Tenet Transportation Tech and Crown Data Systems have announced a strategic merger to create what the two companies describe as the premier technology platform for cartage and air freight carriers. The combined entity serves more than 400 customers and partners across the United States and Canada, bringing together Tenet’s modern AI-powered operating system with Crown’s three decades of trusted relationships and software expertise in the air freight industry. The merger unites more than 40 employees and significantly expands the resources and partner ecosystem available to both companies’ customers going forward.
Crown Data Systems was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1997 by Mike King, who built the company from a rating, dispatching, and invoicing solution launched from his basement into a recognized industry standard for air freight carrier software. Over nearly 30 years, Crown has been devoted to developing state-of-the-art, innovative, and creative software solutions that build strength, increase productivity, and provide a competitive edge for its customers. King’s career spans more than 50 years across trucking and technology, and his vision for Crown — centered on innovation and deep customer commitment — is described by Tenet’s leadership as a perfect complement to what Tenet has built.
Tenet brings an advanced AI-powered technology platform with product capabilities spanning dispatching, driver mobile apps, warehouse operations, freight scanning, invoicing, and reporting across first, middle, and last-mile carrier operations. Where Crown has deep expertise in the air freight segment and long-standing customer trust, Tenet contributes modern platform architecture, broader operational coverage, and an expansive partner ecosystem. The merger is designed to ensure that the combined customer base benefits from best-in-class technology while retaining the relationship-driven service model that has defined Crown’s three decades in the business.
Hugh Kirkpatrick will lead the combined company as CEO, and Mike King will serve as President of Crown Data Systems before transitioning to a strategic advisor role. The joint company will operate with offices in Buffalo, New York and Atlanta, Georgia. King described his decision to partner with Tenet as rooted in a shared commitment to innovation and the belief that the merger extends Crown’s legacy of solving customer inefficiencies into the future with the best solutions and service in the industry.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Mike and the Crown team as well as their customers and partners. Mike is a visionary entrepreneur, with a 50+ year career across trucking and technology, and Crown’s decades of experience, customer-focused mission, and trusted relationships is a perfect complement to Tenet.”
Hugh Kirkpatrick, CEO, Tenet
