JOPLIN, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 2007--CFI, a privately held international truckload carrier based in Joplin, Missouri, has earned the SmartWay Partner logo signifying a distinctive level of environmental performance as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay(SM) Transport Partnership for their continued efforts to implement emissions-reducing technology.

In the two years since CFI's induction into the SmartWay Transport Partnership, CFI has improved their SmartWay Shipper Index Factor (SIF) score to a 1.25, the highest level recognized by the EPA. Only 75 out of nearly 500 participating partners have achieved this honor. The SIF score is a function of fuel efficiency, CO2, NOx, and PM emissions.

"CFI became a SmartWay Transport Partner to become part of the long-term solution towards reducing emissions and fuel consumption," said Bruce Stockton, Vice President of Maintenance. "Through this program we continue to implement emissions-reducing technologies."

In addition to their initial efforts, CFI:
• Increased the team drivers count from approximately 160 teams
  to 260 teams, reducing idling time

• Is converting their entire fleet from pre-2002 emissions
  compliant engines to post-2002 engines

• Utilizes synthetic lubricants in the drive train component,
  reducing friction and improving fuel mileage

• Continues to convert their trailer fleet to wide base tires,
  with over 2,500 trailers to be converted by the end of 2007

The EPA created the SmartWay Transport Partnership in January 2003 to demonstrate that participants can save money on fuel and operating costs, while, at the same time, help the environment. The participating companies are on pace to save over $1.2 billion in fuel costs and remove more than 4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the air by 2007. By 2012, the partnership will cut carbon dioxide emissions between 33 and 66 million metric tons per year and nitrogen oxide emissions by 200,000 tons per year. This is equivalent of removing up to 12 million cars from the road or the equivalent of saving up to 150 million barrels of oil.

CFI is North America's truckload leader. Founded in 1951 with one tractor and two trailers, the company now operates over 2,600 tractors and more than 7,000 trailers and serves shippers throughout the continent. CFI was one of the first carriers to establish operations in Mexico and for its excellence in export service, CFI received the President's "E" and "E-Star" Awards. The company is also ISO 9001-2000 certified. CFI's website can be found at www.cfi-us.com. CFI's site is also available in Spanish, located at www.cfi-mx.com.

Note to Editors: The "2" in CO2 is subscript.

CFI (Contract Freighters Inc)

CFI (Contract Freighters Inc)

CFI, an international truckload carrier founded in 1951, operates approximately 2,500 tractors and over 7,000 trailers and transports a variety of goods throughout the contiguous United States and Canada. CFI interlines with Mexican carriers at various border crossings to provide through-trailer service to Mexico. In addition to its Joplin headquarters, CFI operates four terminals and numerous drop lots along the border and throughout the United States. CFI and its subsidiaries* have 37 sales offices throughout North America and a work force of 3,000 people. The driver fleet is comprised of both company drivers and independent contractors. CFI’s website can be found on the Internet at www.cfi-us.com. CFI’s site is also available in Spanish, located at www.cfi-mx.com. *CFI de Mexico and CFI Logé­stica

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