The future of transportation is evolving quickly. Climate-conscious consumers, governments and companies are leading the transformation and driving a growing interest in intermodal solutions.
With deep roots in the truckload space and a strong commitment to innovation, Werner has positioned itself as an intermodal leader across the North American markets.
Nathan Browne, vice president of logistics at Werner, joined FreightWaves Staff Writer Grace Sharkey to discuss the company’s dedication to creating intermodal shipping solutions. They also discussed the importance of meeting the changing needs of customers without sacrificing service.
Combining human expertise and modern technologies
Werner offers both asset and non-asset intermodal services. This approach provides customers with a wide range of options and allows Werner to engineer custom and comprehensive solutions for each client.
Its long-standing expertise in the truckload sector provides Werner with a significant advantage in the intermodal space. Building out a drayage fleet requires purchasing specialized equipment and hiring a skilled workforce, both tasks Werner is familiar with.
Werner also boasts one of the newest drayage fleets in the industry. This commitment to maintaining modern, high-quality equipment has helped the company sustain a track record of reliability that is second to none.
In addition to offering reliable equipment, Werner invests in advanced technologies to improve the customer experience across all its service offerings. The company has implemented solutions that provide enhanced visibility and control over shipments. For example, Browne noted the company uses cameras inside containers to improve tracking and reduce the time equipment sits unused between shipments.
Flexibility is crucial for companies looking to optimize their supply chains, reduce costs and meet the growing demand for sustainability. With that in mind, Werner has worked to craft intermodal solutions that offer competitive alternatives to traditional truckload services without sacrificing reliability.
Building an adaptable supply chain
The logistics landscape is constantly changing, with seasonal peaks and unpredictable disruptions putting pressure on supply chains. On the West Coast, for example, the holiday shipping season has placed added strain on truckload capacity, creating challenges for businesses that depend heavily on trucks.
To mitigate risks, it’s important for businesses to diversify their supply chains. Over-reliance on a single mode of transportation can leave a business vulnerable to disruptions. By offering flexible multimodal solutions, Werner helps customers protect their supply chains from these risks.
Werner has seen success in helping truckload-reliant customers diversify their shipping strategies, ensuring that their operations remain resilient despite disruptions while striking a balance between cost and speed.
Creating a more sustainable path forward
Sustainability has become a key focus for businesses across the logistics industry. Intermodal shipping offers a natural advantage in this arena. By combining rail transport for long-haul shipments with the flexibility of trucking, Werner helps customers reduce their carbon footprints while maintaining the high levels of service the company is known for.
Reducing emissions via intermodal shipping is a continuation of Werner’s commitment to sustainability, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the customers it serves.
Werner is also exploring alternative energy sources for its drayage fleet to further reduce emissions and improve sustainability.
Creating a more sustainable supply chain, however, doesn’t always mean taking an “all or nothing” approach. Many of Werner’s customers rely on a blend of truckload and intermodal solutions, depending on the specific needs of their businesses.
Balancing cost, service and sustainability is the key to optimizing supply chains. Werner helps customers navigate these trade-offs.
As the logistics industry continues to evolve, Werner is committed to staying ahead of the curve by offering innovative, sustainable solutions to its customers.
Click here to learn more about Werner’s intermodal solutions.