As Carter Express & Carter Logistics aligns its brand more closely with its global parent company, LOGISTEED, questions and curiosity are natural. To provide clarity and transparency, we sat down with Jessica Paugh Warnke, CEO of Carter LOGISTEED, to talk through what this transition really means—for drivers, employees, customers, and partners. In this interview, Jessica addresses what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why this next chapter builds on the strong foundation Carter has established over decades.

‍Setting the Record Straight

‍There’s been some conversation about LOGISTEED in relation to Carter Express. Can you clarify what’s happening?‍

LOGISTEED has owned a majority of Carter Express’ shares since 2009, and has held 100% ownership since 2021, so this relationship isn’t new. What’s new is a brand alignment that more clearly reflects our long-standing relationship with our global parent company.

‍Some people hear“parent company” and assume major changes are coming. What would you say to them?

Our ownership structure is not changing and neither is our leadership, operations or corporate culture. The change is happening at the name and brand level only and will better reflect our global capabilities and ties to LOGISTEED operations around the world.

‍Leadership & Culture

‍How does Carter Express operate within the LOGISTEED organization?‍

Carter LOGISTEED is a wholly owned subsidiary of LOGISTEED, Ltd. We provide the transportation services in North America. We are a part of LOGISTEED International and work with LOGISTEED subsidiaries and divisions all over the globe to provide high-quality, customer-first supply chain solutions to customers all around the world.  

‍Has anything changed about your leadership team or company structure?‍

No. Carter LOGISTEED’s executive leadership team has been the same since 2021. Our executives are a part of LOGISTEED’s International Leadership Team and align with global initiatives and objectives but operate independently. We benefit from global support while keeping day-to-day decisions local.

‍Carter Express hasa strong employee culture. How are you ensuring that culture stays intact?

‍Our culture is rooted in family values, putting drivers and employees first and prioritizing safety. A logo doesn’t change that, and we remain committed to the open, respectful environment our team already knows and experiences.

‍What It Means for Drivers

‍What does this mean for Carter Express drivers?

It’s business as usual. There are no changes to pay, benefits, routes, or hometime—just the same respect and stability drivers expect with an updated name and logo.

‍Why should drivers feel confident about the future?

While our company, leadership and culture is not changing, we are expanding and growing. Changing our brand and creating a stronger alignment with our global parent company will open new doors for the company, which will eventually lead to new customers, routes and opportunities for our drivers and employees. The future is bright at Carter LOGISTEED.

‍What It Means for Customers

‍What does this alignment mean for customers?

Customers will workwith the same teams and receiving the same service—now supported by LOGISTEED’s global resources and with new opportunities to expand our partnership to other parts of the world.

 Does this change Carter Express’s commitment to specialized transportation?

Not at all. If anything, it strengthens it. Our core mission remains being a premier, full-service logistics provider, but this alignment allows us to scale that commitment. While we have historically focused on North America, we can now offer our specialized supply chain expertise to our customers on a global scale. We aren't changing our focus; we are simply expanding our reach by leveraging a worldwide infrastructure to support our customers' needs wherever they operate.

‍Looking Ahead

‍Why is now the right time to make LOGISTEED more visible in the Carter Express story?

This is about clarity and transparency as we look ahead, the new branding allow us to better highlight our position in LOGISTEED’s strong, connected global logistics network.

What excites you most about the future of Carter Express?

I’m excited about what’s ahead. Thanks to continued investment from LOGISTEED and our talented team, we’re growing with purpose and strengthening how we support our drivers, employees and customers.

What does this next chapter mean to you personally?

It makes me proud. This company has been a part of my family for 3 generations, and while it is no longer owned by my family, it is still very much a part of our story and still reflects the family values we’ve had since we were a small family truck dealership. I’ve been lucky to watch this company grow through many chapters and this next one with LOGISTEED feels like a natural evolution, built on the same heart and values we’ve always had.

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