Donald Werner, whose visionary spirit and unwavering dedication inspired the creation of the American Warehousing and Logistics network. A true pioneer in third-party logistics, Donald began his journey in the 1940s, establishing one of the most successful warehousing companies in North America.
His commitment to excellence and innovation set new benchmarks for the industry. Beyond his remarkable business acumen, Donald was a mentor to countless warehousing operators, sharing his insights and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. He passionately advocated for best practices and sustainability, encouraging others to embrace technology and efficiency.
Donald's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the community he helped build, inspiring future generations of warehousing professionals to reach new heights.
His contributions will forever resonate within the industry he loved so dearly, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
( 1941 – 2023 )
AWLA History:
1850s — The Birth of Commercial Warehousing
Members of the AWLA trace back roots to the beginning of commercial warehousing. The roots of modern warehousing in America can be traced back to the mid-19th century. As trade expanded and railroads spread across the country, companies began offering dedicated storage and distribution services. These early providers laid the groundwork for what would eventually become third-party logistics.
1880s–1900s — The Cold Storage Boom
With the rise of perishable goods and global shipping, refrigerated warehousing emerged. Companies were pioneers in storing temperature-sensitive goods. Warehousing became essential to supporting agriculture, meatpacking, and pharmaceuticals.
1920s–1940s — Industrial Growth & Supply Chain Support
As America industrialized, the need for large-scale, organized storage facilities grew. Warehouses expanded beyond simple storage to support military logistics during World War II, becoming critical infrastructure in the national supply chain.
1950s–1970s — From Storage to Logistics Services
Post-war economic expansion fueled a new phase of warehousing. Businesses began outsourcing not just storage but also inventory handling and distribution. This was the early formation of what we now call third-party logistics, even though the term didn’t yet exist.
1980s–1990s — The Rise of 3PL
As globalization increased, so did supply chain complexity. This era saw the formal rise of third-party logistics providers, offering full-service solutions — warehousing, transportation, fulfillment, and inventory management. Warehousing became a dynamic part of the broader logistics ecosystem.
2000s — Technology Begins to Transform the Warehouse
Barcoding, warehouse management systems (WMS), and real-time tracking technologies revolutionized how goods were stored and moved. Companies began optimizing warehouse layouts and improving visibility from shelf to shipment.
2010s — Automation and Smart Warehousing
Robotics, RFID, and automated picking systems entered the scene. Warehouses grew taller, leaner, and smarter, with many adopting artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve efficiency. E-commerce demand pushed fulfillment speed to the forefront.
2020s — The New Era of Warehousing
Today are members have facilities that are more than storage — they’re tech-driven command centers. From autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to drone inventory scans, the modern warehouse is a hub of innovation. Sustainability, data integration, and flexibility define the next phase of growth.
At AWLA, we honor this legacy — from dusty railroad depots to robotic fulfillment centers — by bringing together the people, tools, and ideas driving the future of American warehousing.
