Central Transport Receives Prestigious Ford Q1 Certification

Warren, Michigan, December 3, 2004 - Ford Motor Company awarded Central Transport with its prestigious Q1 Award in November 2004. Fords Q1 award is a significant distinction, well-recognized within the automotive industry. It is Ford's recognition of suppliers that have achieved a sustained level of excellence in customer satisfaction by meeting the automaker's requirements for quality, delivery, materials management and engineering. The award recognizes outstanding suppliers that demonstrate commitment and support for continuous improvement in quality and productivity.

Ford launched Q1 as a quality process that requires collaborative partnership with Fords suppliers, uses clear metrics, rigorous site assessment and stresses continual improvement. Flying the Q1 flag and displaying the Q1 plaque demonstrate that Central Transport stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best companies in the automotive industry.

All Fords Q1 suppliers are expected to perform at a certain level, but more importantly, that they have put the tools in place to maintain excellence and to improve their quality with each passing year. Ford is working directly with suppliers on a regular basis on all quality-related matters. Only suppliers and service providers that have introduced effective, externally audited quality management systems (ISO 9001-2000) are shortlisted for the award. Only those who also fulfill Ford's Q1 criteria in terms of customer satisfaction, transport quality, punctuality of delivery, technology, innovation and administration make the final round.

The award recognizes both Central Transports logistical expertise and their inventive use of modern shipping practices to offer consistent, competitive and reliable LTL services.

'We are proud and honored to receive this prestigious award from Ford, said Central Transports spokesperson. This recognition shows that we are among the best suppliers globally. It also validates our commitment to continuous improvement and quality. At Central Transport, we continuously strive for industry excellence by providing the highest quality LTL service from our facilities nationwide. In addition, we thank our employees for their hard work and dedication to achieving Q1 status'