Ex-Yellow CEO to Lead Intermodal Chassis Pool Operator

Darren Hawkins, previously the CEO of the now-bankrupt Yellow Corp., is set to lead the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC) as president before officially becoming CEO on January 1, 2025. He succeeds Dave Manning, who has served as the only CEO in NACPC's history since 2012 and will transition to chairman. Hawkins' extensive experience in the transportation sector began in 1991 at Yellow Transportation, and he has held various leadership roles, including at Con-way, which was acquired by XPO Logistics. Hawkins expressed enthusiasm for working with NACPC to enhance service and expand both domestic and international offerings in intermodal chassis supply. Although Yellow Corp. was a significant player in the logistics sector, it faced challenges that led to its bankruptcy filing in August 2023, partly due to industry-wide freight market softness. In the current climate, with many leasing companies operating at around 50% capacity, Hawkins' leadership at NACPC will be crucial for navigating the market's challenges. The intermodal chassis sector, impacted by the same downturn affecting freight demand, will benefit from NACPC's strategy of offering regional pools of chassis to provide motor carriers more flexibility and competitive pricing. As an expert in transportation, I believe Hawkins' transition to NACPC comes at a critical time for the intermodal sector. The challenges facing shipping and logistics companies require innovative approaches to supply chain management, and NACPC's model could provide essential resources for maintaining operational efficiency. Hawkins' experience leading Yellow through difficult times may offer valuable insights into recovery and growth strategies for NACPC amidst ongoing market fluctuations.