F3: FreightWaves announces Shipper of Choice winners

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.

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.

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.

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.