It's the nature of the freight transportation and logistics business to be in a constant state of motion and change. That definition quite literally describes the year Con-way experienced in 2007. As we entered the year, we expected to be challenged by a struggling economy, slowing volumes, intense competition and cautious customers. Those expectations certainly came to fruition as the year progressed, yet we also saw reason for optimism. As we carried out our strategies for the business, we realized opportunities to augment our resources and to drive growth and market leadership.
Overall, in a year that witnessed the most difficult economic conditions since 2001, our operating companies executed well and continued to deliver Con-way's traditional high-service value to customers. We secured new business opportunities in a competitive marketplace. We punctuated 2007 with three strategic additions, aligning our service portfolio with our strategy. Highlights for the year included:Truckload expansion. Our acquisition of Contract Freighters Inc. (CFI) vaulted us into the top tier of North American truckload freight carriers. This investment bought us a professionally managed, highly respected company with an excellent team and a track record for outstanding customer service and profitable growth. We concluded the acquisition in August and subsequently integrated Con-way's existing truckload operations into CFI before the end of the year.
We made strides in 2007 presenting a more unified Con-way to the market. The launch of the redesigned and modernized Con-way Web site, a new logo for Menlo that aligns with the rest of the enterprise, and the rebranding of CFI into Con-way Truckload reinforce our enterprise master brand. We'll continue these efforts in 2008 as we complete the rebranding of Con-way Freight's fleet and embark on the process of rebranding CFI's equipment to Con-way Truckload. In Asia, similar brand alignment work will commence as we transition the Chic and Cougar acquisitions to Menlo.
In 2007, Con-way tapped the strength of its balance sheet to facilitate strategic acquisitions of well-managed, service-oriented transportation and logistics enterprises. 2008 will be a year in which Con-way integrates and leverages this expanded portfolio for enhanced enterprise value and shareholder returns through a broad array of services offered to customers.
As we synchronize the gears of this enterprise platform and harness the natural business links that exist between our operating units, we will unlock real synergies that will drive new growth and shareholder value we believe are inherent in this unique mix of industry-leading service providers we call Con-way.
I want to commend our employees for an admirable effort in a challenging year. As we approach the 25th anniversary of Con-way Freight's founding, their work ethic, commitment to our values and focus on providing our customers with a superb service experience continue to be the difference that sets Con-way apart.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Stotlar
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 11, 2008