Jan 12, 2012 9:52 AM

Walmart is honoring 11 transportation suppliers for exemplary performance in delivering to the company’s distribution centers. Each year, Walmart recognizes transportation suppliers that have demonstrated excellence or exhibited significant improvement in meeting core business objectives, including less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and small parcel.

“Walmart Transportation appreciates these carrier partners that have gone above and beyond to provide outstanding service over the past year,” said Rob Kusiciel, vice-president of inbound transportation and global logistics.

Carriers recognized with each award consistently maintained a high level of service by providing on-time pick-up and delivery with minimal variability in performance. The 2011 Walmart Carrier of the Year award winners are:

•Grocery—C R England

•Grocery Dedicated—Swift Transportation

•Regional LTL—Averitt Express

•National LTL—Con-way Freight

•Intermodal—J B Hunt Transport

•Sam’s—Heartland Express

•Diversity—Trio Trucking

•General Merchandise (Diamond)—Schneider National Carriers

•General Merchandise (Platinum)—Celadon

•General Merchandise (Gold)—Epes Transport

•Small Parcel—FedEx

Gold, platinum, and diamond designations are relative to fleet size, smallest to largest, respectively.

Visit www.walmartstores.com for additional information.