TORONTO, (Jan. 18, 2005) — Several Canadian trucking companies and related businesses were recognized for achieving the highest levels of business performance in Canada.

Carriers inducted to the 2004 Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies list include: Transport Robert, Canada Cartage System, and Consolidated Fastfrate. Cummins Western Canada also made the list.

Organizers look at more than healthy financials when determining the winners. The 50 Best Managed designation symbolizes corporate success — companies focused on their core vision, creating value through innovation and excelling in the global economy.

“These companies are clearly focused on delivering an exceptional level of service to their customers and are committed to the continued innovation,” said James McScherry, executive vice-president of CIBC Commercial Banking, a National sponsor of the program. “The success of these winning companies is a testament to the basic law of business, that ‘the customer is always right.'”

Past trucking inductees were also named as Requalified Winners. Such companies must be recognized for two more consecutive years after originally winning the award. They include: Armour Transportation Systems , Kriska Holdings Ltd., MacKinnon Transport, Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines, and Yanke Group of Companies.

Bison Transport, MSM Transportation, and Quik X Transportation Inc. were three of 21 elite companies that were awarded Platinum Club membership in 2004.

Platinum Club status is in recognition of “outstanding companies who have sustained a standard of excellence and leadership in all areas of their business practices,” and have qualified in the award program for at least six consecutive years — during some of the toughest and most competitive market conditions.