Oct 31, 2005 9:05 AM, from staff and wire reports

Horizon Lines LLC was recognized by Wal-Mart Stores Inc as the recipient of the Bentonville AR-based retail giant's annual Carrier of the Year award.

This year, Wal-Mart recognized 12 carriers for outstanding service in their respective categories. Some of those categories included Small Package Carrier of the Year, Grocery Carrier of the Year, Rising Star Carrier of the Year, and Innovative Carrier of the Year. Selection criteria for the award included revenue/growth, ease of doing business, communication, flexibility, customer service, and follow- up/correction of errors.

Based in Charlotte NC, Horizon Lines is a Jones Act container shipping and logistics company, operating 16 United States-flag vessels on routes linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico.