Werner Enterprises has made a decisive move to strengthen its position in dedicated trucking, announcing the acquisition of FirstFleet for approximately $245 million in cash.
The deal elevates Omaha-based Werner to the fifth-largest dedicated carrier in the United States and significantly expands its higher-margin dedicated operations, delivering immediate earnings-per-share accretion.
FirstFleet will operate as a standalone business unit within Werner’s Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) segment, complementing and scaling Werner’s existing dedicated platform. Including real estate, the total transaction value is approximately $282.8 million, with $37.8 million allocated to 11 properties. The acquisition will be funded through cash on hand and Werner’s revolving credit facility.
Werner plans to retain the majority of FirstFleet’s leadership team and maintain its headquarters in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Founded more than 40 years ago, FirstFleet has built a reputation for disciplined growth and long-standing customer relationships, boasting an average 17-year tenure among its top 10 customers. The company adds substantial scale to Werner’s network, bringing roughly 2,400 tractors, 11,000 trailers and 37 strategically located facilities supporting nearly 130 customer locations nationwide.
FirstFleet’s strengths in durable end markets—including grocery, bakery, and corrugated packaging—further diversify Werner’s customer mix and increase exposure to recession-resistant freight.
“Powered by the talent of our combined associates, this partnership comes at the ideal time,” said Werner Chairman and CEO Derek Leathers. “By pairing FirstFleet’s expertise in complementary verticals with our resources and nearly 5,000 dedicated trucks, we enhance our competitive position and accelerate profitable growth. This is a strong cultural fit built on shared values around safety, service and innovation.”
Strategically, the acquisition deepens Werner’s long-term shift toward dedicated freight. The company expects dedicated revenues to increase by roughly 50%, while also improving network density, asset utilization, purchasing power and overall operating leverage—particularly across the eastern half of the U.S.
As of Sept. 30, 2025, the combined operation includes approximately 7,365 dedicated trucks and nearly 40,000 trailers, positioning Werner with greater scale and flexibility to serve large, complex shipper networks.
“Since 1986, FirstFleet has grown by treating customers and team members like family,” said Paul Wilson, one of FirstFleet’s owners. “Joining Werner allows us to continue that legacy with an industry leader that shares our values.”
With the addition of FirstFleet, Werner emerges more diversified, more resilient and better positioned to capitalize as market conditions improve—doubling down on dedicated freight as a core engine of long-term growth.
