2021 Shipper of Choice profile: Lowe’s

Home improvement company No. 7 among top 25

(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The FreightWaves Shipper of Choice award is presented in partnership with ArcBest and recognizes retailers, distributors and manufacturers that are keeping the U.S. economy moving by improving efficiency along the supply chain, providing accessible facilities and fighting driver detention.

Among the top 25 Shippers of Choice for 2021 is … Lowe’s Companies Inc., which ranked seventh.

“Our philosophy is that true partnership is the only way to succeed. We’re successful when we’re driving value and long-term growth for both our partners and for Lowe’s. We see our carriers as an extension of Lowe’s. When we’re at our best as partners, we’re collaborating and communicating as colleagues with a shared mission so that we can support all of our customers,” Kelvin Dedner, vice president of supply chain transportation at Lowe’s, told FreightWaves.

About Lowe’s

New York Stock Exchange tickerLOW
HeadquartersMooresville, North Carolina
2020 revenue$89.597 billion
2020 net earnings$5.835 billion
Shipper of Choice history2021 (Top 25)

Nomination notes for Lowe’s

The COVID-19 pandemic caused delayed shipments, stress on supply chains and a rapid increase in consumer demand for home improvement supplies. Lowe’s had to adapt accordingly to maintain good carrier relationships and supply chain management.

“The biggest thing the pandemic has done is force all of us to be agile and nimble. It forced us to solve unprecedented challenges on the fly. Nobody anticipated what we’ve all faced in the past 15 months. The shortage of available capacity was an industry challenge.

“We’ve worked more closely than ever to support our carrier partners and suppliers and ensure we have the inventory and capabilities that customers need,” Dedner said.

The company opened four additional e-commerce fulfillment centers, which gave Lowe’s the ability to provide two-day delivery for the majority of U.S. customers, according to Dedner. He said Lowe’s also deployed contactless pickup lockers and curbside pickup options a year ahead of schedule nationwide.

“We’re proud of the carrier partnerships that have enabled us to meet surging customer demand while growing together during the pandemic. The Shipper of Choice recognition is a great honor for Lowe’s and a reflection of the hard work of the associates on our transportation team, many people across our supply chain and our dedicated carrier partners,” Dedner said.

View the Shipper of Choice top 25 winners here.

About Shipper of Choice partner ArcBest

ArcBest focuses on providing customers with the best possible experience with logistics capabilities including ocean and air, LTL, truckload, ground expedite, managed transportation and warehousing. The company creates solutions for even the most complex supply chain challenges.

2021 Shipper of Choice profile: Campbell Soup Company

The 6 characteristics of a Shipper of Choice

FreightWaves LIVE: Blue Triton Brands takes Shipper of Choice Award

Becoming (and staying) a shipper of choice in a volatile market

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
AI

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post • Chicago, IL
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
AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post • Chicago, IL 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

Alyssa Sporrer

Alyssa is a staff writer at FreightWaves, covering sustainability news in the freight and supply chain industry, from low-carbon fuels to social sustainability, emissions & more. She graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Marketing and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about all things environmental and enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, ultimate frisbee, hiking, and soccer.