Logistics managers today are confronting an enormous challenge: providing outstanding service while holding the line on costs. With fuel prices soaring out of control and freight capacity tighter than ever, that's a tougher assignment than it was in 2004, when we launched the Best Practices in Logistics Management Awards.

With that in mind, we chose as our 2005 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award winners companies that have developed innovative and effective approaches to managing logistics costs. It wasn't an easy choice: This year's call for entries drew dozens of responses. LM's editors evaluated each entry, then chose the winners from a long list of standouts.

It's interesting to note that the winning entries all involved international logistics—no surprise in this age of globalization. The basic principles behind their solutions: Identifying worldwide opportunities for savings; centralizing freight payment to control and measure spending; and collaborating with other disciplines to deliver product more cost-effectively.

We're sure you'll find their stories interesting, and hope they'll give you some great ideas for improving your own company's operations.