NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 30, 2026) – Hines Furlong Line, Inc. (“HFL”) today announced the closing of its acquisition of the Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. (“CTC”) River Division.
“As supply chains grow more complex and market demands continue to evolve, the inland barge industry is increasingly being shaped by operators with diversified fleets, expansive geographic reach, and the scale and capital capacity to invest for the long term,” said Kent Furlong, President and Founder of Hines Furlong Line. “This acquisition allows us to build upon our foundation and support long-term growth while continuing to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable transportation our customers have relied on for decades.”
Following the closing, HFL employs more than 800 people and operates a significantly expanded inland fleet, including owning and/or managing over 800 hopper and tank barges, 64 inland towboats, and controlling more than 1,000 permitted fleeting spaces. The company also oversees two repair shipyards and additional support facilities located in key river corridors.
The transaction establishes a combined footprint across 10 cities, significantly expanding HFL’s presence along key rivers and extending access from the Upper Ohio River through the Lower Mississippi. This broader platform positions HFL to more effectively manage vessel operations, including support functions, crew changes, and mariner recruitment, across multiple geographic markets.
“CTC has been respected for its industry stewardship, operational discipline, and long-standing presence on the river,” added Furlong. “We thank Peter Stephaich and Kyle Buese for their leadership, and we are proud to continue CTC’s legacy within HFL for generations to come.”
Campbell’s Gulf Division was not included in the transaction, and it will continue operating independently under the Campbell Transportation Company brand, headquartered in Houston, Texas, and led by Kyle Buese, President and Chief Executive Officer.
The acquisition was announced on December 3, 2025.
About Hines Furlong Line, Inc.
Hines Furlong Line is a family-owned company with five generations of experience navigating the inland waterways of the United States. With more than 150 years of river heritage, HFL blends tradition with agility to deliver reliable and efficient transportation services across multiple divisions, including boat and barge leasing, fully found (crewed) charters, barge towing and fleeting, harbor, shipyard, and tank barge and tankerman services. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with hubs in Paducah, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Media Contact:
Sarah Davidson
815.499.5122
sdavidson@hfline.com
