LONG BEACH, Cal. — Con-Way Freight has won an award from the American Trucking Associations, for excellence in security.

Also winning an award was Rick Martin of Knight Transportation. He was named 2008 Security Professional of the Year.

The awards were handed out during the ATA Security Council’s 2008 Trucking Security and Law Enforcement Conference and Exhibition. The awards are doled out to the individual and company that best demonstrate an ability to design, implement and manage a successful security program that protects personnel, truck and cargo as well as encompassing anti-terrorism and emergency preparedness.

Con-Way got the nod on the fleet side for having a security plan that covers traditional asset protection as well as Homeland Security programs and training, the ATA announced.

“Con-way Freight led the way in examining, embracing and ably managing every available tool to better secure its employees, trucks and cargo,” said Security Council director Jeanne Dumas. “Its efforts to advance security industry-wide, nationwide and beyond make them a true leader in security among motor carriers.”

“Effective cargo security is an increasingly complex challenge, particularly given the realities of today’s environment, and the multiple issues that security programs must address,” added Con-way Freight president John G. Labrie. “We’re very proud to receive this award, which is a testament to the expertise, innovation and dedication of our security professionals. They’ve done a tremendous job planning and implementing the systems and protocols that protect our employees, our customers’ cargoes and the motoring public.”