Drivers still stand to benefit from family-driven environment

Technology is no replacement for human connection

(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Transportation industry conferences are packed with presentations about innovation and technological advancement. Leaders in the space gather around lunch tables to discuss their latest digital tools. Buzzwords like “autonomous” and “artificial intelligence” fill conversations. Technology is propelling the industry forward and enabling companies to reach heights they never imagined. 

No amount of technology, however, can take the place of a warm, inviting work atmosphere. While it is important to maximize productivity and run an efficient operation, it remains equally important to ensure drivers and employees feel valued as individual members of a team. 

Horizon Logistics, a family-run company dedicated to moving potatoes and other produce across the states, is focused on perfecting the simple things drivers value most: solid pay, transparency and a sense of belonging.

The legacy company is based on a foundation of experience, excellence and family values.

“We have over 75 years of transportation experience among us,” Horizon Logistics Director of Transportation Matt Jahnke said. “Some of our employees have been over-the-road drivers and some have been dispatchers. Our backgrounds help us create a diverse and expansive culture.”

The Horizon Logistics team knows competitive pay is an important part of recruiting and maintaining quality drivers. It is impossible to get drivers through the door and keep them in their seats if competing companies offer significantly better compensation packages. Once you create a competitive offering, however, drivers start looking to things like culture – not necessarily another pay bump.

“You would think pay would be the number one factor in recruiting drivers, but it is not necessarily all about the pay,” Jahnke said. 

Drivers who are already making enough money to take good care of themselves and their families are often looking for a transparent company to call home and a group of reliable colleagues to call family. 

Horizon Logistics proves its dedication and respect for drivers through a dedication to transparency. Being transparent with drivers means being open and honest about everything ranging from business operations to monthly mileage goals to home time. Drivers should know what is expected of them and what they can expect from the company. 

Jahnke noted that this level of transparency is generally attained through the process of building relationships with drivers. This opens the lines of communication between drivers and other members of the company, allowing them to feel like valued members of the operation. Those relationships are also where the sense of belonging comes into play. 

Horizon Logistics is adding new drivers to its team, and the company is hoping to attract drivers who value these old-fashioned, family-centric values as much as they do. 

In addition to a family-driven workplace, drivers also benefit from year-round load availability thanks to Horizon Logistics’ large array of shippers. The company is based in North Dakota but boasts 10 locations across the country, allowing for great diversity and flexibility throughout the year. 

Click here to learn more about the benefits of driving for Horizon Logistics. 

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Ashley Coker Prince

Ashley is interested in everything that moves, especially trucks and planes. She works with clients to develop sponsored content that tells a story. She worked as reporter and editor at FreightWaves before taking on her current role as Senior Content Marketing Writer. Ashley spends her free time at the dog park with her beagle, Ruth, or scouring the internet for last minute flight deals.