##### 



News Announcement

REMINDER:

Vitran management will conduct a conference call today, July 30th at 10:00 a.m.
(Eastern), to discuss the Companys 2003 second quarter results. Conference
call dial-in: 800/633-8489
Live Webcast: http://www.vcall.com/ClientPage.asp?ID=84167

|                             |  |                               
|---------------------------- |  | ------------------------------
|CONTACT:                     |  |                               
|Richard Gaetz, President/CEO |  | Robert Rinderman              
|Kevin Glass, VP Finance/CFO  |  | Purdy Tran                    
|Vitran Corporation Inc.      |  | Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
|416/596-7664                 |  | 212/835-8500 or VVN@jcir.com  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VITRAN REPORTS 30 PERCENT Q2 NET INCOME INCREASE,
DILUTED EPS OF $0.38

TORONTO, ONTARIO (July 30, 2003)  Vitran Corporation Inc. (TSX: VTN.A, AMX:
VVN), a North American transportation and logistics firm, today announced
strong results for the second quarter of 2003 and the six-month period ended
June 30, 2003. During the quarter, Vitran recorded a 30 percent year-over-year
rise in net income to $3.8 million, or 0.38 per diluted share ($0.40 per basic
share) on revenues of $116.4 million. In the comparable 2002 second quarter,
Vitran had net income of $2.9 million, or $0.30 per basic and diluted shares on
revenues of $121.6 million (all figures reported in Canadian dollars).

During the quarter, the Canadian dollar continued to strengthen against the
U.S. dollar. The year-over-year exchange rate change negatively impacted
Vitrans reported revenue by $9.0 million, or 8 percent, and income from
operations by $0.9 million, or 16 percent, in the current period. Were it not
for the impact of foreign exchange the Company would have reported earnings per
share of $0.43 diluted ($0.45 per basic share) for the quarter.

Per share results for the second quarter are based on 9,511,133 basic shares
(9,910,894 diluted shares  reflecting potential exercise of options) and
9,742,623 weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding during the 2003
and 2002 three-month periods, respectively. The reduction in basic shares
reflects repurchased stock authorized by Vitrans Board of Directors in
connection with its TSX Normal Course Issuer Bid for up to 5 percent of the
outstanding shares, which remains in effect until October 1, 2003.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2003, Vitran achieved a 54 percent
increase in net income to $5.9 million, or $0.59 per diluted share ($0.62 per
basic share) on revenues of $231.8 million. In the first half of 2002, the
Company recorded net income of $3.8 million, or $0.39 per basic and diluted
shares on $235.8 million in revenues. Per share results for the first six
months of 2003 are based on 9,533,202 basic shares outstanding (9,934,518
diluted shares  reflecting potential exercise of options), compared to
9,733,705 (basic and diluted shares) in the first half of 2002. The
year-over-year difference in the share count is a result of Vitrans
aforementioned share repurchase program.

Income from operations for Vitrans core LTL (less than truckload) segment
during the 2003 second quarter increased 2 percent to $5.9 million, driven by
10 percent revenue growth in the Canadian division and 3 percent in the U.S.
The consolidated LTL operating ratio (OR) improved to 93.8 during the period,
with positive comparisons across all operating metrics on both sides of the
border.

The Vitran Logistics and Truckload segments also achieved profitability during
the second quarter of 2003. The Companys Truckload segment recorded income
from operations of $0.3 million on $11.8 million in revenue. Vitran Logistics
had income of operations of $0.3 million on revenues of $9.9 million during the
three-month period. Both divisions posted sequential improvements in revenue
and operating income compared to the first quarter of 2003.

Commenting on Vitrans second quarter operating results, President and Chief
Executive Officer Richard E. Gaetz stated, The 2003 second quarter marks the
seventh consecutive period in which Vitran achieved improved profitability in
comparison to the year-earlier reporting period. Through the diligent efforts
of all employees and associates, we posted a very solid quarter despite the
ongoing challenge of the slow-moving North American economy and the strong
Canadian dollar. As has been the recent trend, we continued our momentum in
significantly lowering long-term debt. During the quarter the Company repaid
$3.3 million of long-term debt. We also increased operating efficiency by
reducing SG&A costs during the second quarter by 17 percent, compared to the
year-ago period.





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##### 



Vitran Q2 2003, 7/30/03

About Vitran Corporation Inc.

Vitran Corporation Inc. is a North American group of transportation companies
offering
less-than-truckload, logistics, truckload, and freight brokerage services. To
find out more about Vitran Corporation Inc. (TSX: VTN.A, AMX: VVN), visit the
website at www.vitran.com.

Information in this news announcement relating to projected growth,
improvements in productivity and future results constitutes forward-looking
statements. Actual results in future periods may differ materially from the
forward-looking statements because of a number of risks and uncertainties,
including but not limited to economic factors, demand for the Companys
services, fuel price fluctuations, the availability of employee drivers and
independent contractors, risks associated with geographic expansion, capital
requirements, claims exposure and insurance costs, competition and
environmental hazards. Additional information about these and other factors
that could affect the Companys business is set forth in the Companys Annual
Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

(tables follow)

Vitran Corporation Inc.

Balance Sheets
June 30, 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2002 (audited)
(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |        |        |  
|------------------------------------ | --------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------- | ------------- | ------ | ------------- | ------- | ------ | ------ | -
|                                     |                       |                                         |         | June 30, 2003 |        | Dec. 31, 2002
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |              
|Assets                               |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     | Current assets:       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |        |       
|                                     |                       | Cash                                    |         | $             | 6,282  |               |         | $      | 12,624 |  
|                                     |                       | Accounts receivable                     |         |               | 49,488 |               |         |        | 46,748 |  
|                                     |                       | Inventory, deposits and prepaids        |         |               | 6,927  |               |         |        | 9,774  |  
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     |                       |                                         | 62,697  |               |        |               | 69,146  |       
|                                     | Fixed assets          |                                         |         | 43,176        |        |               |         | 48,570 |       
|                                     | Future income taxes   |                                         |         | 642           |        |               |         | 236    |       
|                                     | Goodwill              |                                         |         | 60,170        |        |               |         | 69,208 |       
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     |                       |                                         | 166,685 |               |        |               | 187,160 |       
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     | Current liabilities:  |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |        |       
|                                     |                       | Account payable and accrued liabilities |         |               | 38,831 |               |         |        | 43,091 |  
|                                     |                       | Income and other taxes payable          |         |               | 3,060  |               |         |        | 2,747  |  
|                                     |                       | Current portion of long-term debt       |         |               | 14,908 |               |         |        | 11,052 |  
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     |                       |                                         | 56,799  |               |        |               | 56,890  |       
|                                     | Long-term debt        |                                         |         | 30,854        |        |               |         | 48,124 |       
|                                     | Shareholders equity: |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |        |       
|                                     |                       | Capital Stock                           |         |               | 37,460 |               |         |        | 37,655 |  
|                                     |                       | Retained earnings                       |         |               | 49,888 |               |         |        | 44,528 |  
|                                     |                       | Cumulative translation adjustment       |         |               | (8,316 | )             |         |        | (37    | )
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     |                       |                                         | 79,032  |               |        |               | 82,146  |       
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       
|                                     |                       | $                                       | 166,685 |               |        | $             | 187,160 |       
|                                     |                       |                                         |         |               |        |               |         |       

(Statements of Income follows)





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##### 



Vitran Q2 2003, 7/30/03

VITRAN CORPORATION INC.

Statements Of Income
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Canadian dollars)

|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |           | 
|-------------------------------------------- | ------- | - | -------------- | --------- | -------------- | - | ------- | --------- | ---- | - | ------- | --------- |  | - | ------- | --------- | 
|                                             |         |   | Three Months   |           | Six Months    
|                                             |         |   | Ended June 30, |           | Ended June 30,
|                                             |         |   | (unaudited)    |           | (unaudited)   
|                                             |         |   |                |           |               
|                                             |         |   | 2003           |           | 2002           |   | 2003    |           | 2002
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |     
|Revenues                                     |         | $ | 116,373        |           |                | $ | 121,576 |           |      | $ | 231,836 |           |  | $ | 235,822 |          
|Operating expenses                           |         |   | 97,715         |           |                |   | 100,636 |           |      |   | 197,711 |           |  |   | 196,998 |          
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Gross profit                                 |         |   | 18,658         |           |                |   | 20,940  |           |      |   | 34,125  |           |  |   | 38,824  |          
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Selling, general and administrative
expenses |         |   | 11,139         |           |                |   | 13,338  |           |      |   | 21,480  |           |  |   | 26,551  |          
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Income from operations before
depreciation   |         |   | 7,519          |           |                |   | 7,602   |           |      |   | 12,645  |           |  |   | 12,273  |          
|Depreciation expense                         |         |   | 1,887          |           |                |   | 2,005   |           |      |   | 3,927   |           |  |   | 4,195   |          
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Income from operations                       |         |   | 5,632          |           |                |   | 5,597   |           |      |   | 8,718   |           |  |   | 8,078   |          
|Interest expense, net                        |         |   | (489           | )         |                |   | (1,418  | )         |      |   | (1,169  | )         |  |   | (2,848  | )        
|Loss on sale of assets                       |         |   | (189           | )         |                |   | (135    | )         |      |   | (130    | )         |  |   | (424    | )        
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|                                             |         |   | (678           | )         |                |   | (1,553  | )         |      |   | (1,299  | )         |  |   | (3,272  | )        
|Income from operations before income taxes   |         |   | 4,954          |           |                |   | 4,044   |           |      |   | 7,419   |           |  |   | 4,806   |          
|Income taxes                                 |         |   | 1,186          |           |                |   | 1,136   |           |      |   | 1,555   |           |  |   | 1,005   |          
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Net income                                   |         | $ | 3,768          |           |                | $ | 2,908   |           |      | $ | 5,864   |           |  | $ | 3,801   |          
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Income per share:                            |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|                                             | Basic   |   | $              | 0.40      |                |   | $       | 0.30      |      |   | $       | 0.62      |  |   | $       | 0.39      | 
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|                                             | Diluted |   | $              | 0.38      |                |   | $       | 0.30      |      |   | $       | 0.59      |  |   | $       | 0.39      | 
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|Weighted average number of shares            |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|                                             | Basic   |   |                | 9,511,133 |                |   |         | 9,742,623 |      |   |         | 9,533,302 |  |   |         | 9,773,705 | 
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          
|                                             | Diluted |   |                | 9,910,894 |                |   |         | 9,742,623 |      |   |         | 9,934,518 |  |   |         | 9,773,705 | 
|                                             |         |   |                |           |                |   |         |           |      |   |         |           |  |   |         |          

Vitrans financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

(additional financial information follows)





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##### 



Vitran Q2 2003, 7/30/03

LTL Statistical Information  U.S. and CDN Divisions

|                                    |  |          |         |            |  |        |      |          |  |                      |  |   |         |  |  |  |      |  
|----------------------------------- |  | -------- | ------- | ---------- |  | ------ | ---- | -------- |  | -------------------- |  | - | ------- |  |  |  | ---- | -
|For the quarter ended
June 30, 2003
|                                   
|                                    |  | U.S. LTL |         | Q. over Q. |  |        |      | CDN LTL  |  | Q. over Q.          
|($U.S.)                             |  | Division |         | % Change   |  | ($CDN) |      | Division |  | % Change            
|                                    |  |          |         |            |  |        |      |          |  |                     
|Revenue (000s)                     |  | $        | 40,560  |            |  |        | 3.4  |          |  | Revenue (000's)      |  | $ | 38,624  |  |  |  | 9.5  |  
|No. of Shipments                    |  |          | 377,895 |            |  |        | 2.4  |          |  | No. of Shipments     |  |   | 215,393 |  |  |  | 6.9  |  
|Weight (000s lbs)                  |  |          | 509,071 |            |  |        | 0.3  |          |  | Weight (000's lbs)   |  |   | 428,194 |  |  |  | 6.6  |  
|Revenue per shipment                |  | $        | 107.33  |            |  |        | 1.1  |          |  | Revenue per shipment |  | $ | 179.32  |  |  |  | 2.4  |  
|Weight per shipment                 |  |          | 1,347   |            |  |        | (2.0 | )        |  | Weight per shipment  |  |   | 1,988   |  |  |  | (0.3 | )
|Revenue per CWT                     |  | $        | 7.97    |            |  |        | 3.2  |          |  | Revenue per CWT      |  | $ | 9.02    |  |  |  | 2.7  |  

Supplementary Segmented Financial Information
(000s of $CDN)

|                    |  |                     |        |            |  |           |       |  |  |         |      |            |  |     |  |  |        |           |  |  |       |  |  |  |      | 
|------------------- |  | ------------------- | ------ | ---------- |  | --------- | ----- |  |  | ------- | ---- | ---------- |  | --- |  |  | ------ | --------- |  |  | ----- |  |  |  | ---- | 
|For the quarter     |  | For the quarter    
|ended June 30, 2003 |  | ended June 30, 2002
|                    |  |                    
|                    |  |                     |        |            |  | Inc. from |       |  |  |         |      |            |  |     |  |  |        | Inc. from |  |  |       | 
|                    |  | Revenue             |        | Operations |  | OR%       |       |  |  | Revenue |      | Operations |  | OR%
|                    |  |                     |        |            |  |           |       |  |  |         |      |            |  |    
|LTL                 |  |                     | 94,740 |            |  |           | 5,917 |  |  |         | 93.8 |            |  | LTL |  |  | 95,585 |           |  |  | 5,799 |  |  |  | 93.9 | 
|LOG                 |  |                     | 9,854  |            |  |           | 266   |  |  |         | 97.3 |            |  | LOG |  |  | 12,158 |           |  |  | 338   |  |  |  | 97.2 | 
|TL                  |  |                     | 11,779 |            |  |           | 327   |  |  |         | 97.2 |            |  | TL  |  |  | 13,833 |           |  |  | 580   |  |  |  | 95.8 | 

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