Werner PowerLink, Werner’s power-only program, helps carriers overcome industry challenges by providing access to freight, refrigerated capabilities, equipment and support services.
Carriers haul freight using Werner-owned trailers, eliminating the costs and responsibilities associated with purchasing, maintaining and managing trailer equipment. By removing those barriers, PowerLink creates opportunities for carriers seeking stability and efficiency.
“Everybody’s looking for solutions right now,” said Cody Thacker, senior logistics manager at Werner. “This is a small carrier’s opportunity to tap into consistent, contractual freight without having to make a major investment in equipment.”
New Advanced Temperature-Controlled Capabilities
Werner PowerLink is expanding into refrigerated operations, marking an exciting new frontier for our power-only network. Launched nine months ago, this refrigerated division specializes in high-volume commodities.
Examples of the commodities moving through our network include:
- Frozen Foods: High-priority, consistent loads moving items directly to the grocery freezer section.
- Confectionery: Specialized handling for raw ingredients and finished candy products that require a 50-to 60-degree Fahrenheit environment.
- Cross-Border Proteins: Time-sensitive, live-loaded shipments of chicken, beef and pork moving into Mexico.
The Laredo Cross-Dock Advantage
A major part of this temperature-controlled growth is Werner’s cross-dock facility in Laredo, Texas.
Describing the facility’s layout, Laredo Regional Logistics Manager Oscar Alarcon emphasized that the space is for speed. “We have a 17,500-square-foot cross-dock in Laredo with 21 doors, eight of which are refrigerated,” Alarcon said. “The cross-dock is kept at a 36-degree Fahrenheit temperature. It’s not a warehouse, it’s just in-and-out transload from the Mexican trailer to the U.S. trailer, or we can do it southbound.”
Built for freight turnover rather than long-term storage, the cross-dock allows for secure transloading between U.S. and Mexican trailers. This dedicated infrastructure eliminates border bottlenecks and gives carriers a streamlined workflow when hauling refrigerated freight.
A Different Approach to Power-Only Freight
PowerLink focuses on creating a predictable operating environment for carriers. Carriers gain access to contractual freight and a dedicated operations team that plans freight movements similar to how Werner plans its own asset fleet.
“We plan these trucks just like they’re Werner assets,” Thacker said, adding that the program is designed to help carriers stay productive through consistent freight and operational support.
PowerLink offers regional, cross-border and over-the-road opportunities, allowing carriers to find freight that aligns with their operating preferences.
Eliminating Trailer Costs
One of the program’s biggest advantages is the elimination of trailer-related expenses.
Because Werner provides the trailers, carriers avoid the large capital investment required to purchase equipment and the ongoing costs associated with trailer maintenance and repairs.
The program also provides access to an extensive drop-and-hook network, helping reduce delays and increase productivity. A majority of PowerLink freight is preloaded, which allows drivers to spend less time waiting and more time on the road.
Fuel and Maintenance Support
PowerLink offers access to programs designed to help carriers manage operating expenses.
Carriers can participate in Werner’s Miles+ rewards program, which provides access to fuel discounts that are often difficult for smaller fleets to secure independently. The program is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized carriers that may not have the purchasing power of larger fleets.
Werner is also implementing a maintenance support program that helps carriers coordinate repairs and maintenance services through Werner’s network.
If a truck has a roadside issue, such as a blown-out tire, carriers can contact Werner’s support team, which helps arrange service and connects them with service technicians. The program is designed to reduce downtime, simplify repairs and help carriers take advantage of Werner’s scale and network.
Supporting Freight Across North America
PowerLink’s network primarily serves the eastern half of the United States, including major freight corridors from Texas eastward. Main drop-and-hook hubs include Laredo, Texas, Edwardsville, Illinois, Allentown, Pennsylvania and the Chicago and Atlanta markets.
For Carriers Seeking Consistency
By combining consistent freight, drop-and-hook efficiency, trailer access, fuel savings and operational support, PowerLink helps carriers focus on what they do best, which is delivering freight.
To learn more about Werner PowerLink or inquire about opportunities, contact the team at [email protected].
