Schneider National Celebrates One Year of Dedicated Growth Following Cowan Acquisition
Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR), a leading provider of multimodal transportation, intermodal, and logistics solutions, is commemorating the first anniversary of its acquisition of Cowan Systems, LLC. Over the past year, this strategic move has enabled Schneider to expand its Dedicated operations significantly, combining Cowan’s regional expertise, innovative equipment solutions, and customer-focused approach with Schneider’s national scale and operational capabilities.
Since the acquisition, Schneider has leveraged Cowan’s strengths to enhance capacity, efficiency, and service reliability for shippers across the United States. The partnership exemplifies Schneider’s methodical approach to acquisitions, which focuses not only on growth but also on creating long-term value for customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Driving Growth Through Strategic Acquisition
The Cowan acquisition represents a key step in Schneider’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its Dedicated services segment. Dedicated services — where carriers operate equipment and personnel specifically for individual shippers — remain a critical component of Schneider’s broader transportation and logistics portfolio. By integrating Cowan into its operations, Schneider has enhanced its ability to offer highly specialized, scalable solutions that meet the unique needs of customers across industries.
“The Cowan acquisition was one more step in Schneider’s ongoing strategy to elevate dedicated solutions for shippers,” said Jim Filter, Schneider Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics. “By connecting Cowan’s regional expertise and lightweight equipment to Schneider’s nationwide scale and operational capabilities, we’re transforming what dedicated solutions provide — greater efficiency, flexibility, and value. Our Dedicated growth isn’t just about expanding capacity; it’s about unlocking new opportunities for our drivers and customers alike.”
Year-One Highlights of Schneider’s Dedicated Expansion
Since finalizing the acquisition, Schneider has achieved several key milestones that demonstrate the impact of integrating Cowan’s capabilities:
- Expanded Dedicated Capacity
Schneider’s Dedicated fleet has grown to nearly 8,600 trucks, a substantial increase that allows shippers access to more consistent, reliable capacity. This growth ensures that Schneider can meet rising demand for dedicated solutions, offering customers predictable service levels and enhanced logistical flexibility. The increase in capacity also supports Schneider’s ability to handle seasonal surges, accommodate new business, and optimize routing and delivery schedules. - Lightweight Equipment Advantages
One of Cowan’s distinguishing features is its innovative lightweight equipment, designed to maximize freight movement efficiency. By using lighter trucks and trailers, shippers can transport more freight per trip, reducing overall transportation costs. In addition, the environmentally friendly nature of lightweight equipment contributes to lower emissions, supporting sustainability goals and aligning with the broader industry push toward greener transportation solutions. - Regional Strength at National Scale
Cowan brings a robust regional footprint and deep-rooted customer relationships, particularly in key areas where regional knowledge and responsiveness are critical. By combining Cowan’s regional expertise with Schneider’s nationwide network, the company can now offer a seamless coast-to-coast service experience. Customers benefit from both the local knowledge Cowan brings and Schneider’s extensive operational resources, creating an unmatched service offering. - Technology and Operational Support
Schneider’s 90 years of transportation experience, coupled with advanced technological tools, provides Cowan with enhanced operational support. From data-driven route optimization and predictive maintenance to freight tracking and customer service platforms, the integration of Schneider’s technology accelerates efficiency and service quality. Additionally, Schneider’s broader purchasing power and operational infrastructure help Cowan reduce costs and improve asset utilization, benefiting both customers and drivers. - Cultural Alignment and Smooth Integration
Successful acquisitions rely heavily on cultural alignment, and Schneider and Cowan share core values centered on safety, reliability, and operational excellence. This shared focus has facilitated a seamless integration process, allowing employees and management teams from both organizations to collaborate effectively. As a result, solutions can be delivered faster, processes are streamlined, and customer satisfaction has improved.
Voices from Cowan: Opportunities and Growth
Reflecting on the anniversary, Cowan President Steve Wells emphasized the benefits of joining Schneider’s portfolio. “Joining Schneider has been an exciting transition for us. It’s opened up tremendous opportunities — not just for our associates, who now have access to more resources and career growth, but also for our customers, who benefit from the added strength and efficiencies Schneider brings to our operations. Being part of Schneider’s portfolio enhances our ability to deliver dedicated solutions and positions us for long-term success.”
For Cowan employees, the acquisition has provided expanded career pathways, access to broader training programs, and improved operational tools. For customers, it means enhanced service reliability, more efficient deliveries, and solutions tailored to meet evolving transportation and logistics needs.
Delivering Value to Shippers Nationwide
The integration of Cowan into Schneider’s operations exemplifies how strategic acquisitions can enhance value for customers. Dedicated services require precise coordination between drivers, equipment, and technology to deliver consistent performance. By combining Schneider’s national infrastructure with Cowan’s specialized regional capabilities, shippers now have access to a level of service that is both scalable and responsive to market demands.
Key benefits for shippers include:
- Improved Efficiency: Streamlined operations and lightweight equipment enable more freight movement per trip, reducing costs and improving delivery timelines.
- Flexibility and Reliability: Expanded fleet size and regional expertise allow Schneider to adapt to fluctuations in demand and meet unique customer requirements.
- Enhanced Sustainability: Efficient equipment and optimized operations contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with growing environmental goals in the transportation industry.
- Innovative Solutions: The integration of technology-driven insights and operational excellence allows Schneider to offer data-supported logistics solutions, helping shippers make informed decisions and improve supply chain performance.
As Schneider moves forward, the focus remains on strengthening dedicated services and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. The successful first year of the Cowan acquisition sets the stage for continued collaboration, operational excellence, and innovation. Both companies are committed to working closely with shippers to anticipate industry trends, adapt to changing market demands, and drive continuous improvement.
The acquisition also reflects Schneider’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio of services and brands, ensuring comprehensive solutions for a wide range of transportation and logistics needs. By identifying companies with complementary capabilities and integrating them thoughtfully into its operations, Schneider reinforces its position as a leading provider in the North American transportation market.
The one-year anniversary of Schneider’s acquisition of Cowan Systems highlights the tangible benefits of strategic growth through acquisition. By combining Cowan’s regional expertise, lightweight equipment, and customer relationships with Schneider’s national reach, technological capabilities, and operational strength, the company has achieved significant milestones in Dedicated growth.
“Our integration with Cowan demonstrates the power of collaboration, cultural alignment, and shared vision,” said Jim Filter. “Together, we are delivering solutions that help shippers operate more efficiently, drivers find rewarding opportunities, and customers experience the highest levels of service. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish as we continue to expand our Dedicated operations and redefine excellence in transportation and logistics.”
As Schneider and Cowan continue to work together, the focus remains clear: delivering reliable, efficient, and innovative Dedicated solutions that meet the evolving needs of shippers nationwide. With nearly 8,600 trucks in the Dedicated fleet and a commitment to operational excellence, Schneider is well-positioned for continued growth, providing customers with unmatched service and value in the years ahead.
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