Werner Named 2025 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider for 9th Straight Year
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN), a leading transportation and logistics company, has once again been recognized by Food Logistics as one of the Top 3PL and Cold Storage Providers for 2025. This marks the ninth consecutive year the company has earned this prestigious industry accolade, a testament to its continued investment in innovation, technology, and customer-centric cold chain solutions.
Each year, Food Logistics publishes its Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list to spotlight logistics companies that are making significant contributions to the global food and beverage supply chain, particularly in the cold chain segment. Companies recognized in this ranking play a vital role in ensuring that perishable goods are transported efficiently, safely, and in compliance with strict temperature controls—while navigating the complex regulatory and operational challenges that characterize the modern logistics landscape.
Consistency in Excellence
“Making this list for the ninth consecutive year speaks volumes about the dedication of our team and the strength of our cold chain capabilities,” said Jordan Strawn, Senior Vice President of Brokerage & Werner PowerLink℠. “From our advanced transportation management systems and innovative temperature-monitoring technology to our modern fleet and trusted professional drivers, our team continues to go above and beyond to support the temperature-sensitive demands of our customers and keep America moving.”
This sustained recognition reflects Werner’s commitment to operational excellence and the company’s ability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the refrigerated logistics industry. In a time when supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, global health crises, and shifting consumer demand continue to place pressure on food and beverage supply chains, Werner’s consistent performance stands out.
Integrated Cold Chain Solutions
At the core of Werner’s refrigerated logistics success is a fully integrated cold chain solution. The company offers a wide range of temperature-controlled transportation and logistics services that span the entirety of the supply chain—from farm and production site to processing facilities, distribution centers, and finally to retail or foodservice destinations.
Werner’s refrigerated services are powered by its advanced Transportation Management Systems (TMS), which provide real-time tracking and route optimization to ensure on-time and on-temperature deliveries. These systems are integrated with temperature monitoring sensors that continuously report data, allowing teams to intervene if any anomaly occurs during transit.
The company’s refrigerated trucking fleet is equipped with modern reefer trailers, designed for multi-temperature loads and enhanced insulation to ensure energy efficiency and cargo integrity. Werner also offers intermodal cold chain options and brokerage services that extend their reach across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Strategic Cold Storage Infrastructure
A key asset in Werner’s cold chain offering is its state-of-the-art cross-dock facility in Laredo, Texas. This strategically located facility plays a critical role in supporting cross-border refrigerated freight, serving as a gateway for North American cold chain logistics. The Laredo terminal streamlines the movement of perishable goods between Mexico and the United States, an increasingly important corridor for agricultural and food imports and exports.
With seamless integration into Werner’s broader network of warehouse and transportation assets, the Laredo facility enhances efficiency and responsiveness for customers moving high-volume refrigerated freight. It is staffed by logistics professionals who are trained in best practices for cold chain handling and compliance with both U.S. and international food safety regulations.
Empowering the Cold Chain Through Technology
Werner continues to invest heavily in the digitization of its cold chain services. The company’s digital freight platform, Werner PowerLink℠, offers customers end-to-end shipment visibility, reporting, and analytics, giving shippers enhanced control over their cold chain operations.
By leveraging emerging technologies such as IoT-connected temperature sensors, GPS-based tracking, and AI-driven predictive analytics, Werner delivers both real-time monitoring and long-term performance optimization. These technologies ensure regulatory compliance with food safety mandates such as FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) while also providing customers with peace of mind that their shipments are handled with precision.
The company’s use of data analytics also allows for better forecasting, load planning, and demand management, reducing waste and inefficiencies in temperature-sensitive logistics. Whether moving dairy, frozen meats, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or other sensitive cargo, Werner’s tech-enabled processes deliver value and reliability.
Adapting to Industry Challenges
The transportation and logistics industry is not without its challenges. Rising fuel costs, labor shortages, increasing environmental regulations, and growing customer expectations are putting pressure on 3PLs and cold storage providers alike. However, Werner has demonstrated its ability to adapt and lead through change.
“Many of today’s 3PL providers are challenged with rising fuel costs, the race toward electrification, driver safety and evolving regulations,” said Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “But thanks to the adoption of emerging technologies, end-to-end visibility and cutting-edge TMS tools, these 3PLs continue to keep on truckin’. Cold storage providers are also adapting—despite inventory slowdowns and audit-ready mandates—by implementing robotics, wearables and multi-temperature solutions to meet the evolving needs of the cold chain market.”
Werner is actively exploring electrification and sustainable practices in its logistics operations. The company has made commitments to sustainability, including reducing its carbon footprint through fleet upgrades, driver training programs, and routing optimization that minimizes empty miles and fuel consumption.
The Human Element: Professional Drivers and Team Members
In addition to its technology and infrastructure, Werner’s success is driven by the people behind the scenes—professional drivers, logistics coordinators, maintenance technicians, and customer service teams who ensure shipments are handled with care and delivered on schedule.
Werner places a strong emphasis on safety and training, ensuring that its drivers are not only technically skilled but also equipped to handle the unique requirements of cold chain freight. The company operates several driver training and development programs, along with continuous safety education to maintain a culture of excellence across its operations.
Moreover, Werner’s brokerage and logistics professionals act as strategic partners for customers, helping them design supply chain strategies that balance cost, efficiency, and compliance. Their consultative approach allows for customized solutions that evolve with the needs of food and beverage clients.
As global supply chains continue to become more complex and customer expectations rise, Werner remains focused on expanding its capabilities to stay ahead of the curve. The company is exploring additional investments in automation, advanced cold storage infrastructure, and sustainable technologies to further enhance its position as a leader in the cold chain logistics space.
With nearly a decade of recognition from Food Logistics as a Top 3PL and Cold Storage Provider, Werner Enterprises continues to demonstrate why it is a trusted partner for some of the world’s leading food and beverage brands.
“Our long-standing commitment to innovation, service quality, and customer success is what sets us apart,” said Strawn. “We’re proud to once again be recognized for our contributions to the refrigerated supply chain and look forward to continuing our leadership in this space.”