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Transportation

F3: FreightWaves announces Shipper of Choice winners

Transportation via FreightWaves
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FreightWaves announced the winners of its Shipper of Choice awards on Monday, Oct. 26, at the F3: Future of Freight Festival, recognizing companies that stand out for their relationships with freight carriers and their approach to shipping operations. Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves and SONAR, presented the awards during the F3 Awards Dinner at The Signal in Chattanooga. The award evaluates shippers across several areas, including data connectivity, ease of doing business, carrier relationships and facility operations. Industry voting determines the winners, with an emphasis on the practices that make companies preferred partners for trucking carriers. These factors can affect how efficiently carriers move freight. Long waits at shipping and receiving facilities, unreliable scheduling and complicated administrative processes can cut into drivers’ productive hours and limit the number of loads they can complete. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/FW-Responsive-Main_Content-Slot1', [[300, 100], [320, 50], [728, 90], [468, 60]], 'div-gpt-ad-1709668545404-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1709668545404-0'); }); The winning shippers were recognized for taking steps to address those challenges and improve conditions for the carriers moving their freight. “All of them have made investments to improve the lives of our drivers,” Fuller said. “(They’ve) gone out of their way to improve the lives of the carriers and their operators.” Here’s a glimpse into the honorees: Schreiber Foods Schreiber Foods, a dairy and food manufacturer, emphasizes long-term carrier relationships and predictable freight procurement. The company holds its annual freight bid at the same time each year, regardless of market conditions, and prioritizes the carriers already moving its freight. Schreiber also trains plant employees on drivers’ hours-of-service rules, uses drop trailers to reduce detention and pays most carriers on net-35-to-45-day terms. Kraft Heinz Kraft Heinz focuses on regular communication and transparency with its carrier partners. The food and beverage company holds weekly scorecard calls, conducts in-person business reviews and collects anonymous carrier feedback more frequently than quarterly. The company also works to handle detention and layovers fairly. It has brought carriers into the development process for a new claims intake portal, giving transportation partners an opportunity to test the system. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot3', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0'); }); Aldi USA Aldi USA earned recognition for predictable facility operations and reliable appointment scheduling. One carrier moves about 150 loads a week into the grocery retailer and reports detention on only a handful of shipments. The company also provides clear feedback on freight bids, helping carriers understand where they stand when competing for business. Whole Foods Market Whole Foods Market stands out for facility efficiency and its approach to food safety. Carriers report that unloading typically takes less than two hours, while the retailer shares research-backed practices designed to protect product quality. One example involves data-backed transit temperature guidance for cherries intended to extend shelf life. Whole Foods also rewards consistent service with long-term business relationships, including one carrier partner that has hauled a key portion of its turkey program for three consecutive years. Sealed Air Packaging company Sealed Air has invested in drop-trailer pools, cross-border transportation and API connections for tracking and billing. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot4', [[300, 100], [320, 50], [728, 90], [468, 60]], 'div-gpt-ad-1709668086344-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1709668086344-0'); }); Its approach to carrier relationships also includes flexibility when operational problems arise. In one instance, a plant changed its operating hours so a driver who had traveled 400 miles with the wrong freight could return and correct the mistake. Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Agri-Mark, the farmer-owned cooperative behind Cabot Creamery, emphasizes appointment flexibility and responsiveness. Drivers typically spend about 45 minutes at its facilities, and carriers can book or change appointments through an online portal. The company also responds to carriers on weekends and operates a quoting tool that shows how their rates compare with market prices. North American Stainless North American Stainless honors contracted rates and volumes even when spot-market prices are lower. The steel producer also offers drop-and-hook operations and preloaded trailers at no cost to carriers, an uncommon arrangement for flatbed freight. The company pays carriers on net-30 terms and assigns each carrier a dedicated logistics coordinator. Henkel Henkel, a global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and consumer products including Loctite and Persil, was recognized for its data connectivity and relationships with transportation partners. Its North American operations span industrial and consumer markets, requiring coordination across a diverse supply chain. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot5', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767778941-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1665767778941-0'); }); Nestlé USA Nestlé USA was recognized for its distribution network and supply chain relationships, which help the company coordinate deliveries and support retail partners. The company often takes on some of retailers’ distribution and logistics responsibilities, helping maintain a reliable flow of products. Univar Solutions Univar Solutions distributes chemicals and ingredients, including solvents, resins and surfactants, to industries ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals. Its operations combine a broad distribution network with logistics and formulation services. The company emphasizes data-connected supply chains and collaboration with transportation partners to coordinate freight movement across its network. Why this matters Shipper practices can directly affect trucking efficiency, from the time drivers spend waiting at facilities to how easily carriers manage appointments, payments and freight scheduling. Companies that prioritize predictable operations and strong carrier relationships can help reduce delays, protect drivers’ productive hours and build more reliable transportation networks. The Shipper of Choice awards recognize businesses making those practices a priority. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot6', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767872042-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1665767872042-0'); }); The post F3: FreightWaves announces Shipper of Choice winners appeared first on FreightWaves.

FreightWaves announced the winners of its Shipper of Choice awards on Monday, Oct. 26, at the F3: Future of Freight Festival, recognizing companies that stand out for their relationships with freight carriers and their approach to shipping operations.

Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves and SONAR, presented the awards during the F3 Awards Dinner at The Signal in Chattanooga.

The award evaluates shippers across several areas, including data connectivity, ease of doing business, carrier relationships and facility operations. Industry voting determines the winners, with an emphasis on the practices that make companies preferred partners for trucking carriers.

These factors can affect how efficiently carriers move freight. Long waits at shipping and receiving facilities, unreliable scheduling and complicated administrative processes can cut into drivers’ productive hours and limit the number of loads they can complete.

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The winning shippers were recognized for taking steps to address those challenges and improve conditions for the carriers moving their freight.

“All of them have made investments to improve the lives of our drivers,” Fuller said. “(They’ve) gone out of their way to improve the lives of the carriers and their operators.”

Here’s a glimpse into the honorees: 

Schreiber Foods

Schreiber Foods, a dairy and food manufacturer, emphasizes long-term carrier relationships and predictable freight procurement. The company holds its annual freight bid at the same time each year, regardless of market conditions, and prioritizes the carriers already moving its freight.

Schreiber also trains plant employees on drivers’ hours-of-service rules, uses drop trailers to reduce detention and pays most carriers on net-35-to-45-day terms.

Kraft Heinz

Kraft Heinz focuses on regular communication and transparency with its carrier partners. The food and beverage company holds weekly scorecard calls, conducts in-person business reviews and collects anonymous carrier feedback more frequently than quarterly.

The company also works to handle detention and layovers fairly. It has brought carriers into the development process for a new claims intake portal, giving transportation partners an opportunity to test the system.

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Aldi USA

Aldi USA earned recognition for predictable facility operations and reliable appointment scheduling. One carrier moves about 150 loads a week into the grocery retailer and reports detention on only a handful of shipments.

The company also provides clear feedback on freight bids, helping carriers understand where they stand when competing for business.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market stands out for facility efficiency and its approach to food safety. Carriers report that unloading typically takes less than two hours, while the retailer shares research-backed practices designed to protect product quality.

One example involves data-backed transit temperature guidance for cherries intended to extend shelf life. Whole Foods also rewards consistent service with long-term business relationships, including one carrier partner that has hauled a key portion of its turkey program for three consecutive years.

Sealed Air

Packaging company Sealed Air has invested in drop-trailer pools, cross-border transportation and API connections for tracking and billing.

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Its approach to carrier relationships also includes flexibility when operational problems arise. In one instance, a plant changed its operating hours so a driver who had traveled 400 miles with the wrong freight could return and correct the mistake.

Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery

Agri-Mark, the farmer-owned cooperative behind Cabot Creamery, emphasizes appointment flexibility and responsiveness. Drivers typically spend about 45 minutes at its facilities, and carriers can book or change appointments through an online portal.

The company also responds to carriers on weekends and operates a quoting tool that shows how their rates compare with market prices.

North American Stainless

North American Stainless honors contracted rates and volumes even when spot-market prices are lower. The steel producer also offers drop-and-hook operations and preloaded trailers at no cost to carriers, an uncommon arrangement for flatbed freight.

The company pays carriers on net-30 terms and assigns each carrier a dedicated logistics coordinator.

Henkel

Henkel, a global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and consumer products including Loctite and Persil, was recognized for its data connectivity and relationships with transportation partners. Its North American operations span industrial and consumer markets, requiring coordination across a diverse supply chain.

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Nestlé USA

Nestlé USA was recognized for its distribution network and supply chain relationships, which help the company coordinate deliveries and support retail partners. The company often takes on some of retailers’ distribution and logistics responsibilities, helping maintain a reliable flow of products.

Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions distributes chemicals and ingredients, including solvents, resins and surfactants, to industries ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals. Its operations combine a broad distribution network with logistics and formulation services.

The company emphasizes data-connected supply chains and collaboration with transportation partners to coordinate freight movement across its network.

Why this matters

Shipper practices can directly affect trucking efficiency, from the time drivers spend waiting at facilities to how easily carriers manage appointments, payments and freight scheduling. Companies that prioritize predictable operations and strong carrier relationships can help reduce delays, protect drivers’ productive hours and build more reliable transportation networks. The Shipper of Choice awards recognize businesses making those practices a priority.

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Source: FreightWaves

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Transportation

Old Dominion’s tonnage turns positive; recovery needs demand inflection

Less-than-truckload carrier Old Dominion Freight Line saw tonnage turn positive for the first time in over two years during September. Executives from the company cited favorable market share opportunities on Wednesday, with customers exploring multiyear contracts and 3PLs seeking long-term capacity commitments. However, the company acknowledged that a more material demand inflection—requiring a resolution to record energy prices—will be needed to drive upcycle-like results. Old Dominion (NASDAQ: ODFL) reported third-quarter earnings per share of $1.65 ahead of the market open on Wednesday. The result was 4 cents better than the consensus estimate and 37 cents higher year over year. Revenue of $1.59 billion was 13% higher y/y (up 5% y/y excluding fuel surcharges) and $20 million better than analysts’ expectations. (Diesel prices were 48% higher y/y during the quarter.) Tonnage per day was flat y/y, with a 13% increase in yield (revenue per hundredweight) driving the topline increase. Yield was up 5% y/y (ex-fuel), slightly better than management’s guidance (plus-4% to plus-4.5%). The tonnage result was driven by a 2% y/y decline in shipments, which was offset by a 2% increase in weight per shipment. Tonnage was down roughly 1% y/y in both July and August, but up 1.6% in September and into October. The carrier continues to face easy prior-year comps (tonnage was down 10.7% y/y in the 2025 fourth quarter). August updates from public carriers showed y/y tonnage growth has continued to accelerate cumulatively since first turning positive in March. September marked a ninth straight month of expansion for the manufacturing complex, and the LTL industry is seeing some freight return that was previously lost to a depressed truckload market. Old Dominion is carrying over 35% excess door space currently, but noted that it should meaningfully take market share as capacity-constrained carriers are experiencing service failures. Old Dominion normally outgrows the market by 9 to 10 percentage points in an upcycle. Higher shipment weights were a modest drag on the yield metric, partially offset by a slight increase in length of haul. Revenue per shipment (ex-fuel) increased 7% y/y. Old Dominion implemented a 4.9% general rate increase on Oct. 5. A 71.5% operating ratio (inverse of operating margin) was 280 basis points better y/y and 40 bps better than the midpoint of management’s guidance range (150 to 200 bps of sequential deterioration from the 70.1% second-quarter unadjusted OR). Shipments per employee (per day) were 2% higher y/y. Revenue per shipment (including fuel surcharges) was up 15.5% y/y, with cost per shipment up 11%—a 440-bp favorable spread. October trends, Q4 guidance October revenue per day is 22% higher y/y given a modest tonnage increase and a roughly 20% jump in yield (up 5.5% to 6% ex-fuel). Yields continue to accelerate, even with the added headwind of higher shipment weights (up 3% y/y in October). Management pegged fourth-quarter revenue to a range of $1.54 billion to $1.58 billion, implying better-than-normal seasonality and coming in ahead of the $1.51-billion consensus estimate. The carrier normally sees 200 to 250 bps of sequential OR degradation from the third to the fourth quarter. It expects to perform at the better-end of that range this year, implying a fourth-quarter OR of 73.5%, which would be 320 bps better y/y. It said an annual insurance true-up could swing the number 20 bps either way. It also flagged higher healthcare costs and fuel (operating supplies) as potential headwinds. However, demand is holding steady (third-quarter shipments and tonnage slightly outpaced seasonality), and yield is outperforming. The fourth-quarter OR outlook implies a 43% incremental margin versus 50% in the third quarter. Shares of ODFL were down 5.5% at noon on Wednesday compared to the S&P 500, which was up 0.2%. Investors are concerned that an inflationary diesel fuel environment is allowing LTL carriers to over-earn and that results will likely moderate when prices recede. There’s also some concern around industry growth prospects even after a positive inflection in manufacturing data. Why it matters? Old Dominion Freight Line’s third-quarter report serves as a key industry bellwether, signaling that LTL carriers are successfully prioritizing pricing discipline and profitability over volume despite only modest demand trends. More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden: Insurance claims adjustments tank Landstar’s otherwise strong Q3 Werner Enterprises sees cost headwinds lingering into Q1 Knight-Swift again eyes big rate increases as new bid season nears The post Old Dominion’s tonnage turns positive; recovery needs demand inflection appeared first on FreightWaves.

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Transportation

First look: CPKC earnings

Canadian Pacific Kansas City reported a 16% increase in third-quarter core adjusted earnings per share Wednesday, as higher freight volumes and growth in grain and intermodal revenue helped offset rising fuel costs. Revenue rose to C$4.22 billion ($3.01 billion) in the three months ended Sept. 30 from $2.61 billion a year earlier, the Calgary-based company (NYSE: CP) said in earnings released after the close of markets. Core adjusted diluted earnings increased to 91 cents per share from 78 cents, while reported diluted earnings rose 3% to 74 cents from 72 cents. Freight volumes, measured in revenue ton-miles, increased 6%. “CPKC delivered solid results, powered by momentum across our unrivaled North American network, countering macroeconomic headwinds during the quarter,” President and Chief Executive Keith Creel said in the release. “The railroad is running very well, our service remains strong, and we continue to deliver growth across key markets, including grain, intermodal and merchandise.” Grain revenue climbed to $644 million from $500 million in the third quarter of 2025, while intermodal revenue increased to $581 million from $476 million. Revenue from energy, chemicals and plastics rose to $544 million from $499 million, and automotive revenue reached $266 million, up from $244 million. Coal revenue was nearly unchanged at $181 million. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/FW-Responsive-Main_Content-Slot1', [[300, 100], [320, 50], [728, 90], [468, 60]], 'div-gpt-ad-1709668545404-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1709668545404-0'); }); The gains lifted operating income to $1.06 billion from $955 million, although expenses increased faster than revenue. Fuel expense rose to $475 million from $296 million, while compensation and benefits increased to $507 million from $441 million. CPKC’s operating ratio —operating expenses as a percentage of revenue and a key efficiency indicator— worsened to 64.8% from 63.5%. Its core adjusted operating ratio increased to 61.9% from 60.7%. The company said higher fuel prices added 1.7 percentage points to the reported ratio and 1.9 percentage points to the core adjusted figure. Despite higher operating income, net income attributable to controlling shareholders edged down to $653 million from $655 million. Reported earnings per share nevertheless increased as the weighted-average diluted share count fell to 877.6 million from 911.4 million. Income tax expense increased to $319 million from $211 million. The quarter included a $67 million tax charge related to Canadian tax reassessments associated with the Kansas City Southern acquisition in 2023, along with a $12 million expense from a Mexican tax settlement. The company also disclosed $12 million in advisory costs related to its analysis and advocacy concerning the U.S. Surface Transportation Board’s review of the proposed Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP)–Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) merger. Cash generated by operating activities increased to $1.10 billion from $905 million a year earlier. Spending on additions to properties declined to $437 million from $613 million, while cash used to purchase common shares totaled $1.02 billion. Creel said disciplined execution and a “robust commercial pipeline” supported the company’s confidence in meeting its annual commitments. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot3', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0'); }); Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox. Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot4', [[300, 100], [320, 50], [728, 90], [468, 60]], 'div-gpt-ad-1709668086344-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1709668086344-0'); }); Read more: Backlog grows as 35,000 containers await rail service at LA–Long Beach Wabtec earnings rise on higher freight and transit sales Union Pacific posts record third-quarter revenue and profits Norfolk Southern profits rise on higher volume and revenue Commodity markets whip up railfreight gains window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot5', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767778941-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); setInterval(function() { if (!document.hidden) { googletag.pubads().refresh([gptSlot]); } }, 60000); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1665767778941-0'); }); The post First look: CPKC earnings appeared first on FreightWaves.

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