AKRON, Ohio-June 13, 2000-Roadway Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROAD) was recognized today by Ohio Governor Bob Taft for the carrier's excellence in the export arena. The Governor presented the "Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award" ("E" Award) to Bob Carr, vice president-international, who accepted the honor on behalf of Roadway. The awards ceremony took place during a luncheon at the Rickenbacker Port Authority in Columbus. Roadway is the first transportation company to receive the award.
In its 15th year, The Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards annually recognizes Ohio companies that have increased sales volume through exports, developed and implemented a strategy to expand international sales, and increased Ohio-based employment opportunities as a direct result of export activity.
"This award is a great honor for Roadway and its dedicated employees," stated Carr. "From our advanced technology and enhanced freight network, moving both information and freight faster and more efficiently, to our superior workforce, we have watched our international business grow. We will continue to build on our partnerships and expand our operations globally to meet the needs of the international marketplace."
The "E" Award luncheon is co-sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development and The Association of Ohio Commodores. Created in 1966, the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodore is conferred by the Governor upon exemplary Ohioans who have been active in business and civic endeavors. As a recipient company of the "E" Award, the business representatives are eligible for membership in the organization. Members of the association work closely with the Governor's office to promote and strengthen Ohio businesses throughout the U.S. and abroad.
As Roadway continues its North American international strategy, the motor carrier has expanded its operations in Mexico. It recently opened four new service terminals in Queretaro, Juarez, Chihuahua and Torreon. The opening of the Juarez terminal creates a new gateway into Mexico at the El Paso, TX/Juarez, MX border crossing. The expansion is the latest in a series of enhancements the company has made to meet increasing demands of shippers for on-time delivery and better service covering the entire North American trading market.
With the introduction of the Border Ambassador service in 1999, Roadway became the only less-than-truckload carrier with specially trained staff on site at major border crossing points in North America to personally monitor and expedite customers' shipments through customs. Further speeding border clearances is an electronic link to Canada Customs information systems and Roadway's participation in the U.S. Customs Service's Automated Export System, by which shippers' export declarations for Mexican shipments are filed and processed electronically.
As part of the carrier's year 2000 initiatives, in Canada, where Roadway's network is operated by its subsidiary Reimer Express Lines, Ltd., service will be expanded to include overseas export from Montreal and Vancouver.
Included on the Dow Jones Transportation Average, Roadway Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROAD) is a leading transporter of industrial goods with a variety of innovative services designed to meet customer needs. Roadway, an ISO 9002 certified carrier, provides seamless service between all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico with export services to 66 countries and six continents. The Company is dedicated to being the most reliable, responsive, efficient-and safe-carrier in the industry. For more information, contact the Company at www.roadway.com.
