Today I’m joined by Werner, a company focused on delivering multi-modal solutions to help shippers get their goods delivered safely and on time.
Werner is one of the largest truckload carriers in the United States, with a diverse range of transportation services. From intermodal and cross-border transport to final mile and expedited services, its multi-modal solutions are built for businesses demanding precision, flexibility, and speed.
Today, Eric Downing, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Werner, joins me to take a closer look at dedicated freight solutions. We’ll be exploring why more shippers are turning to outsourced dedicated solutions instead of managing their own private fleets; how to leverage technology for efficiency; turning safety into a competitive advantage; and how Werner’s investment in their equipment strategy and fleet modernization translates to stability, capacity and cost predictability for their clients, in an unpredictable freight environment.
Guest Bio:
Eric J. Downing is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Werner. Downing has nearly 27 years of experience with Werner, working in multiple departments since joining the Company in 1998 as a fleet coordinator, including time in Operations, Marketing, Logistics, and Dedicated. During his tenure as Senior Vice President of Dedicated, he was instrumental in fostering relationships and growing strategic customer accounts, resulting in the Company’s 50% Dedicated fleet growth while nearly doubling Dedicated revenue. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Downing serves on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Trucking Association, where he is also an Executive Committee member. He’s also involved with Ashland Youth Sports and Werner’s WEVets associate resource group for veterans at the Company. Downing served in the United States Air Force from 1991 to 1998 and then graduated from the University of Nebraska–Omaha in 2000 with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Eric and his wife, Megan, along with their four children, reside in Ashland.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[05.54] Eric’s background and transition from US Air Force to supply chain, as well as the different business areas he’s moved through in his 27-year tenure at Werner.
[08.57] The landscape of freight shipping and logistics and the biggest challenges in 2025, from tariffs to navigating seasonal disruption.
“Most carriers are glad to put 2023 and 2024 in the rear-view mirror. 2025 is better, we’re seeing more robust bid activity, better engagement with customers… Are we out of the woods? No. But are we seeing some good things? Yes!”
[11.39] Why an increasing number of shippers are turning to outsourced dedicated solutions instead of managing their own private fleets.
“Customers want to focus their resources, time, and people on what they do – their primary business. Because it’s a competitive world… And, let’s be honest, running your own trucking company takes a ton of capital investment.”
[13.34] The challenges of tracking and visibility when working with multiple third-party providers and the benefit of having a single dedicated outsourced solution.
[15.45] The Werner approach and how they work with clients to understand their fleet challenges and opportunities and deliver customized solutions.
“The first step is actually listening to your customer! Dedicated providers can get caught up in “I know how to do this, I’ve done this business before” – but you’ve got to start out by learning your customer’s business… Every business is unique, and you’ve got to treat it that way.”
[18.34] Werner’s investment in new equipment, sustainability initiatives, and maintenance programs, and how it’s helping to ensure the highest levels of reliability and efficiency for shippers.
[23.04] The critical role of driver training, compliance, and proactive safety measures in dedicated fleet operations, and how companies can leverage safety as a competitive advantage.
[27.03] The technology that supports Werner’s dedicated solutions and where they are on their own digital transformation journey.
“Everybody has limited resources, so how you do not chase every shiny bauble? How do you focus and vet what’s going to make the biggest difference?”
[32.57] The value in dedicated freight solutions and the impact they have on teams at a business level and at a wider industry level.
[35.04] A case study showing how Werner worked with one of their most long-standing clients to optimize their business, from reducing fleet on the road and boosting productivity to improving service and visibility and driving sales in-store.
[39.43] From customer service to growth, Werner’s focus for the next six months.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
Head over to Werner’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Eric on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
