The FreightWaves Shipper of Choice award is presented in partnership with ArcBest and recognizes retailers, distributors and manufacturers that are keeping the U.S. economy moving by improving efficiency along the supply chain, providing accessible facilities and fighting driver detention.
Among the top 25 Shippers of Choice for 2021 is … Lowe’s Companies Inc., which ranked seventh.
“Our philosophy is that true partnership is the only way to succeed. We’re successful when we’re driving value and long-term growth for both our partners and for Lowe’s. We see our carriers as an extension of Lowe’s. When we’re at our best as partners, we’re collaborating and communicating as colleagues with a shared mission so that we can support all of our customers,” Kelvin Dedner, vice president of supply chain transportation at Lowe’s, told FreightWaves.
About Lowe’s
| New York Stock Exchange ticker | LOW |
| Headquarters | Mooresville, North Carolina |
| 2020 revenue | $89.597 billion |
| 2020 net earnings | $5.835 billion |
| Shipper of Choice history | 2021 (Top 25) |
Nomination notes for Lowe’s
The COVID-19 pandemic caused delayed shipments, stress on supply chains and a rapid increase in consumer demand for home improvement supplies. Lowe’s had to adapt accordingly to maintain good carrier relationships and supply chain management.
“The biggest thing the pandemic has done is force all of us to be agile and nimble. It forced us to solve unprecedented challenges on the fly. Nobody anticipated what we’ve all faced in the past 15 months. The shortage of available capacity was an industry challenge.
“We’ve worked more closely than ever to support our carrier partners and suppliers and ensure we have the inventory and capabilities that customers need,” Dedner said.
The company opened four additional e-commerce fulfillment centers, which gave Lowe’s the ability to provide two-day delivery for the majority of U.S. customers, according to Dedner. He said Lowe’s also deployed contactless pickup lockers and curbside pickup options a year ahead of schedule nationwide.
“We’re proud of the carrier partnerships that have enabled us to meet surging customer demand while growing together during the pandemic. The Shipper of Choice recognition is a great honor for Lowe’s and a reflection of the hard work of the associates on our transportation team, many people across our supply chain and our dedicated carrier partners,” Dedner said.
View the Shipper of Choice top 25 winners here.
About Shipper of Choice partner ArcBest
ArcBest focuses on providing customers with the best possible experience with logistics capabilities including ocean and air, LTL, truckload, ground expedite, managed transportation and warehousing. The company creates solutions for even the most complex supply chain challenges.
Shipper of Choice related links:
2021 Shipper of Choice profile: Campbell Soup Company
The 6 characteristics of a Shipper of Choice
FreightWaves LIVE: Blue Triton Brands takes Shipper of Choice Award
Becoming (and staying) a shipper of choice in a volatile market
