Access America plans to double its sales for the second straight year.
Access America increased sales from $95 million in 2010 to $195 million in 2011. Alling said it expects to see $400 million in sales for 2012.
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