CHANGING FACE OF ATS , INC.
ATS, Inc. - the van division of Anderson Trucking Services - is rapidly moving into new niche markets. While more than half of our capacity continues to serve our irregular route customer base, the remainder of the fleet has transitioned into specialty areas. We have regional operations in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest. Our expedited volume (deferred air freight) has been steadily growing with accounts like Airborne, Yellow and others.

In January of this year, we began a new endeavor with our Pad Wrap fleet. This is primarily the movement of store fixtures and related items that require the additional protection of blankets during shipment. We have purchased 90 specially configured trailers and accessorial equipment to handle this business. After only eight months, we are already approaching a million dollars a month in revenue for this sector. Through August, we have about 40 contractors and drivers dedicated to pad wrap and expect to continue growing throughout the remainder of the year.

One of the biggest success stories in the past year has been the used lease program. Approximately one third of our fleet is comprised of these operators who have followed their entreprenuerial spirit , leased a unit and began the business of trucking. Many of the individuals have successfully finished a lease and used the completion bonus to purchase their own truck through the Anderson program.

As we continue to grow in the regional markets, the freight lanes will become tighter and more focused to allow us to retain the needed density for over the road drivers. To make the shorter haul lanes attractive to those who drive company trucks, we now offer the opportunity for them to be paid on a percentage basis much the same as contractors do.

ATS Inc is a great company to work with.. For both drivers and customers, we have all the benefits of being part of one of the largest transportation companies in North America. We are also small enough that everyone receives individual, personal attention. We will continue to move into new markets and focus on giving our customers top notch service while providing the driving force with a quality work environment.

Billy Woolsey, Vice President & General Manager, ATS, Inc.
"Rolling Along" presents thoughts from a member of the ATS Management Team.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS... MAKE SURE YOURS DOES
November 2, Election Day, is fast approaching. I’ve always felt that it is a privilege as well as a responsibility for citizens to vote in the local and national elections. Across the country the margins of victory in important political races are expected to be slim. Especially this year, every single vote will count.

The media coverage of candidates gives anyone who wants to become informed that opportunity. The important thing is to “want” to be informed. Many web sites are available to assist voters in registering, becoming informed regarding the issues and requesting absentee ballots. Some of the sites I am aware of are www.bipac.net/minnesota and www.ivotevalues.org. There are many more available.

BE SURE TO VOTE! Each vote really does count. The following are some interesting facts to back this up. In 1801 one vote in the US House broke the tie between presidential candidates Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Burr was later charged with treason. In 1868 one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from being removed from office. In 1876 one vote in the Electoral College gave Rutherford B Hayes the presidency. In 2000 we had one of the most closely contested presidential elections in American history. Your vote can make a tremendous difference. Get out and vote!

Rollie Anderson, President and CEO of Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.