It seems that every time I sit down to write this column I lead off by thanking readers for yet another record response rate to one of our long-running research projects—and I’m about to do it again. How could I not thank the 6,527 logistics professionals (yes, a new record) for offering us the feedback that helped us calculate the winners of our 24th Annual Quest for Quality survey?

Having spent time with readers recently, I know very well just how hectic your days in the office and on the road have become. The fact that we continue to get more shippers weighing in year after year only validates the importance that’s placed on establishing this industry benchmark. And it’s even more evidence of the passion logistics professionals have for celebrating world-class service; especially now in the midst of one of the toughest operating environments carriers have ever faced.

It’s clear: When they experience superior service, shippers are eager to share that success others. Thanks again to every one who took the time to offer their input to keep the Quest for Quality the preeminent measure of logistics and transportation performance.

Now I’d like to extend congratulations to the 119 winners in the Trucking, Ocean, Rail/Intermodal, Air, and 3PL categories. Considering all of the operational pressures facing service providers today, being placed in this circle of winners is a substantial achievement—and worthy of one hell of a party. We will be celebrating all of this year’s winners at the Philadelphia Marriott on the evening of October 24, the final evening of the CSCMP Annual Conference.

The results of the 2007 Quest for Quality Awards begin on page 32. Before diving into the results, I urge you to read the introduction section to familiarize yourself with how our research partner, Reed Research Group, weighs, measures, and scores the survey findings. From there, we roll out the winners, category by category, and offer a brief analysis of the trends we found in the various performance criteria.

Our editorial and research teams have done a terrific job of pulling the results together to put context behind all the numbers. So please, drop us a line should you have any questions or need us to clarify the data in any way.

Editorial Note: While August triggers the beginning of our Quest for Quality celebration, I’m happy to report that the staff of Logistics Management is celebrating a key editorial addition. We’re pleased to welcome Patrick Burnson as our new Executive Editor. Many of you know Patrick from his time as Editor-in-Chief of World Trade and as the driving force behind dozens of conferences for the Journal of Commerce.

Over the past few years, Patrick was cranking out daily dispatches from his office in San Francisco for Cargonews Asia (Hong Kong), Shipping and Trade News (Tokyo), and Air Cargo News. Patrick will fill Tom Andel’s shoes now that Tom has taken over the editorial charge of our sister publication, Modern Materials Handling.

Patrick’s more than 20 years of global trade, customs, and maritime coverage, along with his online news and conference development skills, will certainly help LM extend its lead in market coverage and web-based education.

Comments? E-mail me at michael.levans@reedbusiness.com