Knight-Swift Transportation's less-than-truckload (LTL) business, AAA Cooper, has expanded its network with the opening of four new terminals, adding capacity in the Western U.S. and breaking into new Midwest markets. The move strengthens Knight-Swift's LTL footprint as it works toward a true national network.
According to FreightWaves, the four facilities — all opened in May — are located in Phoenix, Arizona; Olympia, Washington; Detroit, Michigan; and Toledo, Ohio. The Phoenix location is described as a major hub supporting regional and national lanes. Olympia provides additional capacity in a market where AAA Cooper already operates. Detroit and Toledo represent entirely new service areas for the carrier.
This latest expansion follows recent openings in Dayton, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Jackson, Mississippi, as the company continues to grow organically.
| Terminal Location | Type of Expansion | Market Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | Major hub; additional capacity | Existing |
| Olympia, WA | Additional capacity | Existing |
| Detroit, MI | New service area | New |
| Toledo, OH | New service area | New |
"These service locations are critical additions that position us for significant growth across both our LTL Services and Dedicated Services offerings," said Chris Durley, president of LTL Services at AAA Cooper, in a news release.
Knight-Swift (NYSE: KNX) entered the LTL business when it acquired AAA Cooper in 2021. It added Midwest Motor Express later that year and Dependable Highway Express in 2024. Over the past five years, Knight-Swift has added more than 50 locations organically. All LTL brands were combined under the AAA Cooper banner at the beginning of this year.
The combined platform now has approximately 180 terminals, including locations acquired from bankrupt Yellow Corp., covering roughly 70% of the U.S. The LTL segment generated $1.29 billion in revenue over the past four quarters.
Despite this growth, Knight-Swift still needs to acquire a Northeast carrier to complete a true national terminal network. Shippers in the Northeast may see limited direct coverage until such an acquisition is made.
Durley added: "These investments in new markets and capacity position AAA Cooper to better support our customers’ needs with the consistency of service our customers expect."
For freight forwarders and logistics managers, the expansion means improved LTL capacity and service reach in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Midwest. The Phoenix hub, in particular, strengthens cross-country lanes. The new Detroit and Toledo terminals give shippers in those industrial regions direct access to AAA Cooper's network for the first time. The company's ongoing organic growth — over 50 locations in five years — signals a long-term commitment to expanding LTL coverage.
Watch list: Knight-Swift's search for a Northeast acquisition remains a key factor. The company's next network move will likely target the Northeast corridor to achieve coast-to-coast coverage. Also watch for further organic terminal openings in underpenetrated regions.
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