ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 12, 2011 – The International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) named Brian Abel, Vice President of Operations for Howell’s Motor Freight, Inc., as the recipient of the IRTA Executive of the Year Award on June 6, 2011 as part of the AFFI-GCCA Food Logistics Forum in Denver, Colorado, USA.

IRTA is a Core Partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), which represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics. The annual award recognizes an individual in the refrigerated transportation industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry by fostering innovation, resolving industry issues, or improving the industry's image and efficiency.

Abel was recognized for his ability to creatively respond to trends and changes in the refrigerated trucking industry and his willingness to share his expertise with other members of IRTA.

“He’s very good at taking changes in the transportation world and translating them into real-world applications,” said IRTA Board member Bill Sanford (Vice President of Sales, Howell’s Motor Freight, Inc., Roanoke, Virginia, USA). “What you read in the news is important, but what you really need to know is how it will affect your business.”

“Brian has not only proven his ability to successfully adapt to market changes, but has also shown a remarkable willingness to share his knowledge with other members,” said GCCA President and CEO Bill Hudson.

Abel is a faculty member at the World Food Logistics Organization Institute program, the premiere training program for the refrigerated warehousing industry since 1965.

Abel’s career spans 37 years, beginning with Roadway Express in the Chicago area after he graduated from Western Illinois University in 1974. Following his 15 years with Roadway Express, he worked for three other truckload companies as a Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Planning, and President.

He has also done marketing and training for a consulting firm, and marketing for decision-support programs. Abel is currently the Vice President of Operations for Howell’s Motor Freight, Inc., a temperature-controlled trucking and warehousing company headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, USA.

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Established in 1994, the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) is an international, nonprofit organization serving the refrigerated transportation industry. IRTA is committed to promoting and strengthening the refrigerated and transportation logistics industry. IRTA (www.irta.org) is a Core Partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, which represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics.

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