Landstar System recently jumped into InformationWeek magazine’s Top 50 of the “500 Most Innovative IT Users” for 2006. This is the eighth year Landstar has been named to the magazine’s annual list of America’s most innovative information technology users. This year, Landstar ranks No. 32 among the 500 selected by the publication, which considers business strategies, IT budget and best practices when evaluating the companies.
“As Landstar expands into the global marketplace, so does our support of our third-party capacity providers, independent sales agents and warehouse capacity providers, who make up our unique network of transportation and logistics providers,” says Henry Gerkens, Landstar president and chief executive officer. “We are committed to providing them with the technological tools and support they need to succeed in servicing today’s global supply chain. We’re pleased to be recognized as a leader in our industry and as a forward-thinking and innovative company.”
Landstar says it develops and supports various technological tools used by its network of independent agents and third-party capacity providers. The company’s website allows them to choose freight, perform administrative functions and make other business decisions, which can be accessed via wireless Web-enabled cell phones or other handheld devices. The company also provides wireless Internet hotspots at various Landstar orientation centers, the company headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., and its service center in Rockford, Ill.
“Our climb to the Top 50 of InformationWeek’s 500 is the result of many years of continuous development, layering one success and advance upon another, with significant investments in both time and money,” says Larry Thomas, Landstar vice president and chief information officer. “We’re proud to be recognized for our achievements.”
Candidates were asked to complete an application examining quantitative analysis of tech initiatives and priorities and a qualitative assessment using two essay responses, one on overall technology innovation and the other on one of six technology categories. The responses were evaluated, weighted and combined into a total score used by the magazine’s editors as a basis for the ranking. “The application process is rigorous and comprehensive,” says Thomas. “It examines the organization as a whole, including compliance and security, project management, governance, company performance, and products and services we deliver to our constituents.”
The results of the annual survey are available at www.informationweek.com.
