Looking ahead to 2003

The economic outlook for 2003 promises that it may be another tough year in the transportation industry. The economy appears to be on the mend, but experts are anticipating a slow recovery. The uncertainty of war and the possibility of terrorism or corporate financial disasters have consumers on the sidelines, waiting for some indication of stability in the economy. Many businesses have delayed capital investments over the past few years. Current indicators show that any sustained capital spending recovery is dependent on improvement in business confidence.

There are some indicators that some upward turn in the economy may be starting. The domestic economy is not expected to slide into recession. Federal monetary and fiscal policy is expected to stay very stimulative. Once the economy starts to show strength, interest rates are expected to rise. This is predicted to happen in the second half of the year.

In spite of the tough economic outlook, ATS is anticipating 10% growth over the upcoming year. Much of this growth is expected because of strong consumer spending and further competitive reductions in truck capacity, due primarily to rising insurance costs, increased fuel prices, higher cost of operating new trucks due to EPA regulations and weakened market conditions.

ATS is poised, ready to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.

Rollie Anderson, President & CEO, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.

"Rolling Along" presents thoughts from a member of the ATS Management Team.

Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. was presented with the Great West Risk Management, Inc. Platinum Award for Safety and Operational Excellence on February 11, 2003. The award was presented by Peter Merrion, Underwriting Manager of Great West Risk Management, during a ceremony at the ATS corporate offices in St. Cloud, Minnesota. During the presentation Merrion explained that Anderson Trucking was chosen to receive this award from the top twenty percent of their largest carrier group. “Criteria considered for the award were loss results, prompt and fair claim settlement practices, timely reporting of claims, innovative loss prevention programs and demonstrated operational excellence.”

According to Rollie Anderson, President and CEO of Anderson Trucking Service, it is a high priority at ATS to maintain a culture which produces the highest level of operational safety throughout the organization. “We maintain this culture of safety for ourselves as well as for those people who share the nation’s roads and highways with us.”

Receiving the award are (Left to Right) Billy Woolsey, Jeff Stewart, Mike Lackman, Doug Milroy and Rollie Anderson from ATS and Peter Merrion and Dave McLaughlin from Great West.