Coalition for Responsible Transportation President Rick Gabrielson Receives Shipping Industry's Highest Honors

NEW YORK, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) today congratulated Rick Gabrielson for receiving the two most prestigious honors in the international shipping industry in recognition of his remarkable leadership and achievements within the field.

Last night, Mr. Gabrielson was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in New York, an honor that recognizes maritime visionaries, who, through excellence in their company, organization, or services, best exemplify the qualities of futuristic thinking that will guide the maritime industry in the 21st Century.  Notably, Mr. Gabrielson is the first retail executive ever inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame.

Additionally, last month Mr. Gabrielson received the Containerization and Intermodal Institute's prestigious Connie Award, which was established in 1972 to recognize individuals that have made extraordinary contributions to the evolution of containerized shipping and intermodalism.  

Leaders from across the shipping industry have joined together in sharing their praise for Mr. Gabrielson's accomplishments.

CRT Vice President Dean Tracy, Lowe's Director of Import Logistics, noted, "From a shipper's perspective, we could not ask for a stronger advocate to drive a greener future within our industry.  It is a pleasure to work such a creative, energetic and intelligent individual."

CRT founding member Vic LaRosa, President of Total Transportation Services, Inc., described how Mr. Gabrielson's vision for environmental sustainability led to the creation of CRT in 2007.  "Without Rick's foresight CRT would not have come into existence. Through his leadership CRT has become a national leader in efforts to reduce pollution from the transportation sector," said LaRosa.

While introducing Rick at last night's Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Peter Keller, also a founding member of CRT, highlighted the important role that Target has played in supporting Rick's many endeavors on behalf of the shipping industry.  "As a major importer, Target understands the importance of shipping industry issues and their effect on the retail industry as well as their own business.  We, the maritime industry, have been fortunate that Rick has been encouraged to participate and contribute in these important efforts," said Keller.

CRT Executive Director James Jack added, "Rick is a tremendous ambassador of Target, the retail community, and the shipping industry as a whole.  Winning the Connie and being inducted in the Maritime Hall of Fame is the shipping industry's equivalent of winning an Oscar and a Golden Globe in the same year.  It is a truly remarkable feat."

Since its inception in 2007, CRT has grown to include leading importers, exporters, trucking companies and ocean carriers who represent the largest and most progressive customers and service providers at our nation's ports.  Through the CRT Clean Truck Initiative, the private sector members of CRT are working in partnership with America's ports to establish industry-supported clean air programs that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. 

SOURCE Coalition for Responsible Transportation