Fritz Announces Executive Changes Designed to Improve Global Operations; Smith Steps Down as CEO; Napier Named President and COO.

Business Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 2000

Fritz Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRTZ) today announced that Raymond L. Smith will resign as chief executive officer of the company, effective November 17. As part of this change, Lynn C. Fritz, chairman of the board, will resume the position of CEO, and Graham R.F. Napier, chief operating officer, will become president, both changes effective immediately.

Concurrently, a new "Operating Committee" has been formed to oversee the implementation and management of the company's global operations -- to ensure the timely achievement of strategic and operating objectives. The Operating Committee will be comprised of the executive officers of the company together with the heads of the five global operating regions -- all reporting functionally to the president and COO.

Mr. Fritz noted: "I am confident that, as president and COO, Graham Napier can successfully execute our stated strategic plans because of his unique industry experience, as well as his proven leadership skills and compatibility with the members of the executive and operations management team."

Mr. Fritz added: "As noted, we remain committed to all the key strategic initiatives of the company and remain focused on staying the course."

Although Mr. Smith is leaving to pursue other interests, he will continue to provide consulting services to Fritz Companies, according to the chairman.

"Ray Smith has brought best practices to Fritz Companies and focused the company on employee and customer satisfaction," said Mr. Fritz in announcing his departure. "Through his leadership, important milestones have been achieved: the industry's first Response Tracking System was developed and launched; twenty-four Fritz University Boards were established around the globe; and the Malcolm Baldrige Process Model was adopted and has laid the framework for continuous improvement." Mr. Fritz noted that these and other initiatives launched by Mr. Smith would continue on as "key elements in the company's commitment to improve customer satisfaction."

Fritz Companies is a specialist in global integrated logistics. Fritz delivers comprehensive supply chain solutions to its customers worldwide by providing flexible door-to-door transportation and materials management using sophisticated information systems. Emphasis is placed on simplifying processes and reducing overall transportation costs. The Fritz network is composed of highly trained professionals working in more than 400 locations in 120 countries.

Fritz Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRTZ) global headquarters is at 706 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103 USA, tel No.: 415/904-8360. Additional information is available via the Internet: www.fritz.com.

In this press release, the Company makes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. Also, when the Company uses any of the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates" or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Many possible events or factors could affect the future financial results and performance of the Company. This could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You are referred to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for further detail of such risks and uncertainties. The description of risks and uncertainties is intended to qualify such forward-looking statements in order to invoke the "safe harbor" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.