L.A Xpress Assembly and Distribution, Inc. Awarded Quaker State

Dallas, Texas, April 22nd, 1997: Quaker State Corporation held it's 7th annual Carrier Recognition Banquet in Dallas, Texas on April 21, 1997. At this event, L.A. Xpress Assembly and Distribution, Inc., based in South Gate, California, was awarded the 1996 "Chairman's Award" for Excellence in Transportation Services. This award is presented to the transportation company who, throughout the year, meets or exceeds the high standards of Quality Service set by Quaker State Corporation.

The banquet started with a speech by Herb Baum CEO and Chairman of Quaker State Corporation. He discussed Quaker State's "Quality Service Program" and reviewed the year in general. Bruce Molitor, Quaker State's Director of Transportation, talked about new logistics systems and distribution programs.

The core carriers who were competing for the "Chairman's Award" were judged on the following criteria: 1.) On-time pick up and delivery; 2.) Freight claims; 3.) Condition and availability of equipment; 4.) Overall customer satisfaction and 5.) Customer and corporate problem resolution and billing accuracy.

This is the 3rd consecutive year that L.A. Xpress A&D, Inc. has received Quaker State Corporation's highest transportation honor.

L.A. Xpress "Drivers" Compete in Professional Truck Driving Championship

Larry Velasco and Sal Farias, both owner operators working with L.A. Xpress in the Southern California area, are competing in the Professional Truck Driving Championships being held in San Bernardino. The event will take place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 1997.

If Larry and Sal do well at the Regional competition on Saturday, they will be able to compete in the State competition on Sunday. We wish both Larry and Sal the Best of Luck !!!

Scanning & Optical Storage System

We told you in our last newsletter about our future plans for a Scanning and Optical Storage system for our Corporate Office. Well, we are proud to announce that this system should be operational within 60 days. The system includes the "FaxBack" technology. This will allow you to dial into the system, request information and have the system fax it to you. There will be future notices sent to you when this system is operational. In the mean time, if you have any questions, please call us at the South Gate Terminal.

L.A. Xpress A&D, Inc. Internet Web Page

Our company web page is up and running. If you haven't already checked it out, we're sure that when you do you will find it interesting and informative. We have included our company history, rates, points and information about the different departments in our company. Please check it out and let us know what you think. You can e-mail us directly from the web page or gives us a call. The web page address is: LA-XPRESS.COM

ALERT**ALERT**ALERT**ALERT

Just another reminder that our area code changed for the South Gate offices. This change includes all telephone numbers, fax numbers and modem numbers for L.A. Xpress and Xpress Trailer Repair. Please make sure that your fax machines, speed dialers, address books, etc. have been changed to the new (562) area code. This change took place on January 25, 1997 and the old area code will only work until June, 1997.

Motor Carrier Permits

As a first step towards the changeover from the California P.U.C. to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the DMV has announced plans to mail out approximately 40,000 Motor Carrier Permit renewal applications to existing carriers on March 25, 1997. These applications will be sent to both private and for hire carriers. All carriers will be required to complete the renewal application and send it in with the appropriate fees to the DMV in Sacramento. All carriers will need to provide their CA number, issued by the California Highway Patrol, and, if you have employee drivers, their Requester Code number issued by the DMV. Applications will not be accepted without this information.

Convention & Trade Show Update

This years convention schedule is filling up fast. You will be able to visit us at the following conventions:

• The National Retail Federation Convention, May 18 - 21 in Orlando, FL
• American Shippers Institute, August 6th, 1997 in Santa Barbara, CA
• The National Industrial Transportation League, November 16 - 18 in Anaheim, CA

The International Mass Retailer Association Convention in January, Transportation Intermediaries Show in February, Minneapolis Traffic Club Trade Show in April and the Footwear Traffic & Distribution Convention in May were all great shows for us. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Trade Shows and Conventions. If you would like more information about the shows, please call Mike Wichert at the South Gate office.

Sales Department Goals and Commitment to Service

The primary goal of the Sales Department at LA. Xpress is Total Customer Satisfaction.

To achieve this goal we must offer our present and prospective customers the Highest Quality of Service while maintaining the most Competitive Prices.

We must be Honest with our customers to uphold the High Level of Integrity that this Company is based upon.

We must stay abreast of our competitions pricing, service areas, strengths and weaknesses, which will enable us to stay a Step Ahead in this highly competitive industry. We offer our customers a wide array of services including, rate disks, telephone rate quotes, and other specialized services.

We understand that the Sales Effort doesn't end when we carry your first shipment. We stay involved with our customers to insure that our service is continually upgraded to meet any changing requirements. By staying in contact with our customers we are able to handle any service or communication questions as they arise. Sales can assist our customers with HazMat shipment documentation, handling and other requirements, to help educate our customers.

While employing the most qualified personnel in all departments, at times we will need to work as a liaison between the customer and other various departments of our company, to insure our goal of Total Customer Satisfaction.

Finally, we at L.A. Xpress are committed to providing you and all of our customers the ultimate in service. Please be assured that we will continue to do our very best, every day, to insure that we meet or exceed your expectations, and our Goals.