Schneider National Inc. honored more than 26 carriers at the company's fourth annual Carrier Recognition Conference on Sept. 12, 2006, at historic Lambeau Field. The daylong event featured keynote presentations from industry leaders, an awards ceremony recognizing Schneider's top-performing carriers and a networking reception.

More than 300 carriers from across North America came from all modes of transportation to attend the conference, "Transportation Transformation: Enhancing Your Value in the Shifting Global Supply Chain.' The day included discussions on industry issues impacting carriers and their businesses including the pervasive driver shortage, rising fuel costs and the changing dynamics of the US economy to an import-based system.

Brian Clancy, managing director of Merge Global, delivered a presentation, "The Hidden Costs of China Inbound Supply Chains,' and Donald Rataczak, regent's professor of economic emeritus, Georgia State University, shared an economic outlook for the transportation and logistics industries.

Schneider Logistics honored 14 carriers with Carrier of the Year awards based on on-time performance, ease of doing business, claims performance, e-business capabilities and integration. Schneider's Intermodal division recognized seven providers with Carrier of the Year awards. Three railroad service providers were also recognized for innovative solutions and service excellence. Five carriers received Carrier of the Year honors from Schneider Transportation Management.

"Our network of carriers provides the type of flexibility and available capacity our customers expect from Schneider,' said Todd Ericksrud, vice president of commercial development at Schneider Logistics. "By consistently providing this high level of service, we enable our customers to succeed in today's ever-evolving supply chain. We are proud to recognize the service excellence of these core carriers and honor them as Carriers of the Year.'

2006 award winners include:

Schneider Logistics Carriers of the Year:

Cardinal Transport Inc. (Coal City, IL.); Hunt Transportation (Omaha, NB); Central Transport International Inc. (Warren, MI); TST Overland Express (Mississauga, Ontario); Triple Crown Services (Fort Wayne, Ind.); Merchants Forwarding Company (Melvindale, MI); Ottaway Motor Express (Woodstock, Ontario); Roadlink USA Midwest LLC (Bethlehem, PA); Ryan Transportation Inc. (Livonia, MI); Milan Express Co. Inc. (Milan, TN); Standard Forwarding Co. Inc. (East Moline, IL); The Connection Company (Columbus, Ohio); J.B. Hunt Transport (Lowell, AK); Ryder (Miami, FL)

Schneider Intermodal Carriers of the Year:

CDS Transport (Heber City, Utah); Shippers Transport (Carson, CA); TGS (Fresno, CA); Cargo Transport Logistics (Commerce, CA); Polyak (Menomonee Falls, WI); JVCA (Grayson, GA); J & J (Wayne, IL)

Rail Innovative Solutions Award:

CSX Intermodal (Jacksonville, FL); Kansas City Southern Railway (Kansas City, MO)

Rail Partner in Progress Award:

Norfolk Southern Railway (Atlanta, GA)

Schneider Transportation Management Carriers of the Year:

Heartland Express (Coralville, Iowa); M&D Transfer (Manteno, IL); ATA (Bensenville, IL); J&R Schugel (New Ulm, MN); Celadon (Indianapolis)