ABILENE, Kan., Dec. 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) announces that Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Werner) has been selected as its new dedicated transportation provider. Werner will manage all of Duckwall-ALCO Stores' deliveries from its Abilene, Kansas, distribution center to its 251 retail stores throughout 21 states.
According to Tom Canfield, Duckwall-ALCO Stores' Vice-President for Distribution and Transportation, Werner was selected because of its commitment to exceptional on-time delivery and high quality service. "We are extremely confident that Werner's technology and value-added services will ensure us the capacity to meet our business demands while remaining cost-effective."
Bruce Dale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Duckwall-ALCO Stores, echoed Canfield's assessment: "We explored partnerships with a number of other major transportation providers and Werner came up as the clear winner. We look forward to working with the Werner team on improving efficiencies in our delivery operations and helping us contain our costs."
Werner is headquartered in Omaha, Neb. Marty Nordlund, Werner's Executive Vice President -- Specialized Services, said, "We are delighted to have been selected as the dedicated transportation provider by this respected retailer, and we look forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership."
About Duckwall-ALCO Stores
Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. is a leading regional retailer that specializes in offering a wide variety of products at reasonable prices to the underserved communities of America. Founded in 1901 by A.L. Duckwall as a general merchandising operation in Abilene, Kan., Duckwall-ALCO is known for its convenient locations and for its friendly, personal service. The company has 251 stores in 21 states across the central United States, operating under two names, ALCO and Duckwall. ALCO discount stores offer a full line of merchandise, while Duckwall variety stores serve smaller communities, offering a smaller selection.
About Werner Enterprises
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:WERN) is a full-service transportation company providing truckload and logistics services throughout the 48 states, portions of Canada and Mexico. Werner is one of the nation's largest truckload transportation companies with a fleet of 8,850 trucks and 24,700 trailers as of September 30, 2005. Visit www.werner.com for more information.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as referenced in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Any forward-looking statements are made by the Companies in good faith, pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Act. These forward-looking statements reflect current views and projections of the Companies' management regarding economic conditions, industry environments and Company performance. Additional information regarding factors which could significantly change results may be included in the Companies' quarterly 10-Q and annual 10-K filings and other public documents, copies of which are available from the Companies on request.