Con-way Truckload has expanded its services to include short-haul truckload shipments of less than 600 miles
. Con-way Truckload Regional's offerings will include cartage service for truckload shipments of less than 100 miles as well as drayage services.

"This is the ideal time for us to enter the regional, cartage and drayage business," said Herb Schmidt, president, Con-way Truckload. "About 70 percent of the freight in the transportation market travels less than 550 miles, and it's a segment that tends to stay healthy even during challenging economic conditions."

Through the new initiative, Con-way will be able to access a group of sister company Con-way Freight's network of 300 North American facilities. Con-way Truckload's more than 2,600-truck fleet is available to support regional service through dispatch.

Regional service also allows Con-way Truckload to offer expanded customized solutions for shippers with diverse truckload shipping requirements. Retail and manufacturing customers with seasonal surges, for example, will benefit from the company's capacity and flexibility of resources.

Con-way Truckload has been providing regional service in 11 states through an 18-month pilot program. By the end of 2009, it plans to have 325 trucks dedicated to the new offering, and will add an additional 300 trucks in 2010. The company hopes to have 1,000 trucks dedicated to nationwide regional service by 2011.

More info: www.con-way.com/truckload