OUTLOOK FOR 2005
2005 has proven to be an eventful year. For most of 2004 we were in a unique environment in our industry. For the first time, possibly since deregulation, customer demand for moving freight greatly exceeded total truck capacity. This continued demand for transportation helped us to finish out the year 2004 with record sales of $425 million. This trend has continued to some extent into the year 2005, although maintaining a strong market share in the first quarter has proven to be a little more difficult than expected.

The design of our new corporate headquarters is in its final stages, and we plan to break ground as soon as the frost allows us to start digging. The planned move in date for this building is March 2006. It will be located at 725 Opportunity Drive in the St Cloud, Minnesota, Business Park. It seems appropriate that we are beginning construction on this new building as we move into our second fifty years of business.

Fifty years ago, in 1955, my father, Harold Anderson, started Anderson Trucking Service with a one room office, a couple of trucks and trailers and a dream about the transportation service he could provide to the granite industry. Since that time Anderson Trucking has grown into the 44th largest transportation company in North America, operating over 2000 tractors and over 8600 trailers. Our market has grown from central Minnesota granite into worldwide, multi-modal transportation of just about anything that can be hauled. I am very grateful for my father’s devotion to his business and family. Without his guidance and leadership ATS would not be what it is today.

Our theme for the celebration is “50 Years of Employees, Drivers and Community. This is in keeping with our Mission Statement, which calls for “The best possible standard of living and stable future for employees, contractors and community involvement and support.”

I’ve spoken many times of how, over the years, we have attempted to anticipate and recognize what is going on in our industry, the marketplace and within our company, and proactively respond to those needs and opportunities. This philosophy has made us successful and will carry us into the future.

We are currently addressing what we feel is an enormous concern within our organization. Many of you are aware of the alarming amount of serious accidents, which resulted in injury, vehicle tow or a fatality that we’ve been experiencing over the past few months. Right now there is no greater item needing our focus and attention than accident reduction. Please drive carefully and always put safety first.

Best regards,
Rollie Anderson

Rollie Anderson, President/CEO, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.
"Rolling Along" presents thoughts from a member of the ATS Management Team.

This can be done in one of two ways. First you can answer the Read-Me-And Win contest in the Herald or you can submit photos for the ATS Photo Contest. We give cash and a hat to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place photos each month. That is how to "GET ONE". So keep on reading and sending in those pictures.