ACCORDING TO MY DOG-EARED copy of Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, the definitions of "quest" include "a pursuit ... an adventurous journey." We've been following that adventure for 20 years now through our Quest for Quality Survey. This year's edition of that special report begins on page 34 of this issue.

The Quest for Quality survey results reflect the voice of the Logistics Management reader. Through the survey questionnaire, these knowledgeable buyers of transportation and logistics services tell us who they perceive to be the best providers of those services, based on a set of clearly defined service and cost criteria. In the carrier categories, for example, readers are asked to rate service providers on on-time performance, information technology, customer service, equipment and operations, and overall value.

This year, as in past years, the survey results contain a few surprises. Some companies that had won Quest for Quality honors in the past fell just short this year, based on readers' rankings. On the other side of the coin, a few providers made their way into the winners circle for the first time ever. This year's survey also featured a new category, warehouse services.

Looking at the survey results from a historical perspective, it's interesting to note the companies that have won Quest for Quality honors year after year. This year, in fact, we compiled a "Hall of Fame"—those transportation and logistics companies that have won in their respective categories for each of the past 10 years.

The 13 Hall of Famers underscore what the "quest" for quality performance is all about. If the perceptions of our readers are any indication (and we think they are), these perennial winners obviously understand that performance is not a one-time deal. It's an ongoing process, a pursuit that never really ends. They know that you have to literally and figuratively deliver the goods every time you pick up a shipment—and, by the way, keep your rates down and continue to make the service even better.

Thanks to all of our readers who took the time to participate in the survey. And congratulations to all of this year's Quest for Quality winners. For those that didn't make the cut, remember that there's always next year. In fact, the competition for the twenty-first Quest for Quality awards is already on!