ADS Logistics' Brokerage Division Successfully Bridges Truck Capacity Gap and Looks to Expand Service and Geographic Scope in 2007

HOMEWOOD, Ill.--ADS Logistics, LLC (ADS) announced today its plans to expand transportation services with the establishment of a new Brokerage division within its Area Transportation business unit. ADS is the leading North American provider of integrated supply chain management services to the metals industry, and its Area Transportation business unit (AREA) is one of the largest providers of truck capacity to the metals industry.

"Portions of the metals industry have been anxious in the past about "brokerage" due to potential concerns about delivery reliability and liability coverage in the absence of a direct trucker relationship," stated Tom Eatinger, Vice President and General Manager for ADS' Area Transportation division. "The fact is however, that AREA's high level of quality service and demonstrated ability to provide reliable brokered loads through our managed services over the last several years has successfully mitigated customer perceptions and concerns relative to brokerage. AREA has proven this capability to be a valuable addition to any freight manager’s arsenal of solutions."

Faced with the increased shortage of qualified drivers and the reduced number of available driving hours as a result of the Hours of Service regulation, AREA has increased its dependence in recent years on the brokered portion of their fleet. "Rigorous background checks and careful management of insurance coverage are key to responsibly moving brokered freight. The results have been rewarding, with more and more customers recognizing that brokerage is a creative way to increase capacity when managed properly," continued Eatinger. "AREA's 2007 goal is for metals shippers to think of AREA as their "First Call" for transportation services – be it our traditional trucking services (AREA), intermodal transportation (Western Intermodal division) or transportation brokerage (ADS Brokerage division)."

About ADS Logistics, LLC

ADS (www.adslogistics.com) is the leading North American provider of integrated supply chain solutions to the metals industry. ADS’ integrated services include all-mode logistics, warehousing and material handling, distribution programs, and supply chain management technologies which maximize cost savings and service efficiencies for metals manufacturers, consumers and related industries. ADS provides truck transportation services through a network of company owned and leased equipment and brokered carriers; rail and intermodal services through a proprietary intermodal network, and distribution and material handling services through a North American network of specialized metals warehouses and transload facilities. For further information contact Dawn Thrasher, Director Public Relations and Communications, 708-922-2024, dthrasher@adslogistics.com.