Schneider National Grows in 2008 Despite Tough Industry,
Global Economic Conditions
Company Records Positive 2008 Results; Braces for Challenging 2009 With Contingency Plan
to Protect Associates, Customers and Company
GREEN BAY, Wis. February 26, 2009 Schneider National, Inc., a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, today announced its 2008 financial results. The company posted revenues of $3.7 billion in 2008, up from $3.4 billion in 2007. In addition to growing revenue, Schneider achieved its earnings plan in 2008, continuing the company’s 74-year track record of positive financial results.
That said, the freight transportation market environment has been, and will continue to be, in a deep recession. “The transportation and logistics industry faced tremendous challenges in 2008 — from unprecedented fuel price volatility to unusual weather dynamics to the continuing freight recession,” said John Brenholt, chief financial officer at Schneider National, Inc. “We were successful in light of all these challenges due to the commitment and creativity of our associates. Schneider associates continue to find ways to aggressively manage costs while focusing on operational excellence and improving service to our customers.
“There’s no doubt that these market conditions are some of the most difficult we’ve seen in decades,” said Brenholt. “Carriers are exiting the industry due to the environment, and many competitors are reducing the size of their fleets and running fewer trucks. Schneider is responding to industry challenges in a different manner; we’re expanding our core services and making decisions to help control our destiny in what’s looking like a very difficult 2009.”
Anticipating a Challenging 2009
In light of the goods news — including the ability to pay down debt in 2008 and ending the year with one of the strongest balance sheets in company history — Schneider is not immune to the current state of the economy. Freight volumes and rates continue to be soft in the early weeks of 2009.
This week, Schneider will implement further contingency plans designed to protect associates, customers and the company from the turbulent economy and to ensure its long-term success. Plans include suspending pay increases in 2009 for all associates and deferring funding for retirement plans
and 401(k) company-matches until year-end.
According to Tim Fliss, executive vice president of human resources for Schneider National, the contingency plan affects all of the company’s 21,000+ management, administrative, driver, maintenance and distribution center associates. All adjustments will be reevaluated at year end to determine appropriate actions moving forward.
“We will continue to monitor conditions and take the steps necessary to protect our financial position,” Fliss added. “We cannot predict what the economy will do, but we will control what we can and encourage all associates to contribute ideas to reduce cost, eliminate waste and improve productivity. Together, we will be successful in ensuring a company that’s built to last.”
About Schneider National, Inc.
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of transportation and logistics services, enhancing the standard of living worldwide. The nation's largest truckload carrier, Schneider serves more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500 companies and offers the broadest portfolio of services to small, medium and global shippers across the globe. The company’s transportation and logistics solutions include van/truckload, dedicated, expedited, bulk, regional, intermodal, transportation management, freight brokerage, air/ocean freight forwarding, customs house brokerage, transloading and distribution, supply chain management and supply chain advisory services.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for more than 70 years. A $3.7 billion company, Schneider National employs 21,400 transportation and logistics experts worldwide, including operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit schneider.com.
