Less-than-truckload carrier Con-Way Transportation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich, will enter the air freight forwarding business with the opening of Con-Way Air Express.

This startup company will open May 14 with 13 service centers. Con-Way Air Express is headquartered in Forest Park, Ga., near Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport. Pickup and delivery service to regions beyond the territories covered by the company's first 13 offices will be completed through a nationwide network of agents. The company will follow the "asset-light" business model, arranging the movement of shipments using the assets of other transportation operators. This includes commercial airlines, dedicated air operators, and drayage companies. Con-Way Air will also have unique connections with the assets of the other Con-Way components, including expedited carrier Con-Way NOW.
Gary Baude, vice president and general manager of Con-Way AIR, heads up the new company. He has 22 years experience in the air freight industry.
Company officials said a significant investment has been made in computer systems. A special software system, known as the Sentry system, is web-enabled and contains a special set of "exception management" tools. These tools provide Con-Way AIR and its customers special alert messages on each shipment's progress as it moves to its destination. If tasks are not accomplished within certain time frames, the Sentry system sends alert messages to Con-Way AIR's central operations center to trigger intervention before a delivery failure occurs.
Con-Way AIR said it has established service/price agreements with the majority of major U.S. airlines. In addition, agreements have been set up with a network of cartage agents to cover local pickup and delivery in and around airport zones.
For more information, visit www.con-wayair.com.