PHILADELPHIA, Pa., July 5, 2006 - BDP International Chairman and CEO, Richard J. Bolte, Sr., passed away today, just a month before the 40th anniversary of the global logistics and transportation management firm he founded.

"Self-made in the finest American tradition, my father was an astute businessman, civic leader, philanthropist, and husband," said his son and BDP President Richard J. Bolte, Jr.  "He was a mentor and a leader who was able to touch everyone around him through his passion and his pure decency.  We will miss his keen insight, determination and friendship."

BDP began a phased succession several years ago with the company's management team assuming increasing responsibility for its long-term strategy and day-to-day operations.

Born in 1934, Bolte graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia.  After military service in Alaska during the Korean War, he earned a B.S. degree in business administration through night classes at LaSalle University.  He subsequently worked for a small Philadelphia firm facilitating exports, and in 1966, formed R.J. Bolte Company.  Through a series of mergers, the company became BDP International in 1972.

Bolte was an early adopter of information technology for managing and organizing international freight movements and other aspects of global shippers' supply chains.  With nearly 2,000 employees and operations in 113 countries, BDP today attributes much of its success to Mr. Bolte's penchant for zealous customer care and the introduction of information-based solutions to the complex logistics and documentation needs of customers beginning in the 1970's. 

In May of this year, the Chemical Heritage Foundation presented Bolte with its first award for supporting industries, citing his contribution to effectively extending the reach of the industry's supply chains during a period of business globalization.

An owner and breeder of race horses for nearly 30 years, Bolte was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission in 2004.  He served on the board of trustees of Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD., which awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters and where he established a scholarship in memory of his grandson Ryan.  He also served on the board of directors of the Seamen's Church Institute of Philadelphia.    
          
A viewing will be held Monday, July 10, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. at McChesney Funeral Home, 30 West Main St., Moorestown, NJ. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 42 Main St., Moorestown, NJ.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Mount St. Mary's Scholarship Fund, In memory of Richard Joseph Bolte, Sr., Emmitsburg, MD, 21727.

Read further about Richard J. Bolte, Sr., logistics pioneer.

About BDP
BDP International is one of the leading privately held freight logistics/transportation management firms based in the U.S.  It operates freight logistics centers in more than 20 cities throughout North America and a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures and strategic partnerships in 113 countries.  The company and its subsidiaries serve more than 4,000 customers worldwide. Clients include Bayer, Cargill, Conoco Phillips, Heineken USA, Honeywell, Johnson & Johnson, Marks & Spencer, Osram Sylvania, Revlon, Rohm & Haas, Trek Bicycle, Wacker and others.  BDP provides a range of services, including sea, air and ground transportation; lead logistics process analysis, design and management; export freight forwarding; import customs brokerage and regulatory /security compliance; project and energy logistics; warehousing/consolidation/distribution; and Internet shipping transaction and tracking management systems.  For more information visit: www.bdpinternational.com