Wabash and Echo Global Logistics Partner to Expand Drop Trailer Business
- Strategic partnership with Echo Global Logistics, a leading 3PL provider with 8 consecutive years as #1 by Inbound Logistics
- Expansion of Wabash's TaaS platform to new market segments through Echo's established customer base
- Creation of new revenue opportunities through comprehensive trailer solution offering
- Leveraging of Wabash's national dealer network for maintenance and repair services
- None.
Insights
Wabash's TaaS partnership with Echo creates new revenue streams while addressing growing market demand for flexible trailer solutions.
This partnership marks a strategic expansion of Wabash's Trailers as a Service (TaaS) business model by securing Echo Global Logistics as a customer. The deal allows Echo – a top-rated 3PL provider – to grow its drop trailer program without the capital expenditure and operational complexity of fleet ownership.
The arrangement provides three key benefits for both companies:
- For Wabash, it represents a shift toward recurring revenue streams through service-based offerings rather than one-time equipment sales
- For Echo, it enables capacity expansion on demand with bundled maintenance, repair and telematics support
- For shared customers, it creates supply chain efficiencies through drop trailer operations that improve loading/unloading flexibility
This partnership exemplifies the logistics industry's move toward asset-light business models where technology and service integration take precedence over equipment ownership. The TaaS model effectively transforms fixed costs into variable ones for Echo while potentially increasing Wabash's wallet share through ongoing service relationships rather than cyclical trailer purchases.
Drop trailer programs are particularly valuable in addressing detention challenges at shipping/receiving facilities, allowing drivers to drop trailers and continue operations without waiting – a critical efficiency in today's tight capacity environment.
This agreement advances Wabash's strategic transformation from a traditional equipment manufacturer to a solutions provider focused on the entire transportation ecosystem, potentially opening similar partnership opportunities with other logistics providers seeking flexible capacity solutions.
Wabash’s Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠ Helps Echo Unlock New Revenue Opportunities and Better Serve Customers
LAFAYETTE, Ind., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash (NYSE: WNC), a premier provider of diverse solutions that optimize customers’ end-to-end supply chains across transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets, today announced a new partnership with Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (“Echo”), a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services and voted the #1 third-party logistics provider (3PL) by Inbound Logistics' Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards for eight consecutive years. Echo has selected Wabash’s Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠ to grow its drop trailer program and enhance service offerings for shippers and carriers nationwide.
The partnership enables Echo to leverage Wabash’s expertise in trailer solutions to address a growing demand for flexible freight options. By integrating TaaS into its operations, Echo gains access to capacity on demand without the complexity of fleet ownership. This comprehensive solution allows Echo to expand its customized services in drop trailer freight and deliver greater value to its clients.
“Drop trailers are at the heart of creating efficiencies for shippers and carriers, and Wabash’s TaaS solution aligns with our mission to simplify transportation management,” said Jay Gustafson, Executive Vice President of Brokerage Operations at Echo. “This partnership combines Echo’s freight expertise with Wabash’s unmatched trailer solutions. Together, we’re providing a seamless, scalable solution that helps us meet our clients’ evolving needs while driving innovation and growth for our business.”
Wabash’s TaaS offers a scalable solution that bundles trailer capacity with maintenance, repair, and telematics, delivered through Wabash’s extensive national dealer and preferred partner network. This all-in, managed-care model eliminates operational inefficiencies of fleet management and allows Echo to focus on delivering reliable, tech-enabled freight solutions.
“We’re proud to partner with Echo, one of the most tech-forward 3PLs in the industry, to support their growth in the drop trailer space,” said Mike Pettit, Chief Growth Officer at Wabash. “Echo’s decision to integrate TaaS into their operations highlights the strength of our platform and our ability to adapt to the unique needs of leading freight brokers. Together, we’re driving meaningful efficiencies and opening new opportunities for Echo and its shippers and carriers.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Echo, as it builds out its drop trailer program to align with its position as an industry leader. With Wabash’s TaaS platform, Echo can confidently pursue new opportunities and further differentiate its offerings in a competitive market.
Learn more about TaaS at marketplace.onewabash.com/trailers-as-a-service.
Wabash: Changing How the World Reaches You®
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) is a premier provider of diverse solutions that optimize supply chains across transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash combines physical and digital technologies with a connected ecosystem of partners to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions. Wabash designs, manufactures, and services an extensive range of products supporting first-to-final mile operations, including van trailers, flatbed trailers, tank trailers, truck bodies, structural composites and more. By enabling businesses to thrive today and prepare for tomorrow, Wabash is Changing How the World Reaches You®. Learn more at onewabash.com.
About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. Headquartered in Chicago with more than 30 offices across North America, Echo offers freight brokerage and Managed Transportation Solutions for all major modes, including Truckload, Partial Truckload, LTL, Intermodal, Cross-Border, Temperature-Controlled shipping and warehousing, and Warehouse Services. Named one of Newsweek's Most Trusted Companies in America, Echo leverages its advanced, web-based and mobile app technology, analyzing data from its network of more than 50,000 transportation providers to help its 35,000 clients simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management. For more information on Echo Global Logistics, visit: www.echo.com.
Media Contact:
Heidi Murphy
(312) 248-8856
wabashprteam@padillaco.com
Investor Relations:
Ryan Reed
Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
(765) 490-5664
ryan.reed@onewabash.com
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