USF Corp. recently completed agreements with four companies to supply parts for the transportation company's fleet of more than 10,000 power units and 20,000 trailers.

Fleet Charge, an International Truck and Engine Corp. program, FleetPride Inc., TruckPro Inc., and Road Equipment Parts Center will be the primary parts suppliers for USF's less-than-truckload, truckload and forward and reverse logistics operating companies.
The two-year parts agreements mean USF has significantly reduced its supplier network.
This year's move to more centralized purchasing allows USF to leverage its nearly $500 million annual spend across the operating companies.
The new parts vendor relationships follow several other strategic alliances formed in the first quarter. Great Dane Trailers has been tapped as primary trailer supplier. Michelin and Bridgestone have two-year agreements to sell original equipment and replacement tires, while creating distribution efficiencies for USF. And, as of first quarter 2003, Bandag Inc. has been USF's primary supplier for retread tires.
Lubricants for USF's fleet are being provided by ExxonMobil under a long-term agreement. And Fleetguard Inc. is USF's strategic partner for filters, antifreeze and exhaust parts.
"USF has built its business on bringing supply chain expertise to our customers," said Samuel K. Skinner, USF Corp. chairman, president, and chief operating officer. "Now we're using that expertise, as well as our procurement experience, to streamline our own supply chain and create greater cost efficiencies on a corporate-wide basis."
David Gerrard, senior vice president of purchasing for USF, said, "To date we've been very effective in rationalizing our supplier base, as well as in creating strong sourcing relationships. This is a long-term collaborative effort that should be rewarding for both USF and our vendor partners."
USF's purchasing department will be seeking strategic partners in the near future for other categories of fleet and non-fleet related spend, including telecom, fuel procurement (both bulk and truckstop), and other major corporate needs.
USF Corp. has a network of independently operated companies that compete collectively. USF's five regional trucking companies -- USF Bestway, USF Dugan, USF Holland, USF Red Star and USF Reddaway -- provide next-day, regional and national less-than-truckload services. USF Glen Moore provides regional and national truckload services.
For more information, visit www.usfc.com.