Atlas World Group Acquires Smart Move Assets, Expands Services

In a move that will expand Atlas World Group's scope of relocation solutions, the company has announced the formation of a new subsidiary that has acquired the assets of Smart Move, Inc. Denver-based Smart Move offered container-based household relocation services in more than 60 markets. The new entity, Accel Transportation, L.L.C., will be renamed Smart Move Transportation, L.L.C and will build upon the full-service solution currently offered by the Atlas Accel program.

Evansville, IN, June 19, 2009 --(PR.com)-- In a move that will expand Atlas World Group's scope of relocation solutions, the company has announced the formation of a new subsidiary that has acquired the assets of Smart Move, Inc. Denver-based Smart Move offered container-based household relocation services in more than 60 markets. The new entity, Accel Transportation, L.L.C., will be renamed Smart Move Transportation, L.L.C and will build upon the full-service solution currently offered by the Atlas Accel program.

Container-based relocation is often a more timely and convenient solution for customers with small shipments, because shipments don’t need to be consolidated to fit on a large truck. The addition of Smart Move will allow Atlas to provide this type of service not only to its corporate clients, but to individual residential customers as well.

"Historically, the relocation industry has struggled with small shipments—a lot of van lines turn them away," said Glen Dunkerson, Atlas World Group chairman & CEO. "We don't want to turn down anyone who needs help with a move. Smart Move now allows Atlas to offer a solution to transport small shipments safely and quickly."

Smart Move's service is designed around transportable vaults that customers pack and unload themselves. This provides quick, secure and convenient relocations that can shave up to a week or longer off standard delivery schedules. This leads to savings in temporary housing costs and, for corporate customers, helps relocated employees settle into their new positions more quickly.

Atlas was attracted to the SmartVaultTM technology, which has become the industry standard for safe, secure and easy relocation. Because Smart Move is part of the Atlas family, Smart Move customers can elect to have Atlas agents handle all aspects of the move, including packing, loading and unloading their belongings.

"A lot of times people select container-based services under the impression they can handle everything themselves, but what if your family or friends don’t show up to help you load the container?" Dunkerson said. "With this service, Atlas will be there to help with any unexpected needs."

As part of the nation’s second-largest relocation company, Smart Move will have access to a network of more than 500 agents and will benefit from the superior quality, stability and service that have made Atlas a leading relocation partner for thousands of American households and businesses.

"We've always known a container option was going to be important to Atlas' growth, and with the SmartVault™ design and technology, we saw an option that would be extremely efficient and effective for our customers," said Greg Hoover, Atlas World Group president & COO. "We’re proud to have our new subsidiary, Smart Move, as part of the Atlas family and are confident our customers will appreciate the convenience and speed of this service."

For more information on Smart Move, go to www.gosmartmove.com

Atlas World Group is an Evansville, Ind.-based company that posted revenues of $908 million in 2008 and employs more than 700 people throughout North America. Visit www.atlasworldgroup.com for more information on the company and Atlas agents.

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Contact:
Barbara Cox, Atlas Van Lines, 800.638.9797, Ext. 2275
coxb@atlasworldgroup.com

Ryan Heath, Hetrick, 317.262.8080
ryanh@tellhetrick.com
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Atlas World Group
Barbara Cox
(800) 638-9797 ext.2275
www.atlasworldgroup.com
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