Six companies involved in the road transport industry have been recognised in the annual Reader's Digest Quality Services Awards – recognising the New Zealand businesses that most satisfy their clients.

Of the three categories that have a transport association, CourierPost was awarded gold and NZ Couriers silver in the courier section, Conroy Removals was rated No. 1 in the house and furniture removers category, ahead of Crown….

And in the tyre retailers section, Bridgestone/Firestone won gold and Beaurepaires silver.

A total of 41 categories were surveyed, with 1500 NZers rating their experience of service provided by businesses/organisations in sectors as varied as educational tutors, cruise companies, furniture stores, hearing services, liquor stores and tyre retailers.

Reader's Digest commissions the awards annually, this year calling upon Catalyst Market Research to run the survey, with the Kiwi participants asked to rate companies out of a maximum score of 10 – for personalisation (was an individual customer experience provided?), satisfaction (were the customer's expectations met or even exceeded?), simplicity (was dealing with the company quick and easy?) and understanding (was a genuine insight into the customer's needs demonstrated?).

The respondents were also asked open-ended questions to reveal positive and/or negative experiences. Feedback revealed that customers are extremely likely to recommend a company if it offers easy and efficient service, excellent value, and knowledgeable and professional staff