EXHIBIT 99.1

Vitran Reports 2011 Year-End and Fourth Quarter Results

TORONTO, Feb. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vitran Corporation Inc. (Nasdaq:VTNC) (TSX:VTN), a North American transportation and supply chain firm, today announced year-end and quarterly financial results for the twelve- and three-month periods ended December 31, 2011 (all figures reported in $U.S.).

Year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011 highlights:

• Annual revenue increased 20% to $806 million for the 2011 year.
• Fourth quarter revenue increased 20% to $205 million compared to a year ago.
• LTL (less-than-truckload) and SCO (supply chain operation) revenue increased 18% and 31%, respectively, in the comparable years.
• LTL revenue improved 19% and SCO revenue improved 23% in the comparable fourth quarters.
• Non-GAAP basis adjusted loss from continuing operations of $0.14 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 and adjusted loss from continuing operations of $0.20 per share for the 2011 fiscal year.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, Vitran posted revenue of $806 million or 20% increase compared to $673 million for the 2010 year. Vitran reported a net loss from continuing operations of $14.0 million, or $0.86 per share for the year ended 2011 compared to net loss from continuing operations of $38.1 million, or $2.34 loss per share for the year ended 2010. The 2010 results included a non-cash tax valuation allowance in continuing operations of $38.9 million which was recorded in deferred tax expense.

For the fourth quarter of 2011, Vitran reported consolidated revenue improvement of 20% to $205 million compared to $172 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Net loss from continuing operations was $8.1 million or $0.49 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $40.2 million or $2.47 per share in the comparable quarter. The 2010 fourth quarter results included the aforementioned non-cash tax valuation allowance. 

As announced in November 2011, Vitran refinanced its senior credit facilities and incurred a one-time non-cash $1.0 million write-off of deferred financing costs related to its previous senior credit agreement. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2011 Vitran recorded a $2.1 million charge in loss from continuing operations as a result of the sale of six vacant facilities in the United States and a write-down to estimated fair value for the remaining vacant properties held for sale.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2010, in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10, Vitran temporarily discontinued recording an income tax recovery and deferred tax asset for its U.S. operations. On a non-GAAP basis that would include adjusting for a tax recovery on Vitran's U.S. operations, the aforementioned one-time write-off of previously capitalized financing costs and losses recorded on real estate, the Company recorded an adjusted loss from continuing operations of $0.14 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 and adjusted loss of $0.20 per share for 2011. Excluding the impact of the tax valuation allowance, adjusted loss from continuing operations were $0.08 per share for the fourth quarter of 2010 and adjusted earnings of $0.05 per diluted share for 2010.

"Despite a solid year at both Canadian LTL and Supply Chain Operation, we did not achieve the momentum we expected in our U.S. LTL business. Although the U.S. operations experienced a wage increase in 2011, which totaled $12.0 million annualized in the fourth quarter, we did not take advantage of a reasonable operating environment to improve results. Plagued by bad weather around the Milan acquisition and a less-than-acceptable service level for a period of six months, we were impacted by high operating expenses in many parts of our business that contributed to weak results. We are making progress; however, we are not yet monetizing the changes that are occurring in the business," stated President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Gaetz.

"I am very pleased to have Chris Keylon, former Senior Vice President Operations with 16 years experience with a large U.S. LTL carrier focused on regional and national LTL, join us as President, U.S. LTL, in early 2012 to not only build upon our service improvements but to ultimately drive Vitran to both service and earnings excellence.

"Lastly, lost in the results of the fourth quarter and 2011 are several accomplishments highlighted by Vitran's expansion into five new southern states, the opening of two new distribution centers in SCO in Sacramento (September 2011) and Tacoma (April 2012), and the refinancing of our senior debt for a new three-year period at reduced interest rates. Our mission in 2012 is simple; to create earnings momentum in U.S. LTL," concluded Mr. Gaetz.

Segmented Results

The LTL segment posted a loss from operations, adjusted for the real estate losses, for the 2011 fourth quarter of $4.2 million, with an OR (operating ratio) of 102.4% compared to a loss from operations of $1.7 million and an OR of 101.1% in the comparable period a year ago. In the comparable fourth quarters, shipments and tonnage both increased 10%, in the LTL segment.

The SCO segment for the 2011 fourth quarter posted an increase in revenue of 23% to $32.7 million, a 36% improvement in income from operations to $2.9 million and a 91.1% OR. 

About Vitran Corporation Inc.

Vitran Corporation Inc. is a North American group of transportation companies offering less-than-truckload and supply chain services. To find out more about Vitran Corporation Inc. (Nasdaq:VTNC) (TSX:VTN), visit the website at www.vitran.com.

The Vitran Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7302

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be generally identifiable by use of the words "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "expect", "project", "may", "plans", "continue", "will", "focus", "should", "endeavor" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Vitran's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, technological change, increases in fuel costs, regulatory changes, the general health of the economy, seasonal fluctuations, unanticipated changes in railroad capacities, exposure to credit risks, changes in labour relations and competitive factors. More detailed information about these and other factors is included in the annual MD&A on Form 10K under the heading "General Risks and Uncertainties." Many of these factors are beyond the Company's control; therefore, future events may vary substantially from what the Company currently foresees. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Vitran Corporation Inc. does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

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CONTACT: Richard Gaetz, President/CEO
         Fayaz Suleman, VP Finance/CFO
         Vitran Corporation Inc.
         416/596-7664