Southeastern Freight Lines has been named Lowe’s 2009 Platinum Carrier of the Year, the highest award designation possible from the home improvement retailer. Saia Inc. was been named the 2009 Silver Team Award recipient for exceeding two of the retailer’s service performance indicators.
This is the third year in a row that Southeastern has earned the prestigious Platinum distinction by achieving all four goals set by Lowe’s. “Southeastern’s reliability and their willingness to customize their system based on Lowe’s needs have earned them this top award,” says Steve Palmer, Lowe’s vice president of transportation. “Southeastern remains a cornerstone of our transportation program.”
Lowe’s measures carriers each week on meeting four objectives, including on-time and claim-free deliveries – two of Southeastern’s primary operational objectives. Southeastern has exceeded all four standards consistently, earning Platinum-level recognition.
“We are honored to once again be named a Platinum carrier by Lowe’s,” says Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development at Southeastern Freight Lines, based in Lexington, S.C. “We value the outstanding relationship we have with Lowe’s, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a trusted transportation partner.”
This is the 10th consecutive year Saia has been recognized by the nation’s second-largest home improvement company. “We are honored to receive this award, which is given to carriers who meet or exceed specific goals set by the retailer,” says Juan Barroso, corporate account executive for Johns Creek, Ga.-based Saia. “We are very proud of our relationship with Lowe’s and look forward to many more years of working together.”
Saia was honored for achieving Lowe’s GAP Compliance Goal and the company’s “deliveries before exceptions” objective. In order to become GAP-compliant, carriers consistently must deliver each Lowe’s shipment the same day it arrives at the destination facility.
