Refrigerated transport is rapidly advancing toward a new era of responsible logistics, characterized by cutting-edge technologies that promote food safety and minimize environmental impact.

A leading temperature-controlled trucking company in the U.S., J.S. Helwig & Son contributes to this mission with its outstanding performance in safety, timely delivery, and pick-up, and consistent communication with clients. It does not broker out any freight and its fleet has 95 percent company drivers. Both of these aspects allow J.S. Helwig & Son to maintain a tight grip on their operations in order to meet or exceed customer service goals, with on time percentages in the 95-99 range. This has earned the company many accolades including Top Carrier Awards from blue chip customers such as Cargill, Tyson, Nestlé Waters, Family Dollar, Geodis, and Lineage.

J.S. Helwig & Son strategically operates across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. and maintains strict discipline on the lanes they operate in order to achieve lane density and familiarity, again, with the goal of driving industry-leading service. Helwig has approximately 400 trucks equipped with advanced Qualcomm satellite tracking and electronic logging device technologies, which aids their commitment to safety and service.

“We assure maximum efficiency with top-of-the-line equipment and offer EDI, load tracking, and electronic documents to streamline customer communication. We are at the perfect intersection of size and scale and direct control over our shipments, and that’s what differentiates us from other leading carriers in the industry. We’re big enough to have scale and stability but small enough that Jamie and I know everything going on in the network with each customer,” says James Helwig, owner and CEO.

“We aren’t trying to be the biggest, we’re trying to be the best – we’d rather do a top-notch job running 400 trucks than be mediocre at running 4,000,” adds Jamie Helwig, president.

Industry-Leading Safety with Advanced Operational Infrastructure

J.S. Helwig & Son’s outstanding commitment to operational execution is unparalleled in the industry and is the driving force behind its exceptional safety record and service reliability. The firm has strategically invested in critical aspects of its operations, improved internal efficiencies, and consistently delivered better value to its blue-chip customer base.

For instance, substantial investments in transportation fleet and information technology give it a competitive advantage over its peers. Trucks are equipped with cutting-edge auxiliary power units, fuel-efficient side skirts, low rolling resistance tires, and industry-leading precedent reefer units from Thermo King, a renowned manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for trucks and trailers.

To systematically handle order management, load planning, dispatch, billing, and other administrative functions, J.S. Helwig & Son uses the industry-leading TMW.Suite transportation management system.

Through Qualcomm and Omnitracs GPS units, all its trucks and drivers are connected to the TMW.Suite, enabling drivers to effectively communicate with the company, update load information, and offer location tracking for clients.

Equally commendable is its fuel and routing optimization program that provides drivers with the most efficient route to their destinations, which helps ensure drivers arrive on time and safely at their destinations.

J.S. Helwig & Son’s unwavering commitment to safety is also demonstrated through its disciplined approach to using trucks that are less than four years old. Deploying a younger fleet minimizes liability insurance due to enhanced safety features in newer models, as well as reducing maintenance and repair costs, and minimizing service interruptions. It also facilitates driver recruitment and retention, and promotes safe operations. Drivers also get an impressive gold “HELWIG” ring after their first accident free year and a diamond added each safe year after that – something that drivers love to display as a well-deserved reward.

In addition, it has an inspection and diagnostic software to evaluate and hold equipment to the highest safety standards, while Qualcomm and e-Log provide fleet managers with increased visibility and improved communication. The operations and safety teams at Helwig constantly monitor the fleet, which assures it maintains high compliance, safety, and accountability scores and passes safety audits.

Further setting J.S. Helwig & Son apart from its competitors is its full-service terminal and maintenance facility in Terrell, Texas. Its strategic location in the fourth largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the U.S. provides unique network advantages that enhance time and mile utilization.

Seamless Delivery with Best-in-Class Drivers

Along with an optimized infrastructure, J.S. Helwig & Son has best-in-class, professional drivers capable of executing seamless and speedy deliveries. It focuses on recruiting seasoned and efficient drivers. Strict hiring criteria allow for a smooth integration of new drivers into the company. Its commitment to maintaining one of the youngest fleets in the industry is appealing for recruitment and retention too. Truckers value driving for companies with newer trucks that offer maximized profitability with lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance and repair needs, and advanced safety features. For example, fewer repair needs mean less downtime and better on-time service. Lastly, while a skilled driver remains the most critical component of any safety program, keeping a newer fleet allows for faster integration of new features such as collision avoidance, lane assist, and other technologies now available.

Accessibility becomes the top driver benefit at J.S. Helwig & Son. Drivers can interact with the top management during weekly safety meetings and beyond. J.S. Helwig & Son’s flat organizational structure and open-door policy contribute to driver turnover rates that are consistently and significantly lower than the industry averages throughout trucking cycles.

As a former driver, James is as comfortable in the driver lounge as the corner office and the drivers appreciate the respect they get from James and Jamie and the tone that sets for all the other employees regarding their interactions with Helwig drivers. James calls each driver before joining and Jamie meets each driver in orientation and calls them on their birthday – simple common courtesies as far as the Helwigs are concerned and important for keeping the family company culture.

“One good thing about COVID was that this country stood up to recognize and respect the truck drivers responsible for keeping the company running. The sad thing is that people have short memories but the fact is that our drivers are doing the same thing today as then and we don’t forget that around here,” says James.

Its terminal amenities also play a key role in driver retention rates. The safe and comfortable terminal environment, equipped with a gym, locker room, and pet-friendly spaces, allows its team to succeed and grow while providing a relaxing and comforting home away from home. Similar to the strategy of controlling freight by not brokering and utilizing company drivers, having one centralized terminal allows for quality control there as well – clean bathrooms, free laundry, and a nice place to watch TV or do some cooking. Further with one location, confirming the amenities are nice and in good working order is something senior management can do with their own two eyes taking the guesswork out of it and ensuring quality standards are met to keep drivers happy.

Sustained Growth with Long-Term Strategic Partnerships

J.S. Helwig & Son’s sustained growth is driven by a robust and diverse customer base within the refrigerated food sector, including major players in grocery stores like The Kroger Company, big box retailers, Nestlé U.S.A., and other large food and beverage producers, and discount merchandise providers. Helwig has multiple customer relationships that are 40 years old since the company’s inception and a very large number of 10-30 year relationships. “When you do your job, you don’t lose your customers,” says James Helwig.

Behind these long-term partnerships and success stories is a talented team that has cultivated a culture of reliability and accountability while upholding the values of integrity and respect. This impressive record has generated opportunistic growth as clients expand their partnerships due to J.S. Helwig & Son’s superior and on-time services.

By consistently delivering exceptional services, prioritizing safety, and nurturing long-term relationships with customers and drivers, J.S. Helwig & Son has solidified its reputation as one of the most dependable and competitive temperature-controlled trucking companies in the U.S.