CF partners with Averitt Express on cross-border coverage

CALGARY, (Aug. 4, 2004) — Canadian Freightways and sister company Epic Express have formed a strategic alliance with U.S.-based Averitt Express.

This move streamlines the Canadian Freightways and Epic Express partnership network in the U.S. by expanding the region serviced by Averitt. The partnership leverages each company’s focus on regional service and provides expedited cross-border coverage.

“The entrenched relationship will give our customers uninterrupted visibility of their transborder shipments,” CF CEO Darshan Kailly said in a release. “Customers can expect better transit times, improved service reliability and real-time visibility on our websites.”

To support the partnership the companies will be implementing shared systems for paperwork, pickup, tracking, claims and customer care to provide seamless service to customers before the end of the year.

Established in 1971, Averitt Express is a leading provider of full-service freight transportation and logistics. Averitt operates over 80 service centers and provides LTL service to more than 75,000 direct points throughout the southern United States.

Canadian Freightways was bought last year by TransForce — Canada’s largest for-hire carrier. TransForce had won a bid to purchase all assets of Canadian Freightways for $69.6 million plus assumption of loans and credit facilities of $15.0 from Consolidated Freightways, which unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy in 2002.