Mattel also recognized them with 2 “Mattel Team 100″ service awards. Team 100 awards honor on-time delivery excellence and were given for exemplary performance in transporting Mattel products to two leading nationwide retailers.

In a separate presentation, Mattel extended YRC Glen Moore Customer Service Representative Michelle Kistler with a Certificate of Excellence award, as part of its carrier performance recognition program. In presenting the award, Mattel noted that Kistler’s performance represented Mattel values, “Play with Passion” and “Play Together.”

Fisher, along with Estes Express Lines, founded Estes Air Transportation Services, now known as Estes Forwarding Worldwide, in 2003. He previously held the positions of executive VP and COO. In his new role, Fisher is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company and serves on the board of directors.

Prior to founding Estes Forwarding Worldwide, Fisher served as vice president of sales and marketing with Lakeville Motor Express. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

“Scott helped guide Estes Forwarding Worldwide from a fledgling start-up to the well-respected freight forwarding company it is today,” said Rob Estes, president and CEO of Estes Express Lines. “Under his leadership as president and CEO of Estes Forwarding Worldwide, we look forward to the opportunity of serving more customers and destinations as the company continues to grow.”

“Consensus expects a rapid acceleration in ‘core’ op margins – a scenario more like our bull case – despite a number of near-term headwinds,” Morgan Stanley writes. “If the story will take longer to play out, the stock does not warrant a best-in-breed CHRW-like multiple, in our view.”

Echo Global Logistics closed Friday at $11.90.

In those days, no film was transported by truck, only by rail. The theatre managers had to go to the rail depot to pick up their new film and return their old film. Benton’s service was new -”give us a key to your theatre and when you come to work tomorrow, your new film will be there and the old film returned.” Because of the new convenience created by Benton, the service quickly grew. But the Benton Brother’s real success came in 1948 when the union struck against the rail. Because of the strike, the theaters not using Benton by this point could not get their new movies.

Upon temporary request to the Interstate Commerce Commission, the film companies asked for Benton to begin covering the entire state of Florida and Georgia during the strike. After the strike was over, the film customers did not want to lose the new increased service levels gained by using Benton, so they convinced the government to grant the Benton Brothers permanent authority to transport film throughout both Georgia and Florida. This type of service and freight kept Benton Brothers Film Express going strong down the same road until 1980.
The Motor Carriers Act of 1980 essentially deregulated interstate freight making it easier for trucking companies. This ruling placed Benton Express in an excellent position to take advantage and move into the general commodities business. The leaders of Benton at this time said that if they could deliver film and newsprint in an expedited manner on time, then the service levels should be no different for general commodities.

Leo Flack placed second in the tank truck division and Brian Singelais placed third in the three-axle division. Also competing for Pyle this year was Rick Sly in the straight truck division, and John Forgione in the four-axle division. Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states competed in Columbus for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry.

• Customer Service - Overall Responsiveness, Employee Attitude, Problem-Solving, Dependability, and Sales Force Support
• Operational Excellence - Transit Time Standards, On-Time Delivery, Delivery Flexibility, Billing Accuracy, and Claims Resolution
• Pricing - Price Competitiveness, Pricing Structure, Flexibility, Contract Language
• Business Relationship - Strategic Partnership, National Account Manager Effectiveness, Years in Relationship
• Leadership/Technology - Electronic Capabilities, Visibility Tools, Industry Innovation, Leader in New Service Offerings

During challenging business cycles there are steps shippers can take to improve their relationship with their carrier to help maintain mutual business goals, and ultimately get their freight moved.

Build relationships with your carrier by even placing relationships above shipping rates. All businesses are under pressure to cut costs during an economic downturn. If shippers who take advantage of the carriers to drive down rates could find themselves in a difficult situation when the marketplace shifts, which it will invariably do over time.

Naturally, shippers are looking for the best value. By keeping channels of communication open, shippers and carriers can mutually explore ways to achieve financial and operational goals.

Many shippers have pressured carriers to extend payment terms out to 60 days or even up to 120 days. This makes it very difficult for the carrier to meet its own financial obligations. If the carriers go out of business, it only hurts the companies that need to move their freight.