NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 3, 2025) – Hines Furlong Line, Inc. (“HFL”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. (“CTC”) River Division. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
This transaction brings together two organizations with deep roots along America’s inland waterways, each built on a reputation for safety, dependable service, and continuous investments in their fleets and people. Together, Hines Furlong Line and the Campbell Transportation Company River Division will strengthen overall inland river operations and extend capacity along the Ohio River.
“As two long-standing, family-led organizations, HFL and CTC share not only a deep respect for the rivers we operate on, but also a commitment to the people who navigate them and the communities they serve,” said Kent Furlong, President and Founder of Hines Furlong Line. “Our newer and recently refurbished vessel fleet adds significant capabilities to the CTC River Division’s existing service lines, enabling us to continue providing reliable, high-quality equipment supported by the trusted people and standards that both HFL and CTC customers
rely on. At the same time, we are honored to carry forward the legacy that Campbell has built over decades, while uniting complementary trade lines, vessels, and—most importantly—cultures under a single, shared purpose.”
Once the transaction is closed, the combined organization will have more than 800 employees.
Further, HFL will own and/or manage 870 hopper and tank barges, 64 inland towboats, and 1,000 permitted fleeting spaces throughout the inland waterway system, and oversee two shipyards and support facilities serving key river corridors.
“Kent Furlong has a deep understanding and commitment to the river industry. He will provide a good home to our River Division employees,” said Peter Stephaich, Executive Chairman, Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. “Kyle Buese will continue at the helm of Campbell, now exclusively focused as a tank barge operator, while HFL carries forward our River Division legacy with the same integrity that has defined us for generations.”
“Our people and our customers are at the heart of every decision we make,” added Kyle Buese, President and Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. “By positioning our Gulf Division as a stand-alone company and aligning our river operations with HFL, we’re building a future where both can grow stronger, invest deeper, and respond faster to changing market needs.”
Campbell’s Gulf Division will continue to operate under the Campbell Transportation Company brand and be headquartered in Houston, Texas, at one of its existing corporate offices.
Hines Furlong Line will maintain its existing operations in Nashville, Tennessee, Paducah, Kentucky, and add the River Division’s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania operations, expanding its presence to both ends of the Ohio River.
To learn more about Hines Furlong Line, visit hinesfurlongline.com.
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, and barge towing and fleeting. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with vessel operations based in Paducah, Kentucky.
About Campbell Transportation Company
Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. is a privately held business focused on providing safe, efficient, and reliable service to marine transportation customers throughout the inland waterways. The company has a history going back over 100 years, but it’s been under current ownership for over 50 years. With corporate offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Houston, Texas, the company provides marine transportation and services of bulk dry and liquid products throughout the inland waterways with operating facilities on the Ohio River and the Gulf Coast. Campbell provides exceptional service through its focus on five core values: Safety, Customer Service, Efficiency, Reliability, and Continuous Improvement.
Forward-Looking Statements and Transaction Details
This press release includes forward-looking statements. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming months. Until then, the two organizations will continue to operate independently.
Media Contacts:
Hines Furlong Line
Sarah Davidson
815.499.5122
Sdavidson@hfline.com
Campbell Transportation Company, Inc.
Valerie Richards-Martin
346.221.3156
Richards.V@barges.us
