Werner Sees Dedicated Contract Rates Start to Climb

Werner Enterprises executives have reported that dedicated truckload contract rates are increasing, following earlier gains in spot and one-way contract markets. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chris Wikoff, stated that rate strength is beginning to show up more clearly in dedicated truckload contract renewals, with a gradual increase expected. This trend is significant as Werner’s acquisition of FirstFleet in January 2026 boosted its Q1 truckload revenue by 18% and expanded its fleet and dedicated exposure. The integration of the two operations has gone well, with benefits now more visible. Werner’s Truckload Transportation Services segment revenue increased 18% year over year to $594.3 million in Q1, with the average truckload fleet up 14% year over year at 8,454. The company expects the second quarter of 2026 to be a “stair step” up from Q1, with a 23% to 28% increase on a year-over-year basis. Werner is not the only Top 20 for-hire carrier eyeing dedicated truckload growth, with Schneider executives also expressing growing interest in dedicated truckload acquisitions. The Cass Truckload Linehaul Index rose to 150.8 in May, up 0.4% month on month and 6.9% year on year, indicating a sustained recovery in the truckload market.