The American Society of Transportation & Logistics® (AST&L®) announced today that Mark Taylor has been named a Distinguished Logistics Professional (DLP) in recognition of his career-long contributions to the field of logistics. He joins a distinguished list of honorees that includes Fredrick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx Corporation; General William A. Gus Pagonis, executive vice president of Sears Logistics Inc.; and Don Schneider, chairman of the board of Schneider National Inc. There are currently only 20 industry professionals who have been honored with the esteemed distinction of DLP.

AST&L is a professional society founded in 1946 by industry leaders to insure a high level of professionalism and promote continuing education in the field of transportation and logistics. AST&L is best known for its coveted Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) which is awarded to individuals who have mastered a significant body of logistics management, transportation, and supply chain knowledge.

"We believe that it is our duty to also recognize that unique, upper echelon of logistics professionals who have shown their mastery through significant and career-long contributions, said John Ficker, AST&L president.

Taylor has dedicated the past 30 years of his career to educating shippers on how they can save money in their shipping operations through his consulting, writing and speaking. He is recognized as one of the nations leading authorities on utilizing technology to increase productivity in shipping and operations, with three decades of experience consulting for Deutsche Post AG, the parent company of DHL, and the United States Postal Service among hundreds of other organizations.

Taylor is the author of the only two books on the subject of computerized shipping systems and his most recent publication is entitled New Millennium Edition of Computerized Shipping Systems: Increasing Profit and Productivity Through Technology. He is a frequent contributor to numerous industry publications such as Frontline Solutions, Operations and Fulfillment, MAIL and Parcel Shipping and Distribution, for which he writes a monthly column. Taylor is a speaker at major industry events including Frontline Solutions, Parcel Shipping and Distribution Forum, the National Conference on Operations & Fulfillment, the National Postal Forum, Council of Logistics Management and the Parcel Logistics Expo.

In 1989, Taylor founded TAYLOR Systems Engineering Corporation, a consulting and engineering company in Plymouth, MI. In January 2006, RedRoller, Inc. merged with TAYLOR Systems, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary. Taylor serves as chief logistics officer for RedRoller, creator of the nations first online, on-demand shipping solution.

About American Society of Transportation and Logistics®
AST&L® is a professional society founded in 1946 by industry leaders to insure a high level of professionalism and promote continuing education in the field of transportation and logistics. In 2002, AST&L affiliated with The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) to enhance the education component for the organization and its members. AST&L's mission is to facilitate education and certification in the fields of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. AST&L's membership of shippers, carriers, educators, consultants and third-party logistics individuals are dedicated to continuing education and are committed to raising the professional standards in the industry.