WICHITA, Kan. – Forward Air, the asset-light freight and logistics company headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee, has officially launched its expedited less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation and pickup-and-delivery (PUD) services in Wichita. This strategic move establishes the company's first LTL terminal in Kansas and signals potential shifts in the region's logistics landscape.
Strategic Expansion: Integrating Final Mile and LTL Services
The Wichita expansion represents a key component of Forward Air's nationwide LTL network strategy. The company plans to leverage its existing final-mile operations in the area, integrating them with new LTL transportation services to create a more comprehensive logistics offering.
Tom Schmitt, Chairman, President and CEO of Forward Air, emphasized in a statement that this expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to enhancing efficiency while growing its national footprint. "With our established final-mile presence in Kansas and strong customer demand for LTL services in the region, we're perfectly positioned to bring world-class expedited LTL transportation to Wichita and broader Kansas markets," Schmitt said.
Wichita: Aerospace Hub Drives Logistics Demand
A company spokesperson explained that Wichita was selected for this expansion due to its robust and growing economy, particularly its aerospace industry which employs over 30,000 workers and generates more than $10 billion annually. "Our existing final-mile facility in Wichita provides the ideal infrastructure to introduce our premium expedited LTL service to this market," the spokesperson noted.
Prior to this expansion, Forward Air didn't offer LTL services to Wichita's primary markets. The new terminal connects the city to Forward Air's extensive national network featuring over 100 access points, with three-day coast-to-coast transit times. "We're entering this market as the fastest expedited LTL carrier in the region, offering unmatched delivery speed," the spokesperson added.
Strategic Implications and Market Impact
Forward Air's expansion represents more than simple service growth—it reflects a strategic approach to network optimization. By combining final-mile and LTL operations, the company aims to create a more efficient and flexible logistics system that better serves evolving customer needs while reducing operational costs.
The selection of Wichita highlights Forward Air's focus on specialized industry logistics, particularly aerospace. As America's "Air Capital," Wichita's concentration of aerospace manufacturers creates unique logistics requirements that Forward Air's expedited LTL services are designed to address.
This market entry may stimulate competition and elevate service standards in Kansas' logistics sector while potentially attracting additional providers to the region.
Future Growth: Network Optimization Continues
The Wichita expansion forms part of Forward Air's broader national growth strategy. The company plans to replicate this integrated service model in other markets while continuing to invest in technology and partnerships to enhance its service offerings.
Forward Air differentiates itself through specialized services for industries like aerospace, healthcare and technology, combined with ongoing technological investments including a new Transportation Management System (TMS) to optimize routing and shipment tracking.
The company's asset-light model and strategic partnerships with air, rail and trucking providers enable flexible, cost-effective solutions that support its competitive position in the expedited LTL market.