WASHINGTON, D.C. - The membership of the Teamsters Union has ratified by a 70% "for" vote a new five-year National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) governing major unionized Less Than Truckload (LTL) carriers and their employees, the head of the Motor Freight Carriers Association (MFCA) said today

"We are extremely pleased that the Teamsters Union membership has given overwhelming approval to this agreement," said Timothy P. Lynch, President and CEO of the Motor Freight Carriers Association. Mr. Lynch added, "It is further evidence that the unionized segment of this industry will continue to be a dominant force in the nation's freight market."

"This five-year agreement gives us the longest period of labor stability that we have enjoyed. That translates into uninterrupted, reliable service for our customers, and job security for our employees. That is a win-win," said Michael Wickham, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Roadway Express, Inc. and Chairman of MFCA.

The agreement ratified by the Teamsters Union membership was negotiated with representatives of ABF Freight System, Inc., Consolidated Freightways, Roadway Express, Inc. and Yellow Freight System, Inc. The two MFCA regional carriers - A-P-A Transport Corp. and New Penn Motor Express, Inc. - previously agreed to adopt the NMFA when ratified by the union membership.

In giving approval to the five-year national agreement, including the monetary provisions, Teamsters rejected several local supplemental agreements. Both sides have agreed to meet immediately to address these local concerns. However, in no case will these concerns result in any work stoppage or disruption in service to the shipping public.