Con-way Freight Streamlines North American Transportation Operations With AT&T Mobility and Network Solutions

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Con-way Freight, one of North America's largest less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation companies, has rolled out an advanced technology platform utilizing mobile applications for its daily pickup and delivery (P&D) and freight management operations, and under a new contract with AT&T, is utilizing AT&T as the wireless network services provider supporting its operations.

Utilizing more than 11,000 hand-held devices supported by dock automation software applications, Con-way Freight is driving new efficiencies into its business by gaining real-time information on shipment pickups and deliveries from its driver workforce in the field. The new applications, combined with AT&T's network, provide faster access to more complete and accurate information, giving the company the ability to respond faster to customer needs while improving operations planning and execution. The company also is gaining benefits through better equipment utilization, with the entire P&D city operations in over 290 cities nationwide running applications over the AT&T wireless network.

As drivers return to Con-way's 290 freight service centers across the U.S., the new dock automation application is utilized to streamline cross-dock handling; resulting in higher capacity and higher quality loads. These applications help improve operational efficiencies through better shipment data and operations planning designed to reduce damage claims, improve transit times, and achieve more cost-effective equipment utilization. On-time and damage-free shipments and faster pick-ups and deliveries are not only contributing to greater customer satisfaction but also to higher employee satisfaction.

"Satisfying our customers is our greatest goal," said Jacqueline A. Barretta, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Con-way Inc. "AT&T is helping us put real-time customer information at the finger tips of our drivers and operations, enabling us to enhance customer satisfaction."

Con-way also deploys an AT&T Virtual Private Network (AVPN) providing a business continuity solution for both the P&D and Dock Automation applications. For both applications, the mobile devices cross both networks – wireless and AVPN – to enable a built-in business continuity/disaster recovery solution.

About Con-way Inc.

Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) is a $4.3 billion freight transportation and logistics services company headquartered in San Mateo, Calif. Con-way delivers industry-leading services through its primary operating companies of Con-way Freight, Con-way Truckload and Menlo Worldwide. These operating units provide high-performance, day-definite less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload and multimodal freight transportation, as well as logistics, warehousing and supply chain management services, and trailer manufacturing. Con-way Inc. and its subsidiaries operate from more than 500 locations across North America and in 20 countries. For more information about Con-way, visit Con-Way.com.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. 

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.