MGM Transport & Purnell Furniture Services Announce Strategic Alliance

Furniture World Magazine

MGM Transport and Purnell Furniture Services, Inc. have joined forces to improve line haul, LTL (less-than-truckload) and home delivery services in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets. The two companies entered into an operating agreement, effective October 1, 2001. MGM will run Purnell's existing and future line haul and LTL freight operations. In addition, Purnell will maintain responsibility for existing client relationships and customer satisfaction. Purnell will continue to market and expand freight operations as a sales agent for MGM. "Partnering with Purnell increases our customer base in the markets MGM serves day-in and day-out," said MGM's president, Edward Massood. "Our existing infrastructure, including our sophisticated shipment tracking system, will provide customers with exceptional transportation service and the information they need to run their businesses well." "The relationship with MGM provides us with added capabilities and capacity to better serve our clients, allowing Purnell to focus on warehousing, home delivery and in-home service," said Richard Purnell, president of Purnell Furniture Services. Purnell Furniture Services, Inc., www.furniture-services.com, has provided high-quality services to the furniture industry for 22 years. It currently operates an employee-based warehousing and home delivery service in 20 states in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets. Based in Chantilly, Virginia, the company also has locations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa. Based in High Point, N.C., MGM Transport, www.mgmtransport.com, provides the best transportation service in the furnishings industry, with 30 percent faster transit time and 75 percent fewer claims than its competitors. The company offers 24-hour access to information on shipments and contents, plus expert guidance on how to use that information to better serve customers and improve business. With a fleet of 230 tractors and 710 Great Dane trailers, the $40 million company serves two-thirds of the home furnishings retailers on the East Coast and two-thirds of home furnishings manufacturers nationwide. Customers include Thomasville Furniture, Stanley, Bassett, Federated Department Stores, Carson Pirie Scott and Thomasville Home Furnishings of Arizona. For more information, contact: Edward Massood, President & COO MGM Transport High Point, NC 336.887.3054 x 203 or Richard Purnell, President Purnell Furniture Services Chantilly, VA 703.449.9400 x 103