ATS ANNOUNCES DRIVER TRAINEE PROGRAM
ATS recently introduced a Driver Trainee Program which will be a supplemental source for company drivers in ATS Specialized. Individuals who have their CDL or are in the process of obtaining their CDL are recruited into this program after an extensive review and interview process. These trainees go through a six week classroom and behind the wheel course with ATS in St Cloud prior to being sent over the road with a trainer-instructor. The over-the-road training with a driver trainer is six to twelve weeks long, depending on the skill level of the trainee and the types of driving experiences that have occurred. When the trainee is ready to go “solo” he/she is placed with a fleet manager that will provide additional assistance to the drivers as they continue their education process.

This training program is being coordinated by the Safety Department.

ATS SPECIALIZED RECEIVES 2004 QUEST FOR QUALITY AWARD
ATS Specialized has been chosen by the readers of Logistics Management Magazine as a 2004 recipient of the Quality Carrier Award in the Industrial & Heavy Haul Carrier Category. Ed Myers, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for ATS Specialized accepted the award at banquet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 6.

Logistics Management does extensive research to evaluate and measure transportation and logistics service providers. Questionaires were mailed to readers who buy freight in 12 different modes of transportation. They were asked to rank hundreds of carriers on criteria which include performance, value, information technology, customer service, equipment and operations.

According to Mike Levans, Chief Editor for Logistics Management, “The results of the Quest for Quality study set the gold standard for logistics excellence and clearly define the key characteristics that shippers seek in a world-class logistics provider”

Please join us in extending congratulations to the staff and management of ATS Specialized.

WIRELESS ACCESS TO BE AVAILABLE AT GARY, INDIANA
ATS is in the process of installing wireless internet access, or WI-FI, at the Gary, Indiana yard. WI-FI will be available from the truck cab or inside the terminal. It will provide unlimited internet access which can be used for web browsing, email, etc. There will be no cost to the driver for Internet access, but the driver would need to supply his/her own PC and wireless card.

The preliminary work for the installation has begun, and completion of the project is expected by the first of the year.