Con-way merging three regional LTL units

Con-way merging three regional LTL units San Mateo-based Con-way Inc. said its less-than-truckload freight division, Con-Way Freight Inc., will combine three regional operating units into one centralized operation headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich.
   Since its inception 24 years ago, Con-way Freight has allowed the three internal units — Con-way Freight-Central, Con-way Freight-Southern and Con-way Freight-Western — to operate with separate goals, practices and pricing models. This has resulted, according to the firm, in complexity issues and overlapping staffing.
   The parent Con-Way said in a release that the goal of merging the three units under the Con-Way Freight banner is to improve the customer experience and streamline processes at the division.
   Con-Way also said the merger would result in 'concurrent reductions in overhead,' though it did not specify if this involved facilities, materials and/or staffing positions.
   John G. Labrie, recently appointed president of the division, will head the new consolidated Con-way Freight's executive team. Joining him are David L. Miller, chief operating officer; Michael D. Yuenger, vice president of finance; J. Edwin Conaway, executive vice president of sales; Sean M. Devine, vice president of engineering; Manoj Chopra, vice president of pricing; and Scott J. Engers, vice president of employee relations.
   Costs for the reorganization are estimated to range from $12 million to $16 million, and are expected to be incurred during the remainder of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008.