ACD Honors Responsible Distribution Excellence

Chicagoland Quad Cities Express (left) and Chem/Serv, Inc. (right) accept the 2026 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award

During its annual ChemEdge Conference and Trade Show, the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) named Chicagoland Quad Cities Express, Inc. of Bridgeview, Illinois, and Chem/Serv, Inc. of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, as the recipients of the 2026 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award. This award is presented to companies that demonstrate continuous improvement and a sustained, rigorous commitment to ACD Responsible Distribution—a mandatory, third-party verified environmental, health, safety, and security program. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Excellence Award, two winners were announced for just the third time in the award’s history.

“For two decades, the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award has recognized the companies that define what leadership looks like in our industry,” says Caroline Brooks, Senior Director of Responsible Distribution. “We're proud to recognize Chicagoland Quad Cities Express, Inc. and Chem/Serv, Inc. for carrying that tradition forward through their commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. They have raised the bar for our industry and represent the enduring strength of Responsible Distribution.”

Chicagoland Quad Cities Express, Inc., is a family-owned chemical transportation and logistics company serving customers throughout the supply chain. The company was recognized for making Responsible Distribution the foundation of its business strategy and company culture. Its notable achievements include:

-Successfully using Responsible Distribution to guide the company's transition from first- to second-generation ownership.
-Developing a best practice internal audit process that connects all Responsible Distribution code requirements.
-Implementing a digital carrier sign-in system that strengthens safety verification, reduces paperwork, and has contributed to fewer operational incidents.
-Partnering with customers and fellow ACD members to improve supply chain performance, inventory management, and product recycling.

“Receiving the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award is an incredible honor for our entire team," shares Terri Wintermute, President of Chicagoland Quad Cities Express, Inc. "Responsible Distribution isn't just a program we participate in—it's the way we run our business every day. As we've grown and transitioned to a new generation of leadership, it has remained the foundation for how we prioritize safety, serve our customers, and continuously hold ourselves to a higher standard.”

Chem/Serv, Inc. is a specialty chemical distributor serving customers across the Upper Midwest. As a participant in Responsible Distribution for over 30 years, the company was recognized for embedding the program into every aspect of its operations and business management system. Its notable achievements include:

-Building a proactive safety culture through robust employee training, routine audits, and company-wide STOP Work Authority.
-Converting its sales fleet to 100 percent hybrid vehicles and implementing facility and transportation improvements that reduce environmental impact.
-Designing its facilities around Responsible Distribution principles, incorporating enhanced safety systems and operational efficiencies.
-Demonstrating a proactive approach to emergency preparedness through realistic response exercises and continuous improvement.

“For more than 30 years, Responsible Distribution has shaped how we operate, how we train our employees, and how we invest in the future of our business," says Andrea Nagle, CEO of Chem/Serv, Inc. "This award reflects the dedication of our entire team and their unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. We're honored to be recognized by ACD and remain committed to building on that legacy for years to come."

Read about the recipients of the 2025 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award here.