By Eva Richardson – The Logistic News
March 31, 2025
In a significant move that underscores the growing convergence between maritime and inland logistics, a subsidiary of global shipping giant MSC has announced the acquisition of U.S.-based intermodal provider COFC Logistics.
The transaction marks a decisive expansion for MSC into the North American rail and trucking arena, signaling its ambitions to strengthen its end-to-end logistics services at a time when global shippers are demanding greater integration and control over supply chain operations.
A Strategic Response to Shifting Logistics Dynamics
Headquartered in Pennsylvania, COFC Logistics has built a strong reputation in providing container-on-flatcar (COFC) intermodal solutions across key U.S. corridors. The company offers domestic rail service utilizing 53-foot containers, catering to some of the largest retailers and manufacturers in the country.
For MSC, already the world’s largest ocean carrier by container capacity, the acquisition is not just a land grab—it is a calculated play to deepen its inland logistics network, diversify service offerings, and solidify control over container movements beyond the port.
“This acquisition reflects MSC’s strategic focus on creating integrated, door-to-door logistics solutions,” said a senior MSC representative. “With COFC’s intermodal infrastructure and relationships, we will be better positioned to serve our North American customers with seamless inland transportation that complements our global ocean services.”
The Value of Intermodal Expertise
COFC brings to the table years of operational know-how and a well-established network of rail partners, including Union Pacific and CSX. Its services connect major inland hubs such as Chicago, Kansas City, and Dallas—corridors that are vital for balancing cargo flows and reducing drayage dependency in congested ports like Los Angeles and New York/New Jersey.
Industry observers note that the acquisition gives MSC a unique edge in controlling container velocity from port to final delivery point—an increasingly critical capability as customers demand real-time visibility and predictability.
“MSC’s move into U.S. intermodal is part of a broader trend where major ocean carriers are extending their reach inland to offer integrated services and reduce reliance on third-party logistics providers,” said Rachel Lin, a senior analyst at Global Transport Review. “This will be especially impactful for mid-sized shippers looking for simplified freight solutions under a single brand.”
Integration and the Road Ahead
According to sources close to the deal, COFC Logistics will continue to operate under its existing brand for the near term, with a transition roadmap expected in Q2. Customers should expect minimal service disruption, with long-term benefits likely to include increased rail capacity, improved route flexibility, and enhanced digital tools for booking and tracking.
This acquisition follows a series of calculated investments by MSC to expand beyond maritime transport, including previous initiatives in warehousing, inland depots, and trucking operations in Europe and Latin America.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Integrated Freight
As global trade patterns grow increasingly complex, MSC’s acquisition of COFC Logistics may prove to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of end-to-end logistics. By tightening its grip on inland transport in North America, MSC reinforces its strategy of vertical integration—providing customers not only with space on ships but also with the infrastructure to move cargo the final mile.
In an era where resilience and visibility define logistics performance, this strategic move offers a glimpse into the future of global supply chain management—one where the lines between ocean, rail, and road continue to blur in favor of simplicity, speed, and control.
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