The five-year contract names CF as General Electric's core national LTL carrier, while naming CF the company's primary ground expedited provider.

Under terms of the contract, CF will provide an array of supply chain services for all 12 of GE's $126 billion businesses, as well as the subsidiary units of those businesses. In addition, General Electric has asked CF to implement its suite of value-added eBusiness tools and provide unique web visibility within each GE company.

"CF's enthusiasm to creatively merge new technologies provides real value to General Electric," said Ron Painter, Manager, GE Corporate Transportation Programs. "Consolidated Freightways helps GE to `think outside the box,' a process that results in innovative business practices that will lead to reductions in back room administrative costs, especially in the freight billing and claims areas."

Painter said that while cost containment is an important issue at GE, overall corporate growth remains a top priority. "GE is targeting double-digit growth every year," he said. "And we're looking for partners like CF to build with us as we grow."

Nearly one-third of CF's current business with GE involves specialty expedited and cross-border freight. CF PrimeTime guaranteed and time-definite service is the industry standard for ground-expedited transportation. CF serves all major Canadian markets coast to coast and is the first LTL carrier to guarantee service in and out of Mexico.