The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference (NASSTRAC) has bestowed its 2004 Carrier of the Year awards on four less-than-truckload motor carriers. The group, which represents LTL and parcel shippers, recognized Roadway Express in the National category, FedEx Freight in the Multi-Regional category, Oak Harbor Freight Lines in the Regional—West Category, and Southeastern Freight Lines in the Regional—East Category. All four won similar honors in their respective categories last year. Logistics Management co-sponsors the award.

The awards are based on grades that NASSTRAC's shipper members give the carriers they use. The awards recognize motor carriers that demonstrate excellence in customer service, operations, pricing, business relationships, leadership, and information technology.

"NASSTRAC continually encourages performance excellence in the transportation industry, and the Carrier of the Year awards is one way NASSTRAC is doing so," said Janet Kemp, transportation manager for Grainger Industrial Supply and NASSTRAC's current Provider Relations Committee chairperson.

NASSTRAC launched the Carrier of the Year program in 1987, handing out a single award. Over the years, it has expanded the program to honor both national and regional less-than-truckload carriers.